Ashes to Ashes

Friday, May 24, 2012. 2331 RT:

EARLY start on the day. Got up at 6 (I offered to get breakfast out for Kristen so she wouldn't have to get up) and set breakfast out, then had some myself. We were meeting and stepping off at 0645. On time, we headed out, caught the 90 bus to Termini, hopped on a 2-hour train to Napoli, then another 30 minute ride out to Pompeii. On the train to Napoli some strange old Italian sat outside our cabin and kept looking in so i "slammed' the curtain and stared at him until he looked away. Everyone else was sleeping so it was weird for him to be doing that. Another reason I'm starting to not like Italians. But I digress.

Pompeii was great! We had beautiful weather; a nice breeze, great sunshine. We started in the forum with a great view of Mt. Vesuvius in the background. We got some pizza at the one restaurant and then set off. A good bit of walking was done but all worth it. Saw some plastered bodies, houses, a "beware of the dog" sign, Mr. Tumnus, an Alexander mosaic, an amphitheater, and a brothel; seeing the mountains and gorgeous view I could understand why someone would build a city there, despite the active volcanoes...! I was getting cranky for a while because I had to go to the bathroom so bad, but once I relieved I was good to go.

We walked around for a few hours then headed back to the train station. Got myself another shotglass for the collection! Back in Napoli, we made an attempt to find what is supposedly the quintessential pizzeria in Italy. We could not find it. Katherine had no cell reception and Naples is a GHETTO (30-40% unemployment according to Dr. Mann) so wandering and asking directions was not on the agenda. We went back in the train station and got pizza there. Huge slice for 2 Euros! Then I walked around a bit, exchanged cash, then tried Sfogliatelle, simply because I had heard of it before. It was so good! I couldn't figure out what was in it but it was like a rolled, crispy crescent with lemony ricotta. Turns out that's exactly what it is. Either way, delicious!

We made cards out of index cards and played hearts all the way back to Rome. We were all tired and a bit delusional so that made it more fun. When we got back to the convent, I ordered my train ticket for the 4-day weekend... Cinque Terre here I come! I am really looking forward to getting away from hustle and bustle and hiking around to beautiful small towns, swimming, and chilling for four days. Should get to Cinque Terre around 2 or so Thursday, and get back to Rome at around 1130 on Sunday night.

I need to go to bed because tomorrow we are volunteering at a local Baptist Church! Should be great times and I'm looking forward to doing some serving. I'll probably end up grocery shopping and hopefully running/working out tomorrow. The huge change in diet is making me feel fat!

God bless,

Dylan