Pompeii
The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the most incredibly preserved sights in the world.
Pompeii was buried under millions of tons of volcanic ash - with 2,000 Pompeiians dead, and as many as 16,000 people overall including the neighbouring town of Herculaneum. Archaeologists have now excavated large parts of the city, including houses, streets, shops, statues and especially priceless art and frescoes due to the wealthy families living there.
But the biggest draw for tourists, by far, is the well preserved former inhabitants - that are actually plaster casting of the skeletons and void space left in the ash. The bodies are frozen in time, often in poses found hiding from the ash raining down on the city Probably the most famous cast of all, is a small dog lying on his back.
(New casts are not being made because the plaster damages the fragile remains)
Jim’s Useful Italian Phrases
My collection of some useful phrases to help with restaurants and getting around - using a bit of Italian.
ITALY
Useful Web Links
A collection of interesting website links that will give insight to many Italian locations
Save Time and Frustration by Being Prepared
Since there are millions of visitors a year, there are often enormous waiting times. (The entrance to the brothel always has a line-up, as it is the most visited building on the site!) You can at least avoid the waiting times at the ticket entrance, if you buy tickets online.
Do NOT Eat in the Italian Piazzas
Actually, I find this could be true with most travel.
We tend to travel a little more on the budget-conscious side, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy the live music or atmosphere of a piazza, without paying ridiculously inflated prices for food and drinks in a main square.
And regardless of cost, the QUALITY of the food at the tourist attractions is unforgivable.!!! Always beware the host standing in front attracting diners and the large tourist menus with photos.!!! Once, we made the mistake of saying "lets just grab something here" and never again, it was the worst meal, and expensive.
NOTE: In Italy, I understand it is law that the "turista" menus MUST have an asterisk on any meal that is previously frozen... Yes, these tourist traps are notorious for serving shameful frozen and reheated meals.!!!
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