Amalfi Coast 3 - Pompeii

 Day 5

Pompeii. The first hurdle is the challenge of train tickets which goes surprisingly well. Tickets at Pompeii are confusing. As we get off the train we are encouraged by young shouting Italian men to turn directly left to buy tickets from an agent. Most of the train do as instructed and follow like sheep disappearing into a staircase, but we are not complying as much research has been done. Having said that, research was confusing and there are options at the official ticket office so we go for a middling price. I really have no idea what difference it actually makes. TC buys an audio guide which is basically a mobile phone with an app. This proves too much of a technical challenge and is soon abandoned. 

I was not expecting an area so large and the excavations are astounding. In 4 hours we see maybe only a sixth of the city. The streets are intact and much detail remains. This kitchen top is quite something.. 

 

Vesuvius erupted in AD79 and the smoke and gases were fatal for the population of Pompeii. The lava that flowed afterwards, then covered the casualties. After years of decomposition the cavities were filled with plaster and numerous plaster casts have been produced. It shows how quickly people must have died. 

A theatre and a large amphitheatre that seated 20,000 and provided gladiators for entertainment. We also see an area where the gladiators were trained.

 

If you are interested in history then a guide would be preferable. We relied on Google and ChatGPT for information. I would also recommend visiting when it is cooler. The sun beating down on the stone pavements becomes quite wearing. My umbrella, brought in case of thunder storms has come in very handy.

We struggle to find the exit and gift shop. The latter remains elusive but later I discover we missed it. Asking Italian officials for help and directions is not generally a happy experience as they are usually grumpy. I suppose dealing with ignorant tourists in stifling heat is tiresome, but I tend to think they should be grateful for our presence.