Watching this artisan carve a cameo was such a treat!  This is a true art that is to be admired…the hours sitting at his work bench…his fingers and palm hardened and calloused.  He carved my name on the back of mine….            

      I look forward to returning to this amazing site & to watch him create!

Mt. Vesuvius unexpectedly erupted in 79 AD; many people were killed trying to escape to safety.  After the disaster, Pompeii remained buried under a layer of ash more than 6 meters deep.  First contact of the remains came in the 1590’s and excavation began in the 18th century.  Today, we may walk the city imagining what daily life was like before the eruption.  Romans ruled the city at the time and for sport Gladiators brutally dueled in the amphitheater.  The wealthy dined in their villa’s after spenting the day at the gymnasiam taking steams, bathes and  exercise.  Many people were shop keepers selling breads, wines, vegatables; and others were laborers ironing, doing laundry and attending to their patrons.  The city is vibrant and alive with colors, temples, statues, dieties, tiles and mosaics.  It is easy & rewarding to take in the life there!

   This strong vibrant tree grows alone in the desert sands…the islanders revere this tree as a miracle of life.  One will find families praying amongst the branches.  It was wonderful to experience such a family there that afternoon!

                       This family in the car became stuck in the loose sand…