The Frozen World of Pompeii

So I know it has been a while since I've posted anything and I actually never finished my posts from Italy.  It mostly had to do with me being so busy starting a new job in a new city.  Yet given Samantha and I are on the eve of our next trip (to Colombia), I wanted to finish up my Italy posts.

So Pompeii.  You can not miss this.  If you are in the area of Pompeii it is worth a few hours of your vacation or maybe even a full day.  We spent about  few hours on a private tour in Pompeii and I thought it was fascinating.  I easily could have stayed longer and will absolutely go back.  Below are some pictures from our visit to Pompeii but the one recommendation I would have is to get a private tour because you will learn so much more versus just walking around yourself.

So for those that do not know, Pompeii was buried in ash and pumice when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.  Over 11,000 people were killed instantly but this ancient city was frozen in time and has now been partially excavated. 

These columns surrounded the area where the gladiators of Pompeii used to practice.  

Even colorful frescos were kept somewhat in tract after being buried in ash. 

Inside the court yard of one of Pompeii's wealthier residents. 

Another colorful fresco. 

All of us standing on the portion of Pompeii that has not been dug up.  We were overlooking the excavated area (which was massive) and from what I remember, less than half of Pompeii has been actually excavated. 

The slumbering giant, Mt. Vesuvius in the background.  

This was the city center back in the day. 

Pompeii was a port city thus always having a lot of sailors visiting.  Due to this, brothels were very common around the city.  These phallic symbols would point the sailors in the right direction. 

A small boy that was found almost perfectly in tact.

A man kneeling that was also found almost perfectly in tact.