Vesuvius

I like volcanos. Always dreamt of seeing some real lava flow, a bit weird perhaps, but such destruction can be beautiful. Not sure the folk of Pompeii and Ercolano agree.
The is something about staring at the earth's insides, I can still remember watching the rock go bloep from the rim of Villarica. That was one of the most incredible days.
Vesuvius doesn't evoke the same awe. It's a cone, with a crater, but apart from the telltale sulphur stains and a little smoke, it doesn't seem to be up to much. That said it's worth the visit. Heading up a mountain is always worth it.




What is amazing, is to see the snapshot of the towns, Pompeii and Ercolano, taken a handful of decades after Christ. The baths, taverns, houses, courts, palaces, theaters and even a brothel all frozen in time as trapped by the lava or ash.




Ercolano (with Vesuvius in the background)was buried under the lava flow. Today one can see a wonderfully preserved site with multistory buildings, with charred wood plinths and rafters, some beautiful frescos, and pretty nifty architecture.




Pompeii is a huge site, that was covered in ash. Less 'whole' than Ercolano, but very impressive. There is no doubt that the folk back then lived in pretty organized and decadent times. The decoration of the walls and ceilings is amazing, and the mosaic (much of which can be found in Napoli's archaeological museum) is really wow.








Here's to decadence, lavish living.... And perhaps the lava flow from afar ;)

Location:Pompeii, Italy