Pompei and Mount Vesuvius

We woke up early today and headed out to spend the day at Pompeii. Everything was so magnificient and untouched it was like it wasn't even real. We didn't do a tour so I could take pictures and we could walk around at our own pace. We saw alot of the main sites, but quite a few were closed so there were some key spots that we didn't see. I know we haven't been to Rome yet, but the architecture and the capabilities of these people are just incredible. It's insane to think that they were so advanced at that time. here's a few of my favorite shots...

After Pompeii we were on the fence about what to do so we decided to take a drive to Mount Vesuvius. Well a drive turned into an escapade and we brought Posh along as our driver. We drove up the volcano going probably 40mph tops and as slow as 10mph. There were points where I could have gotten out and ran along side the car! We had crazy drivers passing us, buses driving at us and a heat gauge that we were closely monitoring so the car didn't overheat. We kept downshifting to get more power then we'd quick pop it back into drive and gain some headway. When we got to the top to park, we made sure to face the car going downhill in case she wouldn't start back up, this way we could just throw her in neutral and ride down the mountain! We walked/hiked the rest of the volcano (Random side-note: this is the 2nd volcano I have hiked). The trail just kept going up and up...thank god we both work out! This hike definitely wasn't for the out of shape, however we did see some people doing it in flipflops and sandals with heels; not a recommendation! We reached one of the highest points of the volcano that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and stopped at the little store that was there with souveniers and WINE! We got a small plastic cup of red wine and sat at the top overlooking everything. I took a family photo for some Italian family (a photo they will surely cherish forever and ever) and then we called it a day. We hiked all the way back down to meet up with Posh to take her for her first volcano downhill competition. She placed 2nd right behind a Volkeswagon Toureg.

looking out over the towns:

Inside the volcano:

Wine break on the volcano...don't mind if we do!

We came back home, met up with Taylor and another Coastie named Ian that's staying with them for a few days, then we headed over to dinner at friends of Brenda and Taylor's named Brian and Lois (also Coasties). Lois made us an amazing dinner for us and the six of us sat around and talked about traveling, the Coast Guard and...wait for it...QVC. They had these amazing little desserts that put about 5lbs right on each of my thighs (SO GOOD!)! I think Lois might come out to downtown Naples with Brenda and me in a few days, it'll be great to see her again. She and Brian have literally traveled the world with the Coast Guard, and hearing stories about them and their kids, and seeing all they've collected along their way was really cool.

Ok, so I'm out...2 blogs in one night was alot, I needed to play some catch-up. Tomorrow is Capri and possibly Sorrento depending on how the day goes...stay tuned!