Our train trip from Rome to Naples on the regional train was only 10.50 euros each and took around two hours. The faster train which only takes one hour costs 45 euros each. Then the train from Naples to Pompeii was only 2 euros each – so all in all 12.50 euros per person from Rome to Pompeii – really good value.

We had booked ourselves into the Forum Hotel which is really handy as it’s only about 100 metres from the entry to the Pompeii site, and if you are ever visiting it’s a hotel we would happily recommend.

We spent the whole of today walking around Pompeii and were amazed at, not only the scale of the site, but also how much of it remains intact and some of it with so such detail still remaining.

The way the city managed it’s whole plumbing system was quite remarkable, and from the following photo you can see through the exposed part of the wall, one of the water pipes.

Also up on one of the walls, there was an ornamental Amphora (?) which was adorning the front of a house that still survives to this day whilst the one next to it has been broken off at some time, we both thought this was quite incredible.

Then we came across one of the most amazing things; window shutters that have “turned to stone” and are still in situ….

The bodies that were uncovered during the excavation, and are part of the tourist bit we both found to be a bit macarbe – but they do form part of the “Pompeii experience”.

It was really hot again today and you might think I’m pulling your leg, but there is a Cafeteria in the middle of the site – all modern and noisy like a works canteen. However there is a much better option than going here for refreshments/food and that is to go to Villa dei Misterie and just outside there is a delightful family run restaurant all shaded and cool – really good atmoshpere and food.

Finally here is Mount Vesuvius which caused this tragedy on 24th August 79AD, and lets hope it sleeps forever.