Pompeii!! I can remember learning of Pompeii in history class. So far away and so long ago, and such a tragedy. Not once in my life did I ever think that I’d walk thru those ruins, and there I was. At times, walking thru what at one time was a locals home, feeling the eerie presence of those who have long left this dusty planet.

BUT!!!!! Before getting to those sacred ruins, I’m entering the lower hall of the stadium (there’s more than one) at the entrance gates greeted by none other than Pink Floyd!

WHAT???? Pink Floyd??

In 1972 Pink Floyd did a video concert….no one was in attendance except for the road crew and a handful of others. It was simply a concert video shoot.

Throughout the hall would be a different shot or video playing commemorating the unique event. Because, you see…..this is not a concert venue. Never has been with two exceptions. One (and first being Pink Floyd’s concert video and second was sort of a second coming with David Gilmore (fab guitarist of Pink Floyd) “Rattle That Lock” tour in 2015 which actually had people in attendance at night. If you haven’t seen it, doing a search and check it out! Love it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHfkMg0ZrU4 “Rattle That Lock”

Okay….enough Pink Floyd. Let’s take a look around this place.

The above photo isn’t edited in any manner….I had to shoot this from quite a distance about 90 meters (the length of a football field!) due to it being cordered off. That buss can’t be seen by getting any closer! I actually saw it by accident thru my lense!! I still can’t figure it out!!!

Pompeii

Gods!!

My visit was a rather misty day…. the weather was less than desirable to say the least. But, I wasn’t about to let a little dampness (misty, rainy, and SNOW!!!) ruin my visit!

I thought this was streets of old Pompeii!!!

But, I was wrong…..this was their sewage system!!! GADS!!! There I was walking thru downtown ancient Pompeii thru their sewage way!! Laughable when I think back…..my ignorance on display. By the way, that drainage pipe to the right isn’t original operating equipment.

When the excavating began, periodically occurring in the ash (as thick as 40 feet!!!) would be large pockets of air containing the skeletal remains of a victim of disaster. At first the workers were dumbfounded before realizing that it was the actual entombment of the deceased. From then on when the workers would come across such pockets of air they would inject a plaster to mold the individuals last moment….

Original artwork prevails throughout….amazing. Some is roped off and yet others you can walk up to and touch which I did. I’d have to say, that was a unique impression on me. Still lingers today. Looking forward to a little more climate friendly visit next year.

Sculptures abound as well…..

163 Acres!!!! That’s right, 163 acres!!! That’s the size of Ancient Pompeii and as I said in my previous blog….there is still present day excavation going on with more being revealed! The timeline of the excavation is controlled by Italian Archealogy portion of the Government according to the availability of funds. Needless to say, I was unable to walk 163 acres……yet, I managed about 700 pics!!! The tough part is which ones to use!!!!

Pompeii, streets alive….tomorrow!!

Everything, everywhere is part of a story of the lives of a long time ago. A solemn place, even with the large crowds of tourist there is still a quietness about the place. A hushed manner a talking amongst one another. Look upward an estimated 40 feet and image the prison they only momentarily found themselves in…..

Tomorrow, the streets of Pompeii are still ALIVE!!!!

I’ll leave you with the below pics.