Pizza & Pompeii (8th - 14th Oct 07)

We based ourselves in the town of Sorrento which across the Bay of Naples. We had a great camp spot amidst olive trees and views across the water of Mt Vesuvius and Naples. From here we could explore the sites of Pompeii, and do day trips into Naples for Pizza.

The view from our campsite


In Naples we met up with Nats friend Zara for a few days. Naples is famous for chaos, crime, fantastic museums, but most importantly - the birthplace of Pizza. So we definately could not miss it. The classic Margherita (Mozzerela & Tomat) or the Marinara (Oregano & Tomato) were served on a thicker base than the Rome equivalents - delicious. In Naples there are strict guidelines to Pizza making, with the Mozzerela for example, being only of the Buffalo variety.

We spent a full day in Pompeii - the Roman town that was buried under metres of ash when Mt Vesuvis erupted in AD79. This preserved every element of the society which was fantastic to observed the dynamics of an ancient civilisation so similar to the modern day. Areas that we found particularly interested were the Bakeries (with ovens like the modern day pizza oven), the Mansions of the wealthy, and of course the casts of the bodies of the victims. The brothel was interesting with frescos on the wall of various sexual positions, as if the customer could choose from a menu his preference. The society did not have the current day prudish attitude towards sexual issues, with sexual mosaics in various homes of the wealthy.

One option at the Brothel


The Bakery