Day 39 10-10-2013 Thu Sorrento

Today was the big one – Pompeii. It needs to be said this is a very large site. Walking in the Roman streets was fun at first, especially the huge stepping stones that also acted traffic signals – one stone = one-way, two stones = two-way, three stones = major street. Some of the houses are still in (or were restored to) a good condition.

At the end of our visit we dragged ourselves to the Villa dei Misteri which had a dining room with a fresco hailing and introducing the mysteries of Dionysus, with ten scenes of the initiation of women into marriage with this deity. We managed to drag our way back from one end to the other, taking 35 minutes.  Gratias ago tibi, Romane!

Having trouble cutting down on the number of photos - apologies to those who find it repetitive.

Bricks and Walls

Forum

Frescoes, Mosaics, etc.

Cave Canem, at the entrance to a house

In a brothel

In a brothel

Houses

Misc

Fast food outlet

Necropolis

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Above a tomb

Heaven above - exiting the Necropolis

Pillars

Streets

On the way home we had to sit next to young man who was behaving strangely, dozing off all the time and letting his limbs intrude into our space. I had to give him a nudge whereupon he pulled himself together again. Then he began searching for something – at first in his jacket then on the seat and floor. He inspected his pockets meticulously. Just before getting off he had another look around on the floor. After he left a white tablet rolled into our field of view on the floor. Poor guy.

Back in Sorrento we sought out the Foreigners Club because the Tourist Info is located there and because they have one of the best terraces for relaxing with a drink while contemplating Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples – just delightful. As we did yesterday on our way home, we strolled through the streets and alleys of Sorrento, packed with shops of all sorts. On both occasions we entered several small churches and were delighted at how nicely decorated and intimate they were.