I See Dead People

July 10 Naples and Pompeii 

We landed this morning in Naples, one of the busiest ports in Italy. We knew at breakfast we were back in Italy because we could see churches every other block--I counted 14 out the diningroom window, without turning my head. The parts of town we drove through on the way to Pompeii were kind of grungy and our guide apologised, saying the city officials were have a difference of opinion about the disposal of the city's trash.

Pompeii was worth the whole trip! We only had 2 hours there which wasn't enough to see very much, but it was so hot that 2 hours in the sun were about all that we could stand. We felt like we were in the heart of the volcano. I think we got lucky since the site was not completely overrun by tourists so we had room to take pictures. Our guide was very knowledgible not only about the history, but about where every speck of shade was going to appear. The guide on the other bus was named Fabio.

Plaster cast made from one of the people killed by gases and covered with ash.

Another body cast of someone surprised by the eruption.

The gelatto at Pompeii was really good, too. The chocolate, lemon and hazelnut flavors were all at a 5 rating and the banana and the caramel were 4 1/2 stars.

We had lunch halfway up Mt Vesuvius at a family vinyard and olive orchard--the Cantina Vesusvio. They opened it to guests and serve their own wines. With the antipasto they served a white, and then a rose. With the spagetti pomodoro they served 2 different reds. .Then with the dessert of cake--I think a ricotta flavored with rose water they served a very potent apricot grappa, which was enough to clear your sinuses and cure chapped lips. It was so pleasant sitten und their pergola, enjoying the food and the company. The water was cold and tasted like deep well water. I must say that the people we met here and in Crete have been so hospitable.

Supper tonight was very good. Jan decided the double brownie sandwich surpassed all the other desserts. Tonight we have to have our bags packd and ready to picked up the government drug dogs can spend the night sniffing our dirty socks. Jan has to leave with the 7 a.m. group making the run to the airport. Mary and I get to hand around the ship for another hour before heading back to Rome.

DJA