For those of you who have been, you will recognise some of this story, for those that haven’t yet ticked this off your bucket list – get ready to ‘Rock’
A little history – Pompeii is an ancient Italian city buried by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD and excavations to expose its remains began in late 1800’s
Arriving in Pompeii at 9am (a 30 minute train ride from our town) on a chilly morning after yesterday’s storm. 10 minutes of walking the gauntlet of tour operators trying to sell us deals to the archeological site.
This monument in the town square is for our American friends, the Pompeii memorial to 9/11
In the gates at 9.15!
We then had a march across the other side of the park for Russ to get an audio guide (already put off the tours which were groups of around 30!)
As there was no underground drainage in this city, the cobbled streets served as water run offs – the crossings were elevated boulders in the street!
Thirsty work – Russ seeing if the water fountain is still working
Jill and I left Russ to exit, at gate two, in search of his audio guide. At which time Sue stepped on a paving stone (covering a very deep hole) which wasn’t secure and sent her flat on her face! Rather embarrassing but luckily on grass!
We then wandered through the gladiators theatre
And the stadium above it
A semi circle amphitheatre for comedy and pantomimes!
We continued up the hill (this place is huge) and through some Palatian homes
Some of the original artwork still remains in the house ruins ( the more wealthy the more blue!)
We found ourselves in the Forum – the large square where people gathered to meet and do business
With the remains of a man horse statue (head missing)
And the basilica (church) off to the side.
The remains of the entrance pillars in the foreground
Still no sign of Russ! A quick phone call determined he was sorted and armed with his audio box ( which actually turned out to be a lemon) and we met up again. It was easier to surreptitiously listen to the English guides spiel when needed!
Lunch break (packed sandwiches)
The Roman’s invented LEGO over 2000 years ago – proof in these unearthed remains!
The rear end of this enormous statue on the hill top – marking the temple of Venus.
The inside of a house and remains of utensils!
Writing that has survived the centuries! Above a place of business
Artwork on walls inside one of the preserved homes – still in great condition on the plaster walls.
Miles and miles of unearthed remains of Roman homes, businesses, fountain rooms, churches and plazas.
We finally ended up in the colluseum arena where the gladiators performed!
Footsore, backsore and rocked out it was time to make our merry way home, after five hours of Pompeii adventures, a couple of hundred stairs downhill and home to a lovely sunny evening.
All who wander are not Lost girls 