Ken and I remember seeing an exceptional museum display from this town a number of years ago, but can’t recall where we were when we did. Chicago, possibly. Until then, I hadn’t heard of this town, but only Pompeii. Now here we are, riding the train past the gates of Pompeii, and further on to the new town of Erculano that’s been built above the remains of this ancient city that was destroyed by Vesuvius in 79 AD. Imagine living in a home where you could peer over the balcony into the excavated ruins all these years later! I couldn’t read all the Italian notations at the site, though Billy did provide us with notes in English and shared a great deal of information with us as we walked through the entire city. It’s an interesting feeling to cling to every bit of remaining art or pottery, even the way the walls were built, as that’s what’s left to tell the story. It was interesting to walk down steep roads to get into the town, a testimonial to the depth at which it was buried, and amazing to realize how much had to be dug out. In one of the deepest, most recently excavated rooms, it was obvious to see a doorway with the remains of mud flow (now rock) pushing through it. How different it must have been back then when, on this day, we had nice, mild weather to walk throughout, surrounded by only a few other tourists. So glad we’d had our morning walks as the grade from the train station to the bottom of Herculaneum was quite steep, and the walk back up was strenuous.
By the time we came in late in the day, we decided to order pizza for dinner. I only mention this as it was so different from the American version! Ken and David went down the street to order it, “pizza by the meter”! Unlike in the states, you ordered one of the combinations that was offered. I would have liked tomato, onion and sausage, and the closest I could get was tomato, artichoke and prosciutto. That was tame by comparison to the capers and anchovies segment and even one with French fries on it! Really?! Traveling is an adventure; even the groceries!
11-13_Catching up a bit, having arrived in Rome this afternoon. We'd been having only minimal Internet connection for days, so thank you for all the notes... I've been writing off-line and will upload some notes to you all shortly. Ciao!
beautiful picture, very interesting composition. Great to hear from you Louise. I was thinking of you this morning, are you still coming to Paris in december? meanwhile, enjoy your stay in the gorgeous Rome!
Ok ja!! it sure is an adventure. Europe more so then Mexico. but I must say for Mexico they have the cleanest grocery store and most friendly sales people. Germany was ok..nothing to brag about. friendly personnel though. so you are allowed to eat a lot of pizza and stuff wouldn't want you to fade away with the strenuous climbs. kep on having fun.
this is a beautiful shot--what an amazing piece of history you got to explore!
your pizza experience reminds me of having pizza in jerusalem--you probably know that they do not mix meat and dairy, which makes for a fairly bland brand of pizza!! (: yours sounds a bit more exciting!!
How amazing to see a city under a city. I have only watched television shows about those kinds of things. I am so excited for you that you are able to experience this trip, and share it with us! Thank you so much!!
How wonderful to be in a place that belows on TV for most of us. I love the way the moss is growing between the flagstones - bet that it gets damp in winter!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for capturing a shot of this place. As you know, I soooo want to visit this site someday and it's fun to see just a "piccoli" piece of it here. :-)
I love streets like this, though I must admit to tripping over my own feet on the best of streets--this adding only insult to injury, lol So picturesque!!
I remember having some Italian friends (visiting from Italy) make pizza and it being sooooo good, the basic thin crust and tomatoes with fresh basil leaves and sliced mozzarella. I love pizza like that, yum!!
great perspective. I like that you took it from a "worm view" (well sort of!) or else we wouldnt have gotten to see the great mossy stone path. i love this.
December 1st, 2010
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your pizza experience reminds me of having pizza in jerusalem--you probably know that they do not mix meat and dairy, which makes for a fairly bland brand of pizza!! (: yours sounds a bit more exciting!!