Pompeii Naples Capri Sorrento
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POMPEII
It was a beautiful day in Pompeii. The year was 79 A.D. People were enjoying their public baths and theatres. A wrestling tournament was underway. The wine shop and farmers market were doing brisk business. The citizens, and those on vacation from Rome, numbered perhaps 20,000. They were buying, selling, eating, drinking, building, planting. A major festival, celebrating the mythical Roman god of fire, was winding down. Some were relaxing with their families in luxurious villas with mosaic floors and frescoes on their walls; some were pursuing less wholesome activities.
The ground began to shake. But this was nothing new. These confident folks were used to that. The ground had shaken many times in the 800 year history of this prosperous city. But suddenly—the nearby volcano, Mt. Vesuvius blew its top. It was not long before the entire city of Pompeii was buried under 60 feet of volcanic ash, killing all of the people there without a trace.
The place passed into legend for 1500 years until its ruins were discovered accidently. And it was several more hundred years until the site was excavated to unveil what we see there today. And what we see is the best preserved ancient city in Europe; trapped in time the way it was after the eruption. This article is dedicated to Dan, the son of Tigermadstanley, who requested a Hub about Pompeii. I visited Pompeii a few years ago and snapped photographs of what I saw there. Here are a few samples of my photographs.
NAPLES
My visit to the area began in Naples, Italy's third largest city (behind Rome and Milan). Naples (New City) is a crowded, busy metropolis of nearly five million souls—and a lot of crazy drivers—located on the sea shore in the Campania region. It definitely has its own culture and customs unique to the place, including being the birthplace of pizza and the mandolin. Naples is rich in architecture, filled with historic churches and castles. The city is 2800 years old and at one time was a Kingdom. It has at times been under the rule of the founding Greeks; the Roman Republic & then Roman Empire; the Germans; the Vikings (Normans); the Sicilians; the Spaniards; and the French. Finally, in 1861, Naples became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. At one time, Naples was the second largest city in Europe, after Paris. The Apostles Peter and Paul preached there.
CAPRI
One of the most popular destinations in the world is the "Gem" of the bay of Naples: The Isle of Capri. The ride out to Capri was 30 minutes via hydrofoil. Capri is charming but crowded, with colorful old fisherman's houses, narrow streets, terraced gardens, luxury boutiques, and sidewalk cafes.
SORRENTO
Sorrento is a coastal village of some 16,000 people, set on a high cliff overlooking the sea. From Sorrento one has a commanding view of Naples, Naples Bay, Mt. Vesuvius and Capri. It is known as a city of flowers.
SUMMARY
All in all, I can tell you that a visit to Naples, Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii is one of the best vacation destinations anywhere. The sights one's eye will see—the beauty and the tragedy—will be seared upon your memory forever.
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Sufidreamer— Thank you for being my first visitor to this Page. Yes, Vesusius is intimidating. The site itself is very saddening. I appreciate the fact that you reviewed my Hub Page and left word as you did. Since you are one of the most respected Hubbers of all Hubbers, it means a lot to me that you said what you did.
HI James, Did you get to Herculaneum on that trip? I liked Pompeii and found it interesting, but for some reason I enjoyed Herculaneum more. The whole of the Amalfi coastline is stunningly beautiful. Definitely a must see for any visitor to Italy. your photos are great BTW.
Yet another beautiful hub! You are so lucky to have been able to travel abroad! And such beautiful pictures!
I would love to visit. My mum always told us that we had Italian in our blood. Those poor Pompeians. That must be an eerie place to visit in many ways. Thanks for the tour James :)
A mini vacation, transcending time. Your pictures capture the feel of Italy, your words its history beautifully. Grazie mille James
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" - Leonardo da Vinci
Very enjoyable overview. We spent a month in Italy recently and just simply didn't plan well enough to see Pompeli or Sorrento -- but reading this just confirms that we have to go back soon to see everything we missed.
Great history lesson with beautiful photos, James!
Great hub James. I was only in Naples, Latina, Venice and Rome during my refugee spending time waiting for visa for seven months.
I like the photos you took in Pompeii. It's a tragic and also wonderous site to see a city locked in time. So much there has yet to be examined. It costs so much to maintain what has been uncovered and restored that many areas are now off limits to visitors.
Amanda Severn—Yes, I did visit Herculaneum but for some reason I didn't have my camera while there. :(
I agree with you. The Amalfi Coast is the most beautiful place I have ever been. I am saving that experience for a future Hub.
Thank you for your kind comments.
advisor4qb— Thank you! You are right; I have been truly blessed in my lifetime. As it draws to a close, I can truly say: It has been a wonderful trip.
Hi James,
Our Museum of Natural History had a Pompeii exhibit some time ago and it was fantastic to get to see actual frescoes, tile work, statuary, jewelry and other items excavated from the site. But what was the most memorable of all were the forms of people caught in everyday stances when they were suddenly frozen in time due to the iconoclastic blast of the volcano. The only consolation is that there would have not been much of a timeframe when the people would have suffered with their deaths. It was almost instant destruction from what we learned.
Beautiful photos accompanying the descriptions in this hub. Well done!
James,
A fine hub and tour de force. Thanks for the mini vacation!
James, You are a star! Thank you so much for remembering and creating this wonderful hub for Dan. I haven't shown it to him yet but it will be our virtual school trip on Monday. I think we shall spend next week in Italy. Your pictures, as always, are wonderful (even the thumb adds a certain 'something'!). He will appreciate the descriptions too.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Amanda (smiling but worn out mum to a 15 year old ASD/Asperger's son who is having 'one of those days' but looking forward to a week in Italy courtesy of your beautiful hubs, the internet and books).
ethel smith— Me first wife was Italian, so my children have some Italian blood. Mixed with my Welsh and a bit of Cherokee. Thank you very much for visiting. It is always nice to see you.
SEM Pro— Welcome my intrepid, perspicacious friend! Thank you for the visit and you are welcome.
Jerilee Wei— I am honored by this visit from one of the finest writers on the Hub Pages. A month!? You are truly blessed! I would love to spend a month or a year in Italy. I suppose it's obvious by now that Italy is my favorite place. Thank you for your comments.
Douglas— Thank you very much. You are quite the photog yourself, sir.
Vladimir Uhri— Only Napoli, Roma and Venezia? You were surely deprived, kind sir! :D
Thank you for visited my Hub.
Hxprof— Thank you for illuminating comments. I lived in Clearwater for one year—1988—and loved it there.
Peggy W— Your commentary exhibits your fine writing skills. Thank you for it and I always appreciate a visit from you.
John Z— You are welcome and thank you for the compliments!
Tigermadstanley— This ones for you! And your son, Dan. I do hope he enjoys it. If you have any more requests from him, let me know. I'll do my best.
Everytime I see your photos of Europe, it is reconfirmed for me that trips there are wasted on 19-year-olds. My biggest memory of Italy was the incredible lasagna that could be purchased at every little hole-in-the-wall foodery. And because I was such a shallow soul, all I left with was dysentery. Fortunately for all your readers, Italy's spokesperson is your, not me.
What a fantastic trip through time! I love your beginning, a trip into the past. I felt like I was there, experiencing myself. I love it! Then onto the presen! You did a great job summarizing what a wonderful place Naples, Capri, Sorrento and yes, Pompeii would be to visit. I hope that I can fit them in when I visit Malta again in 2011. You really should write tour guides! Have your own TV show. You have a wonderful way with words and presence about you. I loved the pictures. Keep up the Hubs. Can't wait for your next destination!
Steve Rensch— I should have mentioned food in my article. The cuisine in Italy is excellent. I appreciate your thoughts. Thank you for reading. It's nice to hear from you, always.
Kebennett1— You know, I watch the travel videos with Samantha Brown (yum), Rick Steves, Rudy Maxa and I think, "Wow! What a great job!" Travel all over the world and create television programs!
I remember that you have lived in Malta. That is interesting.
You are too kind. I am pleased that you liked my report. You have made my afternoon with your warm laudations. I thank you very much for the encouragement.
I was fortunate enough to visit Venice about 10 years ago. Due to time contraints, we were unable to tour Italy like I personally wanted to, so I appreciate the tour. I really missed out!
How beautiful and moving.
ur hub i sso beautiful men
King James ...
I was quite intrigued with your 'first-person' guide through the everyday goings-on of the Pompeii trip. I really didn't think you looked that old ... not a day over 40, at best.
Then again, the beautiful Ms. Nancy doesn't look a day over 30, so I guess that would make sense. She always did like those older men ...
Ahhhh. Italy. Vive bene, spesso l'amore, di risata molto!
*hopefully I got that right* I hope to one day see Pompeii - I want to see the sights, and feel the sadness you describe so beautifully. Your hub has inspired a vacation fund...
Loved it all, including the pictures.
Connie,
I like Venice best of all. So, if you only had time for one place, that was a great choice. All of Italy has terrific scenery and history. Great place to visit. And they sell wine at the highway rest areas!
Thank you for reading and commenting. It's nice to see you.
R Burow— I sure appreciate you saying so.
mwaky— Thank you for the nice compliment. I'll take it!
ArchDynamics— I have been very surprised no one has yet mentioned the fresco of me.
I'm glad you stopped in and left your usual thoughtful comments. When I saw your name I thought, uh oh! I left out the architecture!
Linda Myshrall— I am so glad you enjoyed it. Affirmation feels good. Thanks! Are you really kooky? But not altogether spooky?
What a vacation, Thanks for sharing, Absolutely beautiful pictures!
emohealer— Thank you! It was the most wonderful time. A healing time, in fact. :D
I appreciate you for reading my article. Thanks!
Real nice job man...great pictures too James.
I wonder though...if they found Sodom and Gomorrah would it be as well preserved? I think not, the place was probably burned by heat so intense that it turned into ashes....ya think?
underhiswing— Thank you very much. I agree with you. They would have to say, "There's nothing to see here folks." :-)
Thank you for writing about these places. I only know about them from books, movies and songs. At least now I can say that I know somebody who has been there.
Capri and Sorrento look so beautiful. I wish I could visit someday.
Hi James!
At the very beginning my mind went back to the novel "The Last Days Of Pompeii" by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Your opening lines were brilliant. Unfortunately the ground began to shake and you simply had to let go!!!
The pictures were great too. Thanks a lot!
:)
jill of alltrades— You are welcome. I am blessed to have been to these places. Sorrento might be the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I appreciate your warm remarks. Thanks for visiting.
quicksand— Hello!
I am not aware of that book, but it sounds like a good one. We never really know what day might be our last. Thank you very much for the accolades! And you are welcome.
I did love Venice, James, and even had to have a martini in Harry's bar, even though I don't drink martinis! However, that picture of the bay of Naples really is enticing.
Connie,
It is truly a beautiful part of the world. I hope you visit there one day. Thanks for visiting again. I appreciate your encouragement.
Fantastic hub on Pompeii - I really enjoyed it. And I love the photos.
LondonGirl— Thank you so much for the affirmation and for visiting my Hub.
I really enjoyed this hub on Pompeii. Great pics too! How long was your visit, and how many photos did you actually take?
the fount— Thank you very much! I was only in Pompeii itself one day—a long day. It was very hot and dry and lots of walking involved. It wore me out but it was worth it. I took about 30 photos, I think. I looked through them and tried to find a variety of subjects in them without being redundant before I chose the ones in this Hub.
I appreciate you coming by.
I love to read this what a fantastic travel, just like I'm also travelling that place nice post thanks for sharing me this
I love to read this what a fantastic travel, just like I'm also travelling that place nice post thanks for sharing me this
jolinarodriguez— I am pleased that you enjoyed this piece. Thank you for leaving word that this is so.
Hi James,
I have visited Naples, Pompeii, and stayed in Amalfi. It was a fabulous trip, I love being taken back. You did a great job drawing us into the lives of the people of Pompeii. I've got many of those same pictures. I don't know about you but when we went it was sizzling. Great Hub!
AllMomNeeds2know— It was sizzling! My advice: dress lightly, have comfortable walking shoes, drink plenty of water. You are blessed to have experienced these wonderful destinations. Thank you!
ps Love the hat!
James.....there is supposed to be a fantastic Jazz club in Capri where people dress like the 40's......! One of my goals is to go there one day and sing there (if it does exist!) ; LOVE the pics here and the "tour." ; thanx! GPAGE
GPAGE— That reminds me I have to hook up my repaired monitor so I can hear your music. I'll get that done this weekend. I have been without sound for a few weeks.
I didn't go to any clubs in Capri. I think I was there early in the week and it was pretty quiet. That sounds like a cool club. And Capri would be a GREAT place to spend some time, too.
Thank you for your kind compliments.
James A Watkins
Your hub here was making my mouth water, this is one place I will soon be going to see. I realy love Volcanos, and these Italian ones are soon going to pop their lids.
Good show
Cheers
HOOWANTSTONO— Hey! What a pleasure to receive your visit! I appreciate it. You should go. It is an interesting place to visit.
James I enjoyed this. My husbands Dad was stationed in Italy for a few years so he went to school there for a while. He lived in San Vito. They visited all the places in your pictures. It was nice to be able to see all the places he's told me about. Thank you for sharing your trip.
ftgfmom— That's very cool! I am glad you enjoyed it. You are welcome and thank you for sharing this story with me.
Great hub, what can you say about Pompeii, I went there 10 years ago and loved it so much I went back the next day. Its so interesting and I bet 10 years on is even more so. Must make a return trip.
knell63— I agree. What a fascinating place that is! Thank you for the visit and the compliment.
I always wanted to visit Italy, naples and Pompeii just moved up the list of must see locations. Thanks.
Truth From Truth— Italy is the best. My favorite destination, though I've only been twice. I'm glad you enjoyed this Hub. Thank you for letting me know and you are welcome.
There is one thing about Pompei that you haven't really pointed out that is Vesuvius is FAR from it. That’s what really stuck me when I was there as I had always thought it had to be close by for being able to wipe out the entire town in no time. The eruption back then must have been apocalyptic! Vesuvius is dormant and it will blow up again eventually. Now that is going to be a major tragedy. I agree with you Italy is the best but truth for truth - you don't want to live there.
sidney_bristow— I believe it is five miles away. Not quite far enough distance from a volcano to set up a city, in my opinion. I wouldn't have lived that close anyway. It is certainly an interesting place to visit. Thank you for visiting my Hub and leaving your fine comments. Welcome to HubPages!
I have recently finished a translation on the Pompeii topic. I certainly intend to visit the site, Herculaneum and Oplontis too. I was very amused while translating, as this is a job that helps one to expand his or her views and knowledge. The life and creativeness of the roman civilization in Pompeii at the time of the eruption was more than interesting!
vox vocis— Pompeii is fascinating to visit. It is hot and dry though, so drink plenty of water. Thank you for taking the time to read my articles. I so appreciate your encouragement.
Sufidreamer Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago
Great Hub, James, and I am glad that you enjoyed Pompeii. I visited the area about 20 years ago, and there is some awesome history there - Vesuvius is intimidating!
Like you, I did find the place very sad - I cannot even begin to imagine what it felt like for the unfortunates trapped there. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos.