Pompeii & Earthquake!!

It took an entire day, but we could not go to Southern Italy and not visit Pompeii. The Usborne Home Office had arranged a day trip for those interested so it was an easy and affordable way to venture out of Rome itself. It was a great way to spend my birthday!

Pompeii was AMAZING. The frescoes, tiles, and structures were so amazingly well preserved. It did not take any imagination to visualize the ancient city. (Which was built on a block plan similar to Utah cities.)

Jer said we also got a better understanding of "fire and brimstone." As our tour guide (whose father and grandfather and helped with the excavations... most is still unexecavated by the way) told showed us the many brothels and explained their lifestyle many people commented, "No wonder God destroyed them."

Still it was sad to think about the loss of life in such a terrifying way. The casts or people and animals struggling to breath or find shelter from the gases (which killed them... not the ash and lava) are heartbreaking.

We bought a book about Pompeii while there and the last thing I read that night was about how before Mount Vesuvius Erupted there was a big earthquake that destroyed part of Pompeii. That was all I could think about at 3:30 am when we were wakened by our own earthquake. We couldn't believe we left Utah where the "big one" could come at anytime, travelled 1/2 way around the world and ended up in major earthquake. Obviously we made it home unscathed and it added to the adventure.

One of several casts of the residents (and pets) of Pompeii in the positions they died in. Also pottery, fountains, and other artifacts they archeologists have unearthed.
Poor doggy!

Fresco on the wall in near perfect condition. Rainwater fell through that hole in the ceiling where it was collected in the main part of the house.

Mosaic entryway.

Mosaic and marble tiled floor.

This is where the rainwater was collected. Every house had one.

Our tour guide, Mossimo, showing us one of the many fast food places in Pompeii. Fast food is obviously not only a modern convenience since Pompeii was destroyed almost 2000 years ago.

Some ancient lady's kitchen.

Jer took this picture of me heading off to one of many potty breaks. The reason he took the picture is because he thought it was fascinating that they built the restrooms in a room of an ancient ruin.

The origional 2000 year old+ streets. Those large stones in road are stepping stones because Pompeii flooded everytime it rained. Also, it is pretty cool, you can still see chariot tracks in the streets. Chariot Tracks! Now that is something I never thought I would see.