Pompeii and The Amalfi Coast, Italy

On May 25th we went on the final tour of this trip, and it was once again an incredible day. We docked at the city of Sorrento with a great view from our balcony. 

We started the tour by visiting a cameo shop. This part of Italy is known for the artistic cameos crafted by artists out of seashells. We saw a brief demonstration of how it is done.

Some of the tools used in the carving 

Next, we were led downstairs to the display room and bathrooms. One thing we learned quickly about Europe is that public restrooms are not readily available, and there is usually a fee. So, when you find a free one, use it.

Many different types of cameos were for sale at hefty prices. They are truly works of art.

Our next stop was the UNESCO World Heritage site at Pompeii. 

This city was completely buried by volcanic ash and rock when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. It is estimated that there were 20,000 people living there at the time in a flourishing, wealthy Roman city. They had no idea they were close to a dangerous volcano!

Seventeen years earlier there had been a major earthquake that destroyed many buildings, and about half of the population left at that time.

Excavation started in the 1600s, but was sporadic with lots of looting taking place. Serious work began in the 18th century and continues today. Funding is always an issue.

We entered through one of the remaining gates of the city. Pedestrian entry on the left, carts and carriages on the right.

The Forum was a huge area where people gathered for shopping,  socializing and public meetings. 

Along the back wall are stalls where shops would have been 

At one end of the Forum was Jupiter's Palace. He was the Roman sky god in charge of all life. The equivalent of Zeus in Greek mythology. 

Mount Vesuvius is in the background in the picture below, about seven miles away. It is still an active volcano, and considered one of the most dangerous in the world.

It last erupted in 1944, killing 26 people and displacing 12,000. Experts agree that it is overdue for a massive eruption. Glad it was quiet for our visit! 

Over 1,200 bodies have been found at the site. It appears most of them died of asphyxiation from the toxic gases. 😔  Many residents were able to flee to the sea.

The bodies were encapsulated by hardened ash. Archeologists were able to make casts by pouring plaster inside as the bodies had decomposed. About 86 bodies have been preserved in this way. Three of them were on display. The people were quite small.

You can see on the wall how the plaster has been removed or eroded

Notice the frescoes on the walls. Some have been found in very good condition. The ash preserved them very well. 

During the time before the eruption, the rock and brick walls all over would have been covered in plaster and painted. Many of the frescoes, statues and marble were looted years ago.

The following pictures is what it looked like as we walked along.

Pretty poppies were growing throughout the site

The main road

The white building in the back was built over the site, not knowing what was buried below and covers the center of the city.

Dozens of these fast food stalls have been uncovered. They put large terra cotta pots in the holes with a fire underneath to keep food warm.

There were many water fountains throughout the city for safe drinking water. Each fountain was decorated differently for reference points as the streets didn't have names.

The god Mercury on this one

This may look like a pizza oven, but its just a bakery oven. The Romans didn't have pizza because tomatoes didn't grow there. Tomatoes came later from the new world.

Next to the oven are mill stones for grinding flour. Animals or slaves would push attached wooden poles to turn the top stone.

One part of town was for lodging foreigners who came to the port for trading. Not too comfortable looking, and a very short bed platform. There was evidence of prostitution carved onto one of the walls. No picture, too graphic.

They had no sewer system, so raw sewage would run down the streets. The large stepping stones in the road were for people to get across. The gaps between the stones were wide enough for carriages to get through. 

The wealthy section of town had multi room houses with two stories. More frescoes and courtyards with fountains. The entry foyer had an open skylight for catching rain in a cistern below.

Original lead pipes were found as well as an aquaduct system which proved they had running water. Luckily, the water was heavy with limestone minerals which coated the inside of the pipes, so they probably did not suffer lead poisoning. 

The hill in the background of this picture is an area that still needs to be excavated. It gives you perspective of how deep the city was buried, about 25 feet.

There have been two theaters uncovered. This one has been restored, and is being used for concerts and shows. A few years ago Madonna rented it for her birthday party at 250,000 euros.

This is a door in the gladiator housing area next to the Forum area. The doors are only a little over 5 feet tall. 

Excavation continues as you can see the scaffolding in the background. The flowers were so pretty.

Pompeii was such an interesting and amazing place. After our morning exploration, we had a yummy lunch at an Italian restaurant, and then headed back to the port for a boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, which is another UNESCO World Heritage site.

Another amazingly beautiful part of the world. I don't know how these people manage to build their homes and live on these cliffs, but what a view!! Properties sell for millions!

City of Amalfi

Click on any picture to enlarge it so you can see some of the houses perched on the cliffs.

We got off the boat to explore the city of Amalfi along with thousands of other tourists. It was jam packed!

This area produces the liquor Limoncello.

Arches are the cemetery. Medieval watchtower on top.

Lemons used to make Limoncello

Santa Rosa pastry, rich and tasty 

Cathedral in main square 

Fountain in main square 

One more view of our ship, Voyager of the Seas. 

And our farewell towel design. 

This was another fabulous day, one of many! 

Mykonos, Greece

On May 23rd we visited the island of Mykonos. I believe this was the smallest island we went to, but it was a lovely place to visit. 

All of the buildings are painted white. Even the grout between the stone streets is white, making everything look very clean. 

We went on a walking tour of the biggest city, also called Mykonos. The streets were very narrow, and a complete maze. 

This is one of the main churches on the island. There are 400 total churches, but many are only open once a year on the name day of the saint they're named for. Four are open every Sunday. 

Our next stop, was the site of the original palace. Prior to the 1700s all the residents of the city lived within the walls of the palace to protect them against pirate attacks.

Later five churches were build on top of or next to each other at the palace. 

Mykonos has strong winds almost every day. We were lucky to visit on a beautiful day with gentle breezes. Because of the winds, there were many windmills constructed beginning in the 17th century.

There are 16 remaining. Seven of those stand on a hill above the city, and are an iconic symbol of the island. They were used to grind wheat which was brought by ships from neighboring islands. 

Our guides grandfather owned the middle windmill in the picture below. They were used up until the 1960s. When they were in use, fabric was stretched over the poles to capture the wind.

The water in the sea was so clear and beautiful!!

I can say I touched the Mediterranean Sea!

There are three ancient wells in the center of town that are from 1722, and were used until 1956.

We passed a couple of restaurants with these hookahs on the table. Our guide informed us they are for tobacco only. You don't see that every day!

Beautiful flowers everywhere!!

I found Zorba the Greek 😆 

Jackie Kennedy came to Mykonos with Onassis in the late 1960s. She did an interview in Vanity Fair upon her return to the US. That interview rocketed tourism to the island, and it has been going strong ever since. 

Mykonos is known for its nightlife with many bars and restaurants, which makes it popular with young people. I heard its the most expensive Grrek island. 

We stopped at a bakery that has been in business since 1420. Lots of baklava choices. I had a piece which was delicious, but so rich!

After our tour we relaxed at an outdoor cafe for some beverages. I figured I should try the Greek national drink, Ouzo. It was strong and tasted and smelled like black licorice. I won't be having it again!

And, our evening swan.