Tempio di Venere

Very big one today. We took so many photos we didn't know what to do with them! So sorry for all of these being collages, but even still not all of the photos we wanted to share made the cut.

Anyway... The main event today was a visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. The city was buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in nearly 2000 years ago. The eruption left Pompeii in a state of very good preservation and gives a great insight into life in the Roman Empire at the time - including hollows in the ash where people were buried alive.

The place was completely fascinating to us, and we knew to get the most out of it we needed a guided tour. Even with the guided tour it felt like we were only scratching the surface. The streets with their raised stepping stones, the open spaces with Vesuvius looming on the horizon, the plaster casts of the ancient inhabitants of Pompeii, the bathhouse, the mosaics, and the artwork - the whole place felt like a window into history. It even has its own mini Colosseum and a couple of outside theatres.

We spent a solid three hours wandering around in the 35+ degree heat enjoying the sights of this place. Eventually it was time to return to Naples however, and we were quite hungry by this point.

We headed straight for dinner. Vela booked us into a restaurant where she could sample some local crab. Nathan went for a more traditional gnocchi option. But the surprise highlight was the tiramisu. After we ordered the dessert and the waiter brought out a small serving table, we knew something was up. They proceeded to make the tiramisu in front of us, dipping the biscuits into the espresso before coating it with Mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa. What a great way to finish off our day!Read more