Living in another world

Melanie was not impressed with the driving and parking  

This is how they Park in Sorento. Even walking around you take your life in your hands. 

We were walking around the old city of Syracusea. The streets were all narrow and wind-y.

There was no room for cars, which of course didn’t stop the cars from driving on the narrow roads. I’ve flattened myself against the wall and did Hail Marys as they passed. Anyway, we managed to get lost. Our guide said if you get lost just find the port and you’ll see the ship but we couldn’t find the port. We have AirTags we put in our luggage. David had the brilliant idea of going on his phone and saying find my luggage. We followed that back to the ship. Hooray for David.

What were the best shore excursions you ask? Without a doubt, the Acropolis in Athens and Pompeii. A special shout out to Caroline & Bill who told us we should make sure we go to Pompei. Thanks it was amazing. It was really affected me to see how devastating this was. I remember doing a third grade report on Pompeii but didn’t realize the devastation until I saw the plaster casts of how the people died, covering their eyes, trying not to breathe in the gases. 

There was no warning that Vesuvius was about to blow.  More on that later. 

By the way, both the Acropolis and Pompeii were the most difficult tours and at times I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it back to the bus. But who’s complaining? The issue is the uneven cobblestones in all of these places.

Another issue I had with mobility was walking in and out of the churches on the stairs with no railings. 

Anyway, I made it. Below is how far I had a walk in Pompeii. I expect a few of you to write back to me poor baby.

So those in Pompeii had running water although they used to lead pipes. Kate, do you have anything to say about that? 

Two ways you know you’re not in the US.

   The amount of smoking all over. 

   The number of dogs in places where you never see dogs in the US. We saw them in restaurants and even  in the synagogue.