Hiya! I have now finished my masters and am struggling to find a job! So I might be on here quite al...
Hiya! I have now finished my masters and am struggling to find a job! So I might be on here quite alot while I am unemployed!!!
Member since:10.02.2005
Reviews:15
Members who trust:19
For me, to visit Pompeii was a dream i have had since i was a tiny child. Now, being an archaeology student, it has even more of an appeal to me. I had many ideas of what the area was going to be like- and when i arrived i wasn't dissapointed. Our group visited Pompeii, Herculaneum, walked to the crater of Mt Vesuvius, spent evenings in Sorrento and went to many other interesting historical and geographical places.
To me personally Herculaneum was far more breathtaking and interesting than Pompeii (although both were still amazing and worth a visit). From an archaeologists point of view the site of Herculaneum was much harder to uncover than Pompeii due to the two sites being covered by Mt Vesuvius' eruption in AD79 in two different ways- Pompeii was covered by falling ash and debris, whereas Herculaneum was covered by mud flow which sped down the mountainside. Because of this fact i find it to be of much more interest. But Pompeii is much better preserved- i was amazed at the 'modern' appearance of some of the building work.
I would recommend getting a guide to show you around both sites because they can make sure you see everything and tell you the history of the people who lived and died there.
The walk up to the crater of Vesuvius is hardwork. I would only recommend it if you are fairly fit. Take water, wear appropriate shoes (the girls i saw attempting it in slingback platforms were having trouble) and dont be embarrased to stop for a rest if you need to. If you think you can do it, its worth it- the views are amazing, even from only half way up.
I only spent a couple of evenings in Sorrento, but i liked it alot. Just keep a tight hold of your bag. Handbags are the worst idea here. People go past on scooters and cut the strap with a knife ( i am not trying to scare you, just to warn you so you can be prepared.) I never saw any trouble, or spoke to anyone who had either, but the risk is still there.
Down the smaller side streets there are a few 'English' pubs which had atmosphere and sold cheap versions of popular drinks found in Britain (e.g Meroff Ice- a lemon vodka drink) but they do have most of the beer brands (Carling etc). There are many fantastic ice cream shops (what else can you expect in Italy). And of course the pasta shops are a must- where else can you by Genitalia pasta, but this area (you have to see it to believe it.) We got some for our teachers as a thank-you gift.
Of course there are many other places to visit in the area. Our group made a trip to another volcano in the area which is active.(Im afraid i can't remember the name.) Here a guide takes you around (some areas are too thin or hot to walk on so a guide is essential). You can see the steam shooting through small vents in the ground, boiling mud pools and feel the hollowness below you as you walk.
Dotted around the area are many remains of temples and amphitheatres which are definately worth stopping at and having a quick look.
Pictures of Naples & Pompei (Italy)
The front of the amphitheatre in Pompeii
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Advantages: very absorbing and extensive ruins at a very affordable price Disadvantages: how about distributing a more helpful and detailed map at the entrance?
Marechal_Grouchy 16.01.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Naples & Pompei (Italy)
Feb 25th, 2005
(Mar 5th, 2005)
very helpful by (100%):
