Verily Vesuvius

Our main reason for visiting Naples was to visit Mt Vesuvius and Pompei. We made a day trip of it, catching the train to a little town at the bottom of the slopes of the volcano where we engaged to travel up in a shuttle bus. The ride up the mountain was the most exciting part of this venture - picture narrow winding uphill roads, one lane wide, with blind hairpin bends and buses continuously travelling up and down (Robyn is sure they had a code for going around these corners - one beep of the horn for vehicles going up, two for down). We were deposited a 15 minute walk below the crater, and joined the ascending trail. Being as unfit as we are (and we are constantly reminded of it) we paused at frequent intervals to admire the view. It was unfortunately hazy, but one could still make out the sprawling city below.

We found the crater didn't excite us as much as could be hoped - we have decided that living in New Zealand makes on blasé about such things. It was nice, you know, but not that thrilling. There was only a neat cone shaped hole, and a small amount of steam. Back down again, to catch the shuttle bus back to the train station.

Arriving in the modern town of Pompei, we crossed the road to enter the old city. They provide excellent written guides in English or other languages, and it is most efficiently run. We chose to start along the eastern edge, and skirted past some tour groups to have some space to look on our own. Despite knowing it was a city, we were still amazed at just how large the place is and just how cool it is that it's all preserved. Particular highlights included the House of the Geometric Mosaics, the amphitheatres, a traditional walled garden of herbs (where we sampled aromatically infused violet and rose wines), and the Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus (an ancient fast food joint!) as well as seeing some of the plaster casts of victims of the eruption - they are preserved in such detail! We found that it was a tiring place to visit, however, as walking takes effort (you have to watch where you are going on the uneven streets) and there is so much to see, and all spread out. It was also a lot to take in during one day.

Dusty and hungry, we returned to Naples to sample some of 'the best pizza in Napoli' made by Gino Sorbellini (descendant of the inventor of calzone). Only €3 for a huge pizza that draped off the sides of one's plate. Definitely a satisfying experience.