Day 11, Pompeii (X rated for phallic symbols)

This was to be an all day trip, so we left early. Our guide, Luca, really knew his stuff, and was very chatty on the hour and a half trip. For some reason I had in mind that Pompeii was fairly small, level, and with no really big buildings. Wrong!! It was vast - we may have seen just about one quarter of it - hilly, and lots of big and pretty tall buildings - see for yourself. (There are sexual images for those of a delicate disposition!) I wish I had a tape recorder - I can't remember half of what our guide said!

This was as we went into the town.

This gives some idea of the height of some of the surviving buildings - this is a large square surrounded by porticos - I think Luca said barracks

One of the side streets

Showing different masonry techniques.

If you look carefully through the gate you can see the remains of a mosaic floor

And the height of some of the buidings

These were everywhere - they are a symbol of good luck

This one points towards the brothel!!

And inside "which one do you fancy sir?" Several on the walls, above head height, but poor lighting meant not all photographed well

You can see where the carts dug ruts in the cobbles, and where there were gaps left to drive through

The volcalo in the background of the great space at the centre of Pompeii - I should know the name, but cannot remember.

Love the hoodies  (elves?) in the background!

And a cast of one of the bodies found. The guides call it the pregnant girl, but I think that is the tummy of a fat old man - no boobs and very low bulge!