Pompei, Vesuvius and Naples
Trip Start
Dec 01, 2007
1
10
12
Trip End
??? 03, 2008
Pompei, Italy
Sunday, January 13, 2008
When we first arrived in Pompei it was lovely, very warm and sunny but after the first couple of days it has just rained which makes living in a caravan very difficult! The sun came out yesterday so we did loads of washing (by hand as the washing machine was not working - they came to fix it just after we'd done all our washing) but as soon as we hung it all out it started pouring with rain again so now we have lots of wet washing hanging in the awning! Everything is muddy including the children and it doesn't seem set to improve so we are off to Greece where hopefully it will be better!
Stepping into Southern Italy has been like coming in to a different country. Its so different to the North. There seem to be lots of political problems here at the moment. One of the most obvious signs is the rubbish piling up everywhere. There is a strike going on and they haven't had any rubbish collections for about 3 weeks so there is just mounds of rubbish everywhere. They have had to call in the National Guard to come and start shifting it.
We've been planning all week to visit Naples but had been put of slightly by the stories we were hearing about 'civil unrest'. We didn't want to move on without going there so today we thought we'd brave it. Fortunately we didn't get involved in any unrest but we didn't stay long. It's the kind of place where you feel like you don't want to breathe in too deeply! There was so much rubbish everywhere and lots of abandoned shoes, clothes and bags that had been snatched and then dumped. When it started pouring with rain we decided to get back on the train to Pompei.
Also this week we have been trying to get to the summit of Mount Vesuvius. You can drive up to a carpark and then have to get a ticket to go on past there. Unfortunately the ticket office is on strike so its not possible to go on. We've been waiting to see each day if it will re-open but that doesn't seem hopeful now. We've driven up there a couple of times to have a look and there are some really glorious views of the bay of Naples. Today it was snowing up there so we couldn't see anything!
We have really enjoyed Pompei itself though. It's quite fascinating wandering around the excavations and so educational for the kids. We spent a whole day wandering about the town and even the kids didn't tire of it. Even though it's all ruins you can really get a feel for what a vibrant atmosphere the town must have had right up to the point it was destroyed.
There are lots of Japanese tourists about who love seeing the girls and so they keep getting photographed! Daisy really enjoys it especially when they give her chocolate in exchange for a photo! One lady came up to say hello and gave Daisy a little chocolate and as she turned to leave Daisy ran after her saying 'hey wheres my photo, you haven't taken my photo!'
Our campsite is quite nice, or would be if it would stop raining. The girls still manage to get out on their bikes whenever there is a dry spell. We have some nice English neighbours, funnily enough one of them is a nurse called Jenny and even more coincidentally they had also come across the Australians we met in Venice! Its a small world! Its nice having them near by. We've swapped books so now have some new reading material.
Anyway this is going to be the last entry from Italy as we are going directly to Greece now. Not sure what sort of internet connection we'll be able to get there so may be off-line for a while. Keep the e-mails and messages coming though - we love hearing from everyone.
Bye for now
Comments
Lazy!!
It's great to sit on the sofa and look at the photos without the hassle of actually travelling! The weather is pretty aweful here too. The girls got through 6 pairs of trousers between them of Friday mainly due to muddy puddles. It's back on the treadmill as school and activities have restarted. Hope you have a great time in Greece. Don't tread on the sea urchins.
Year 3 are doing the Romans so Millie will be the star pupil next year.
Love to you all, Susie.
Sorry!
Hi Jeni and clan.
Sorry to hear that the weather is awful - hopefully it'll pick up in Greece.
Pretty murky and rainy here but fairly mild.
Look forward to your next update!
Rick xxx
Dragged into 21st century!
Hello. Yes, it's me - the Luddite who is finally getting to grips with the laptop. I hope you appreciate that it is only so that I can follow your exciting adventures and on no account is my boss to be told or he'll make me surender the electric typewriter!
Glad to read that you are all having a good time - apart from being a bit damp now! Looking forward to hearing about your adventures in Greece.
Bye for now. love, Jo and Bambi
Hope you dry out soon!
Such a same that it's raining there! Italy is wonderful, but perhaps not in the rain! Sounds like you enjoyed Pompeii - did you go to Herculanium as well? Anyway, hope it's much brighter in Greece!
Thanks for sending me the link to your blog! I used Travelpod when I was in India (hence my username!) so it's nice to be on the receiving end of someone's blog! I'm super-jealous of your travels! Enjoy yourselves.
Sarah xx