A weekend trip is certainly in order before Vesuvius decided to blow. (Alright, perhaps in the next millennia sometime). First stop Herculaneum, then onto Pompeii!
So off we trotted to the station.
Instant dilemmas.
1. In Italy, there are about 5 different types of train. Google Maps only lists the expensive fast one. Not the one we wanted.
2. Customer support has a ticket system...and as few hundred people patiently waiting. NO CHANCE!
We made it to Napels with no drama, but then the difficulties started! First up, we spent 20 euros on a ticket to a train. Ryan checked with a conductor JUST as we were getting on. It turns out that one was a fast strain that would have taken us way way past our destination, meaning we would need another train back.
We couldn't fathom this, and eventually found an underground private train company. who would have thought it? It cost something like 1.50 euros each to get to Herculaneum from Napels, so not bad!
Its ruins are located in the commune of Ercolano, so that is where we headed!
I was genuinely surprised how 'run down' the town seemed. And with no indication of a tourist attraction anywhere at all. We walked from the station in the mild hope of a sign until we were upon the gates! which was eerily quiet.
Perhaps March is quiet time, or perhaps just less tourists?
So that I don't fill a page with photos of ruins - here's a slider if you are interested!
And of course I will make you see all the ones of us :)
Impressions? Ok it was 'nice' and some interesting features. But after a while, all walls look similar, unless there is something especially 'special' about them to me.
It really hit us at the end. The final leg of the journey, where you see the docks, where people ran to the sea to escape and die en mass.
Then it becomes all to real and I felt silly for laughing around with Ryan.
Ryan enjoyed it far more than me, but he does love history :)
So back through eerie town, and onward to our Airbnb in Pompeii.
We of course got lost.
Imagine the trains getting worse! lots of little stops, yet NO announcements, NO conductors or people really, and NO signs on the stations. How you are supposed to know where you are is beyond me. We took it in our stride and got off at the last one (luckily only 15 mins away from our stay, despite being wrong) so we got a lift from our very kind host.
Above:
1 Such a pretty view just beyond the station in Callamara. I made Ryan cross a road maze for this so enjoy the photo!
2.Our kind host picked up up. Whats more, booked a meal for us and taxi'ed us there and back too! Super kind lady.
3.We were just outside of the main part of Pompeii, resulting in gorgeous views in a lovely apartment.
The next day we left we many goodbye's and heartfelt thanks, and Cecile took us to Pompeii with
strict instructions for the trains back.
We were immediately hit with the main forum:
Much more my impressive cup of tea!
I found it totally fascinating. we got the audio guide and listened to probable nearly all of it. I won;t put up hundreds of photos of ruins - so here are my favourite parts.
The bath house was really cool, especially the marble inscriptions:
Gorgeous altars.
Fast food! They put large amounts of soups and stews in those bowls to serve.
Plenty of theaters and a stadium!
Graffiti! Use for political gain for elections- Reminds me of a big red bus recently?
I love how they bring the outdoors indoors :)
And of course the painted walls with all of their hidden meanings.
A fascinating weekend!
:D
Much Love
xxx