Picto Diary - 23, 24 June 2018 - Vesuvius
23 June 2018 was a day of transit from Rome to Rome cruise port.
Above: Rapunzel and Bud. Dinner Rapunzel's Royal Table Restaurant. Disney Magic cruise liner. Rome Cruise Port, Italy. 23 June 2018.
Above: McGill's Bar, Disney Magic Cruise liner. World Cup, after hours. 23 June 2018.
Colombia vs. Poland. 0-0, early in the game.
It was thrilling to watch Colombian fans and team members passionately sing their national anthem... a refreshing contrast to NFL athletes' disdain for American symbols...flag and anthem.
Last night at this spot I watched Germany defeat Sweden on a thrilling last minute penalty goal.
Looking back, I remember being someplace in Europe three or four times during World Cup. It's a big deal here, and hard to avoid. So, despite my lack of interest in US sports, I just go with the flow and watch the World Cup matches when I have the chance.
Above: Bishop atop Mt. Vesuvius with Naples and Bay of Naples in background. 24 June 2018.
Hike portion 1km. 1k vertical feet ie. pretty steep hike, though not arduously long.
Eruption in 79 AD left nearby Roman city of Pompeii buried in 30 feet of ash. At least 10k people died. Remaining: a legacy of ruins to be excavated archaeological artifacts to be pored over to this day.
Last Pompeii eruption was in 1944, during WWII after allies had knocked the Germans out of Italy.
Bishop rode through this area on his Nice based Ducati ST1100 circa 2006 on his way from Messina, via the Amalfi Coast, to Ravenna.
Above: Bishop (AKA Big Cat) makes his mark at Mt. Vesuvius crater. Naples, Italy. 24 June 2018.
Above: Matriarch (TIMDT). Dispensing true, authentic Neapolitan pizza. Pompeii, Italy. 24 June 2018.
Pompeii is Naples burb. Naples, home of "true" pizza. Authentic pizza still cooked in wood fired stoves. Margarita (appropriate name for this occasion!), preggo!
Above: Family explores the ruins of Pompeii. Pompeii, Italy. 24 June 2018.
Addendum:
Did you ever try to propagate from cuttings your favorite rose bush? You should consider having at least one back up bush in case this one gets diseased. Roses are easy to propagate. Here are some pretty good instructions:
http://scvrs.homestead.com/Cuttings1.html
Nathans, Massapequa, NY
Really was better in the old days!
the monk, Salina, UT
No doubt about it. Incredible traveling hoards today as opposed to the old days. I'm glad more people are able to travel. But, it doesn't prevent me comparing the two eras of travel during my lifetime.... and certifying the former time as a superior experience. We were younger then, too... we saw everything through different, more idealistic, eyes.
When I was 13 years old, I was taken on a trip by my parents. On the second leg of the trip we ended up in Rome. My parents wanted to take a nap but I wanted to see Rome. After an hour of complaining, my father at 1:00 PM gave me a map and some lira and told me to be back at 6:00 PM. After half an hour of walking I turned a corner and the Colosseum was in front of me. I stopped, explored and my love of travel was I stably created.
I have been to Rome at least a dozen times. I have been to the Vatican at least 4 times. The last time it was incredibly crowded. It is a total walled city/country with its own army and security forces.
Among my favorite places are the Vatican, St. Peter's, the other 3 basilicas, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Pizza Navona and the Quirinale Palace.
Steve - Have fun.
The Pope,
Naples, FL
A wonderful opportunity for all glad you’re enjoying 😎
Markco,
Ojai, CA