Thursday, July 7, 2011

R&R: Pompeii, Sorrento and Naples

We got lucky to get a very good driver, who took us to Pompeii, Sorrento and then finally Naples. He was very knowledgeable and informed us of all sorts of interesting facts about the sites.

Pompeii is a place I always wanted to visit. Unfortunately, I did not get to explore as much as I would like to have, but felt content about our visit nonetheless.

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Gladiatorial training ground surrounded by columns.

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This was a fast food joint. You can see the serving counter with inset food warmers.

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Can you spot the “arrow” pointing you to the brothels?

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The main square.

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I thought it interesting to see a brick column (covered in sculpted plaster). Marble wasn’t cheap.

After the tour through the ruins, we took a break in a little tourist market and snacked on pizza and frozen lemonade. We took some time to rest in the shade before our driver showed up to take us to Sorrento.

I never heard of Sorrento until this day, but apparently it is a very hot tourist spot for celebrities and the affluent. I can see why, there are numerous resorts and an amazing coastline.

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That’s a lemon! Lemons grown here are extremely large, and all sorts of clever products are made from them.

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After lunch and a stroll around Sorrento we headed to the small town of Positano located on the other side of the mountain from Sorrento. The main town is built in a valley, but has expanded up into the hills making it a very unique and beautiful town.

We stopped to take in the view, and then explored the town center before loading up for an hour drive to Naples.

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We didn’t spend much time in Naples, but made a quick visit to the downtown area. There was a protest on financial reform about to commence, and police were everywhere. By this time, evening was quickly approaching and we were all ready for the creature comforts of our ship.

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