Paestum - Pompeii - Mt Vesuvius - Navelli

Well it can definetly be said that when it comes to reading map directions I am dyslexic. It is beyond me so thank goodness we now have the GPS up and running. We headed to Paestum today to see some ruins, these ruins have a Greek influence rather than Roman. Paestum precedes Pompeii by 500 years. It's main features are three rather impressive temples similar to the Pathenon in Athens.  We have had this place recommended.

We went to Pompeii this afternoon and spent just over three hours wandering around and getting lost in the ruins, very impressive. Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and buried the city under rock and ash. It covers approx 66 hectares and about 45 hectares have been excavated. You view the maze of streets, the central forum with the impressive columns and statues, examples of mosaics and friezes on walls, as well as exhibits of plaster cast victoms and many artifacts.

Well at the rate we are going we are not going to get around as many countries, and the many stops  as we thought! But we are happy with that, lovin Italy, and making our way to Venice over the next couple of days. 

Tuesday 20th May

Mount Vesuvius was our destination this morning and we drove up to the car park via a very interesting route, no, Jim was navigating today. The walk up to the summit of the volcano was not arduous at all and spectacular views on the way up of Naples, and the surrounding landscape.  Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano and this was evident with steam vents around the inside rim of the volcano, it's last eruption was in 1944. We thoroughly enjoyed  the walk and view from the top.

This afternoon we are heading north towards Venice, taking two days to drive there and avoiding tolls, and taking the scenic route, which gives us more of an opportunity to stop and look when we want too. The countryside could be New Zealand except for the buildings and lovely villages and churches, castles and old buildings dotted everywhere. 

Side note: we passed through one town and on either side of the town there appeared to be some rather gorgeous looking girls looking for a 'ride', some were most scantily clad. Needless to say we didn't offer them a lift!

Along the route today there are many more villages in the hill, some quite large to others just a small cluster of buildings.the larger villages appear to have a central tower and walls, surrounded by a variety of buildings, ranging in architectural style depending on age.. 

We have taken a punt tonight and not booked accommodation, however we have found a gorgeous B&B in a little village called Navelli, Abruzzo. The home is several hundred years old as are all the homes in this village.   Francesca and Jimmy (Irish) have a beautiful garden and home. Francesca is an olive oil expert, and does tastings and food matching at her cellar door. They run a busy B&B and seem to be constantly booked, though I'm not surprised at that.  After a nice meal out we came back and had a wee nightcap of lemonchello with them. It will be hard to beat this accommodation.