Pompeii (Day 2)

This morning it rained, it thundered, it rained even heavier, Mount Vesuvias dipped in and out of the cloud, and the other three vans all left, So it's just us here tonight. Mid morning, the weather began to settle, and we put on our lightweight, waterproof jackets and backpacks, and set off, looking like a pair of geography teachers, on a school trip.

By the time we reached the ruins of old Pompeii, the weather had settled. We were suprised how quiet the area was, but by lunchtime, the coaches began arriving, with passengers from the cruise ships, and suddenly, we were flung into the world of tour guides and loud Americans.

We entered the site by the large amphitheatre, then viewed the nearby grapevines, whose grapes produce 1,700 bottles of wine a year, which you are unable to purchase, as the bottles are sold at auction.

The ruins were absolutely fantastic, and the realisation of what had happened here, was both unbelievable and fascinating. We could see the site was an ongoing project, with works going on all around.

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We wanted to see as much as possible, and the photo opportunities were endless, although made difficult because of the crowds of people. Stone columns, mosaic floors, wall paintings, brickwork, statues, the houses, the shops, shop signage, the streets themselves, where you could see the grooves of the cart wheels created over time, so much to take in, and then there was the brothel, tiny rooms with stone beds, very comfortable!

We heard one of the tour guides describe the image of a phallus carved in one of the large stones, that made up the road, as a pointer to the brothel for men, who'd lost their way, it seemed most of the customers were sailors from nearby boats.

After walking around the ruins for, four and a half hours, we seemed to have barely scratched the surface. With weary legs, we set off on the 30 minute walk back to Marge. Luckily, the man who owns the campsite spotted us,and stopped to offer us a lift, which we gratefully accepted.

This evening, Vesuvias looks dark and daunting, but quiet. It's unbelievable to think that its eruption all those years ago eradicated the lives of 20,000 men,women and children. Tomorrow, we will leave here, and hopefully escape the heavy rain that has plagued us the last two mornings.

On a lighter note, prosecco drinkers, it's 3.29 euros a bottle in the supermarket here, with an extra 10 percent discount if you buy six bottles.