Italy 2019 - Rome Day 2
After another early start (5:30AM - FML), we headed from our hotel through the centre of Rome to board our coach trip! Our first stop along the way was Cassino for a (very strong!) americano, plus a croissant.
Afterwards, we ventured up windy (and very narrow - especially for such a big coach!) roads up to Mount Vesuvius, taking in the beautiful and classic Italian scenery, including the city of Naples. Apparently, countries in Europe drive on the right-hand side of the road because of Napoleon. People used to drive on the left before that, so they had their right hand spare to fight off any attackers. But Napoleon was left-handed, so he changed it all.
We climbed to the top of Vesuvius (in 95 degrees Fahrenheit heat!), which offered spectacular views. We learned from our guide that Mount Vesuvius is the most dangerous volcano in the world, and the only active one in mainland Europe. At the top of the volcano, we enjoyed Oreos and Ryan tried limoncello! We also brought back a souvenir: a piece of Vesuvius!
Then we headed to Pompei (with one i = the city). For lunch, we devoured a traditional marinara pizza of bread, tomato sauce, garlic oil, and herbs. These originate from the food that the sailors’ wives used to make for them while they were out at sea. We even saw the pizza being made and got a photo with the pizzaiolos! These pizzas have been awarded world heritage status by UNESCO, and they tasted so fresh and doughy!
We then visited Pompeii (with two i’s = the archaeological site). We saw the old baths, the Lupanar (the brothel, which was signposted with phallic symbols), a 2000 year old pizza oven, the Great Theatre of Pompeii, and a body cast, among other things.
After that we were back on the coach, with another stop off at Cassino where we indulged in various tasters of sundried tomatoes, oils and spreads, sugared almonds, doughnuts, and orange juice!
We finally got back to our hotel room at around 9:00PM, where we had some snacks before falling asleep in an exhausted heap!
- Total Steps: 19342
- Total Distance: 14.39km
- Related Posts: Italy 2019