We have two stops in Naples on this cruise. For this first one we are taking a tour to Pompeii. This is our fifth shore day in a row. We are happy that today is just a half day for us. We leave the ship at 8:15 and should return by 12:15. We have a nice casual afternoon on the ship. 🤪

We arrive at the Pompeii site and have all kinds of trinkets and souveniers to choose from. Way more amenities than I remember from 15 years ago. I guess that shouldn’t surprise me.

Adam is seriously considering this purchase, hmmm

We begin our tour with our guide and our headsets. There are many, many tours happening in many, many different languages. These headsets are very common on all of our tours. The guide does not have to shout so that we can hear. Without them it would be impossible to hear and understand, especially with all of the other tours going on at the same time. Here are some of the first ruins we encounter. The long lines of people moving through them.

This is the small theatre, The Odeon, also called theatrum tectum. It sat 1500 spectators. There was a much larger theatre that could accommodate 5000 people. It was primarily used for staging drama. The Odeon was intended for council meetings and some entertainment.

Crossing the street. These stones would seem to be the first crosswalks. The white painted ones we see today most likely took their inspiration from these ancient ones in Pompeii. These stones kept the residents feet dry and out of the rainwater, slops and animal waste that would have filled the streets of Pompeii. Just imagine the aroma!! 🤪🤣

You can see the ruts worn into the road by the wheels of four wheeled wagons. Remains of such wagons have been found.

These photos are of the Fullery of Stephanus. This was designed basically as an industrial laundry. The first image is a large tub that was used by slaves to wash clothing.

Throughout Pompeii we have seen penises in many places some subtle others not so subtle. We are told that they point the way to brothels.

This modern sign is the Latin word for Brothel.

This is the menu of the establishment. Rooms with beds made of stone are available.

We come to the Snack/Wine Bar and decide that this is a perfect place for a Travelling Fish deposit. We have a moment with few people, so we take the opportunity. These holes once contained ceramic jars filled with food. I am certain that wine was available a well.

We see cats everywhere, here is no different.

They have estimate that 2000 people lost their lives when Vesuvius violently erupted in 79 AD. Most likely died from inhaling toxic volcanic gases. Their bodies quickly covered with ash and other volcanic material. Here is an example of one such person. You can see that they are covering their nose and mouth.

This is Vesuvius. The volcano that caused all of this destruction. It looks pretty innocent today. It is however, regarded as an active volcano. It produces little more than sulfur-rich steam from vents at the bottom. and walls of the crater.

It is now time for us to head back for a relaxing afternoon. We have a special dinner tonight. We made reservations before we left home for the Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant. It is as much a show as it is a dinner. Lots of fun and lots of food! ❣️😍

This is our chef with his little chicken buddy. He did an amazing job juggling, chopping and cooking our dinner! He also told us lots of bad dad jokes.

Dinner done it is time to chill out on the deck and watch the sunset.

A very great day 😁