Today, we left Vietri Sul Mare and arrived in Pompeii.
We woke up around 7am and at 7-30am we walked down to the local “Bar” and bought a cappuccino for 1 euro. The bar is the best place to get cappuccino for the best price. We were not alone. A number of people were already there enjoying their first caffeine shot of the day.
After that we went back to the BnB which is right opposite the Duomo. We read the background to it and found it dates back, in part to 600AD. Wow! So very ancient. We went inside and sat at the back just before the 8am service start. We enjoyed the peace and quiet and opportunity to pray. Then we went back to La Chieve and had breakfast on the terrace with these views…
Just so lovely and picturesque.
We left for the train station early as we were on foot and the station is high up the hill, sort of at the level of the highest houses on the far right side of the picture above. We visited it yesterday to see how to get there. There are flights of stairs, so we went up there…100 steps! This morning, we chose to take the road, although for the final flight, I carried my suitcase up, while Mike and Julian chose the road. It wasn’t bad. Then we sat on the platform and I did my Bible reading. I was reminded how when we go through a difficult time, the Lord not only knows, but He knows our pain and helps us.
Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
The train came on time. It was not the flashiest, most comfortable, poshest train I’ve every seen. In fact, I thought it may not have been the train we were waiting for. It seemed like it was a shunting train – old and worn, but lo, it was the train! The seats were pretty bad, if we had been able to find one that was free. There was plenty of standing space, so we stood. The train trip was cheap. Just over 2 euro for half an hour to our stop. A lot of people got off at Pompeii. Mike had done his homework and confidently led us to our hotel. Hotel Forum is very nice. I got a great price and we are now nicely settled. It is on a main thoroughfare to the ruins and we hope to visit them this afternoon.
There were hundreds of people in the town. There is a religious festival on, we are told and it was being broadcast from the church square. Hundreds of people flocked to the streets and are walking up and down the road outside my window. There is a door onto a tiny balcony and looking up the road, you can see and hear all the people. With the door closed, it’s quiet and peaceful.
Looking straight out the door at first floor level, this is the view…
Right now, Mike and Julian and disappeared to buy tickets for Mount Vesuvius tomorrow. I’m putting my feet up. My ankles swelled during the plane flights and after yesterday’s 6 hours on the bus, they are still not back to normal. Half an hour standing on the train didn’t help, so while they go find tickets and lunch, I’m lying on the bed enjoying good internet.
Mike and Julian have just returned bearing tickets, a mug for my tea and food for tomorrow.
#434 of my 1000 thanks is that the first Sunday of the month gives free entry to the ruins. Off we go!
These are the days!
Keep the smile going.
God Bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂