Our tour
guide was Sandra. First we rode about 20 minutes to a cameo factory. They told
us how the cameos are made and the types of shells traditionally used. Next we
drove to Mt Vesuvius. On the approach there were clouds at the top of the cone
so we were not sure if we would have a view. Our bus snaked up the very narrow,
very twisty road. The views up were excellent.
Once off
the bus Sandra gave us 1 1/2 hours to get up and back. The hike to the crater
was an ascent of another 200 meters. It was not a hard climb since the path was
fairly soft and an even incline. We topped at about 4,000 feet.
The air
was cool with a breeze so it was refreshing. The clouds were definitely coming
in, so we got a few family photos and made our way back down.
On the
way down our bus driver exercised patience as on coming cars tried to zip past
on turns. They had to back up as the bus took up the entire road to get around
the corners. We think he cursed in italian a few times. Those hairpin turns and
windy roads are not meant for big tour buses.
Next we
got on the highway and drove to Pompeii. It was chaotic getting lunch before
the tour and the area was not set up for big groups to order all at once.
Despite it, we had a good Margherita pizza made in a brick oven. Yesterday our
guide Daniel told us that pizza was first created in Naples for Queen
Margherita so it seemed a fitting lunch choice.
Our
guide Sandra took us inside for a 2-hour tour of Pompeii. Our map showed
several zones and we saw a handful. The section with the artifacts, replicas of
the people and dog, intact mosaics and some wall art. We liked the cobble
streets with ruts from the carriages.
Sandra
said one needs a day and a half at least to see it all.
Our ride
back went smoothly. Tonight was our second formal night with dinner in dining
room. We were all tired so we went to bed after. Tomorrow we are all looking
forward to our day at sea and less walking!
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