Europe Day 15: Pompeii

Bittersweet Farewells
Our start today was finally at a normal time, but it was bittersweet relief as we said our additional goodbyes to those who were leaving the tour. We promised to all keep in touch with Facebook and exchange pictures as soon as we were all home. Many of them were still continuing their travels on their own though so don’t be too sad for them!

Long road to Pompeii
It took a fairly long time to get to Pompeii. I don’t think I was expecting that one. However, there were nice views of Mount Vesuvius along the way – so that was nice.

What is this thing called M.....?
Apparently – Pompeii is “run” by two separate "Mafia" families and all the tour groups that run through there have to book with one or the other family. Hence – upon arrival, we were informed that we HAD to eat and shop within the restaurant and tourist area dedicated to our group, as well as go into the site with the tour guide provided to us. It basically didn’t matter all that much, except that a superbly crap-tacular lunch cost us twice as much as a good one – so H-Rabbit and I only bought one meal and shared it so we didn’t spend any more than we would have at a decent place. You think at those prices the food would at least be decent, but apparently learning to cook isn’t high on the “families’” priorities.

Despite the melodrama
Regardless of the crazy mafia ties, our trip to Pompeii was indeed exciting. While our supplied tour guide seemed to be bored with his job, and talked in an indifferent monotone voice, he did lead us on an awesome walk through the ruins of the city. The area is absolutely massive, with only about 25% of it currently uncovered. The rest is still lying deep beneath the overgrown earth. From the parts that have been uncovered, it was amazing to see the innovations of such an old society fairly intact.


Death casts
The highlight, for quite a few people on tour, was the plaster casts of the citizens that had been trapped amongst the falling ashes of the volcano. Basically – their bodies had been trapped in the debris, and cavities formed where their bodies had disintegrated. When researchers came across these “cavities” – before breaking through them – they filled them with plaster and could display in pretty good detail the position and actions of the being that had been trapped. One on display was that of a mother and child, another of a dog, and another of a man praying.

Off again
Our tour wasn’t as long as some of us would have liked – and it would be neat to get to go back and spend a much longer time in Pompeii for sure. After gathering again after our super-expensive Mafia lunch, we then continued on our way to Brindisi and the Italian coast to catch our 9:30pm ferry to Greece!

So much driving!!
This is definitely the LONGEST driving day ever so far (however I am told our drive to Athens is going to be ten times worse). It’s just that we’ve spent so much time on the bus today; I can’t quite take it anymore.

We’ve finally made it to Brindisi!
Well – we made it to the coast. It was sad, but we had to say goodbye to Joop our driver, as we weren’t going to be having a particular bus to ourselves anymore for the rest of the trip. Gnomie said goodbye to Joop too and we have picture proof!

Big ferry
Our ferry trip to Greece was going to be a long one, and we had a fairly big ship to board. As we were making our way up the escalator on the boat to the cabin levels, it broke down, and I had to lug up my 60lb bag on my own – so not recommended after a long day on a bus and when your arms feel like jellyfish.

Tight squeeze cabin
While H-Rabbit and I got our own cabin, with four beds, everything was still a pretty tight squeeze. It was so tight – that the entire bathroom was contained within the shower stall! However – it really isn’t that bad – I feel worse for the people we saw out in the lounges who didn’t have a room at all, but just as much luggage as we did. Val & Theo (a couple on the trip from Sydney) got an unwelcome surprise in their room. Two people had broken in and had tried to convince them that they were supposed to share (re: the four beds)! Val got it sorted out damn quick and those people got kicked out ASAP!

Ish Time
After settling in, we joined a bunch of the group and Leona on the top deck where there was a little disco area, and we also took a small tour of the rest of the boat where we found multiple bars, a cafeteria, and a casino. Leona also more aptly explained the concept of Ish Time and how it was definitely in play here. Our ferry didn’t leave until almost an hour later (10:30pm) than it was supposed to.

Full Moon on the Water
We stayed up quite awhile and chatted, put away a few nightcaps, and enjoyed the company of our tour mates. Over the water, a dazzling white midnight moon rose from the horizon line and the view was mesmerizing.

Lo and behold the seasickness
When the ship finally took sale – I realized that I probably was being affected by the seasickness I had felt the last time I was on a big boat like the ferry. It’s funny – I can take a catamaran, a rowboat and anything midsize that flops around like a crazy bobble-head – but the slight motion of the bigger ships always seems to make me crazy. In the end, I took some Gravol and fell fast asleep.