Pompeii -- why won't you let me in?

25 February

We spent today, our first day in southern Italy in Pompeii. It was amazing to see and a constant reminder of just how dangerous natural disasters can be. Seen above is Aaron looking out to Mt. Vesuvius. It caused it all, but it is really big and really awe-inspiring. Also, thanks to Chris for the day pack. We have been using it all the time and it is super great. Good thinking this Christmas.

Pompeii is incredibly well preserved. I thought Ostia outside Roma was well preserved, until I saw this. There will be more on Ostia to come, as it was amazing in its own right. The scene below is a painting on a wall in some rich dude's house. You know he was rich because 1) his house was big, and 2) he had a bench outside his door where people sat to wait to talk to him. You're rich when there is more than one person outside your door wanting to talk to you. This info was thanks to my personal tour guide and thanks to all his ancient Roman history courses. On a slightly different note, but related, it is funny to think that everything was painted in really garrish colors in ancient Roma, it is not the pristine white that is often thought of or depicted in movies. Also, a lot of Pompeii is blocked off. This was not the case in a few of the other places we visited, where we could go everywhere. We just wanted to explore every nook and cranny. We are losers and like looking at everything. I just wanted to see it all. Let me in! Enough complaining, it was huge and we saw a lot of amazing things..

Below is in the forum looking at the Capitololeum, or the capitol building of Pompeii. Vesuvius is in the background. We spent 6 hours here today. This is right around 5pm when they were kicking us out, and the sun was setting.

Same forum, different view. Clearly, a beautiful day in an amazing place. Did I mention that I only wore a t-shirt and a cardigan today! I had to keep reminding myself it was February.

If you get the chance, go to Pompeii. You will be amazed.