Ciao di Pompei

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Yesterday we took a train to Southern Italy to see the ancient city Pompei, which was buried by volcanic ash 2,000 years ago. I guess the phrase "getting there is half the fun" would have to apply to our long adventure yesterday. BUT, we made it and now have a real good understanding of train and metro stations! Pompei was unique because it was preserved by the ash and so looks very similar to how it was way back when the Romans wondered around during the Roman empire. We were glad Mount Vesuvius did not errupt while we were there since apparently it is the only active volcano in Europe and errupts every 30 years, with the last time being in 1940. By our calculations that would put the next erruption date a little overdue. 😊
Today we went to Vatican City but were unable to see the Pope. Apparently he was tired today. Or maybe he just comes out on Wednesdays. We went to the Vatican museum which I (SJ) almost didnt get into due to wearing a tank top. Luckily a nice lady in front of us gave me a shaul thingy to cover up with!! It was pretty funny... didnt know there was such a strict dress code, but considering the nun to non-nun ratio was pretty high I should have figured. Inside we saw the Sisten Chapel where we snuck a video and some pictures. It was pretty risky since the guy yelling "silencio" and "no photos" was pretty intense.
The food here continues to be delicious! Yesterday we had supper at a "restaurant" which was actually someones house with a few tables outside. The food was great though! We have been able to stick to our Italian diet of "a gelati a day"... which today turned into 2! It is so good and in this heat tastes even better. Gelati looks like frosting and tastes so devine. We are off for a nice Italian dinner!!!

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Photos

Our new house?
Here we are peeking out of a typical Roman dwelling in Pompei

Our first fight....
as gladiators in the arena in Pompei!

Gelati
Looks like frosting, cold like ice cream, tastes like heaven!

St. Peters Basilica
A great big church which is the center of the Vatican City and us attempting to take a creative shot!

Comments

[jess cat]

blanco y gatto
Hey Beckstroms!! Sure looks like you guys are having fun on your love trip. I'm a little confused though. You talk about Italy in your posting, but all these pictures (I believe) were taken in Bangor. And, then you mentioned something about four-wheeling. Are you guys really dividing your time between Hatfield and Bangor? :) Can't wait to see you guys ... oh ... by the way, I looked at your wedding pix for the first time last night. I got excited for your wedding all over again!!!! You guys are so sweeeeet together. :):):) miss you! jcat, ddogg, blanco y gatto

[Mark Dobson]

Wowe, Wow, Wow!
What a great blog! My wife, along with my brother and sisterinlaw are talking a tour of Southern Italy in November. Naples, Amalfi, Sorrento, Positino, Pompeii, Capri. The blog notes, pictures etc. are OUTSTANDING ! I am walking around starving reading about the fabuilas food an wine that awaits us! Look forward to more entries! Mark

[Eva]

Viva Italia!
Hahah, yes they have a dress code, it is a church. I hope you enjoyed The Vatican it is an amazing place and there is simly too much in the museum to see in one day. I'll never forget the feeling in the Sistine Chapel, I couldn't breathe it was too amazing, divine, ...breathtaking!

[Lia,Kiara & the others]

Wow weee wow wow!!!
You've been to cool places. We are so jealous of you. It looks like you're having a wonderful time. Good luck to whatever is waiting around the corner for you. Miss you a lot! Adios - we're having a great time in summer school. Como estas?

[Jenny]

You Are Killing Me!!!!
OK...I have been following your trip from the very beginning and all I have to say is HOLY COW AM I JEALOUS!!! I am also so happy for you two that you are able to go on such an awesome trip together. Have lots of fun and keep the pictures coming. They are so fun to look at!

[Joe & Tori]

A bit late
Hey, Joe and Tori here taking a break from our busy country fest activities. So far it has been lots of fun (ran into Jordan and Sarah) the best part was getting GYROS. As always it looks like you guys are having a total blast and I must say, I'm a bit intrigued by this Gelati stuff you speak of.

[Erik]

I'm screamin'
for that ice cream. Why don't you guys move to Mpls, and we'll ditch our teaching jobs and open a gelatto shop. We should be able to eat quite a bit before going broke...

[anonymous]

all I have to say is nice tevas with the skirt!! Gues whoo????