Arrived at Pompeii and first thing is the sheer size of the site. Over 40 acres so far excavated! Hard to believe the whole lot was under 30 foot of ash/dirt for 1800 years.
Old Greek temple
Our tour guide Lucia was brilliant and as total tourists we had earplug in to hear her explanations. Simply awesome as we wound our way through parts of the site. Impossible to see in one day but I am sure that we saw the highlights.
Bordello painting (try it!)
Through the brothels and the baths just taking it all in with the throngs of others.
Fi with temple of Pluto and Versuvious
Some of it is in wonderful condition like the baths which due to their construction were relatively intact.
Alabaster dish in baths
After 5 hours of trapsing around we boarded the coach to a restaurant for lunch before heading up the impressive Versuvious. Again narrow roadss to the top where we were dropped off and those able could walk the last bit to the crater. Dusty and steep it was a real uphill hike for about 30 minutes to see the crater. Views over Naples and the sea were amazing.
Versuvious crater
At 1350 metres with the last 400 on foot took a few minutes to get breath.. Much easier down with that part taking about 50 minutes all up.
Back aboard coach for the trip home. Well after we left the motorway it was only 20 km to Amalfi. Peak hour however meant it took an hour and a half with buses backing up on corners, cars and scooters defying road rules, and stops to sort out the traffic!
At one point our driver got out off coach, directed traffic to back up and/or pass so buses could back up. He even pulled out one tourist from his car and drove it around himself!
Tight without the bus coming other way!
That behind us we tipped the driver and if you think your job is stressful do not take up bus driving on Amalfi coast!
A few wines were needed after that then dinner before exhausted we retired.
Today is lay day to get sun and swims.
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