Pompei and Naples

Above, me in the ancient roman baths in the excavated ruins of Pompei.

One of the many reasons I wanted to come to Italy was to visit Pompei. Pompei is the city that got completely smothered by Mt Vesuvius (along with others) in AD 79. A scholar known as Pliny the Younger wrote in great detail about it. Because it was covered in meters of ash and stone, it is remarkably well preserved and many of the building are more preserved than any other in that time period. Excavation is still on going.

A fascinating read on the Pompei eruption from the words of Pliny the Younger, in english, is at:

http://www.volcanolive.com/pliny.html

I made a little video while there (cause thats just what Terrys do):

http://www.mosteal.com/video/pompei.wmv

I also went to see Naples. My travel book says it is still ruled by the Mafia. I've never seen a dirter, more seedy metropolis. Garbage was everywhere and I was going to take pics for your amusement, but I thought better of it--not the place to advertise your a tourist. I walked for about an hour from the train station. At which time it started to get dark and me lost. Not a good combination there. I made in back in one piece though and caught a train back to Rome. I might go out tonight--I have to try and find a date for the Roman Opera. In Italy, on HAS to got the Italian Opera. I've been shutdown twice now. Once by the american girls mentioned in vatican post (they already had train tickets to Florence), and once by a tall and dark brazilian biology scientist staying at the same hostel as I. I was doing shots with her last night. She said no though cause she has a boyfriend back home. I guess shots are one thing, and the opera quite another.

So tomorrow, I go see the David statue, and then head to Florence or Venice. I haven't decided. I may just skip both and go skiing in the Italian Alps. That sounds much more fun than museums at the moment. Ill let you know all about it later.