A visit to Pompeii: Day Four

It's late and we've had a long and very good day so this will be shorter than past reports, but here we go.  

We started slowly today.  It seems that the tiredness may have kicked in, or the 1000 steps in Amalfi (Chris is now arguing for 2500) took their toll.  But before noon we were on the shuttle.  We took the "Circumvesuvian" train line to Pompeii.  It is a local line that stopped often and included folks in suits along with assorted street folks, people who might have had mental problems and beggars.  We had about 30 minutes of travel, all fine.  We've now done planes, trains and automobiles -- including buses and minivans.  (Is there a movie title in there??)

Getting off at Pompeii we made our way up to the ticket booth, ignoring the 4 guides all telling us that it would be the best $30 each investment of the day to employ them for a detailed explanation of every possible exhibit.  As the day went longer we were very pleased that we had resisted because it was a LONG day and to listen more would have tested our patience.  

The tour was very interesting in places.  The ruins are very well described and documented.  The excavated city is huge.  After a few hours we had still only seen about 3/4 and were out of gas.  After assuring we had hit the highlights we headed back to the train station.  

A little gelato managed to pick us up enough for the ride home.

Back in Sorrento we found the Roman Catholic cathedral where the Anglican priest celebrates a Holy Eucharist each Sunday night at 5:00 p.m.  This is Emily Starnes' priest from Naples, a Brit who is working as a chaplain for the Royal Navy.  There were about 20 of us for the service.  No singing (missed our choir!), but a liturgy that was very comfortable - seemed to be a mix of the Anglican Book with some Episcopal Church BCP thrown in.  

Back to the hotel for some pasta for supper.  You can see the photo of the sunset.  We can eat on the balcony and that is the view tonight!  

Tomorrow will be a quieter day.  We may hit Capri or we may just do some Sorrento things left yet.  Or it may be a day for reading on our balcony.  None of those would be bad.  

You all have been in our prayers this Sunday and Mothers' Day.  Hope it was full of blessings on your end.  

Bob and Chris