Yeah, upon arrival in Pompeii the streets were deserted. Strange and eerie to me. The bus stop was a vacant parking lot adjacent to a business that was closed. I might say I arrived a bit bewildered.

Once settled in the hotel room (2 flights up with no ‘lift’ —elevator—) I grabbed my coat and scarf and hit the streets! It’s what I do, I can rest later on when it’s late night (or early night….I tend to put a lot in my days and I need my rest).

The above pic was taken the day after my arrival in Pompeii…. Quite a difference. The streets were alive.

Ah!!!! Before going any further, I remembered something about the ruins that I left out yesterday. I got reprimanded while taking the picture below. I leaned against a column to brace myself to take this picture in the courtyard. I didn’t let it happen again!!! hehehehe

Back to the streets…..

The BIGGEST thing in European cities as a whole is the Sidewalk Cafe and Pompeii streets are no different….. And me, I visited everyone in my near hotel’s vicinity!!!

The cafe picture in the middle above filled up with people ‘so fast’ it was beyond belief. Tired and weary I had my coffee standing up!!! I was at one of those bistro tables with the high chairs and I just couldn’t bring myself to climb up, so standing it was. The one to the right was very chic. The owner made her way in to fancy herself with pleasures from the case and every waiter manned her table…we had to wait. She seemed very content with the attention but rather displeased with her morning sampling. I thought everything was great!!

Today’s streets of Pompeii

The above pics are from outside the hotel…..the one on the far right, I love the planter!!! The tree line in the background is where the ruins are located.

At the town square is a huge church where a wedding had just taken place. Very festive!! I like this picture of the bride (I’ve got many of the wedding party), check out the pigeon to the right!!

Just a moment. One I couldn’t have captured if I’d tried. I skipped the reception.

Across the way to the right is a very lively shopping district. Rather unique gifts…..some were very popular for the region yet not touristy, more of a religious nature. One thing I liked in Italy that I passed on and regret now is the fountain pens. I wanted one, but didn’t pull the trigger on the purchase. I guess that’s reason enough to return!

A little past the tourist shopping area is the local business that service the community.

Except for the pic from the far right. That’s from a homeowner’s balcony. Caught my eye. I had a delightful time speaking with the Italian produce stand owner in the bottom middle picture. We had our troubles communicating but we both enjoyed the opportunity. I only wish I’d have taken more pictures or perhaps videod while whe was going thru the veggies with me. Some I’d never seen before like the one to the top right. It’s a cauliflower….

Pompeii!!!

Here’s a few more shop windows….I stayed away from shooting some of the general merchandise shops. They really have a tendency to clutter up their windows with neon poster paper signage. One thing I did recognize that was really different in Pompeii is that there were less product street hawking there. Even the tour shops kept their distance while still letting the passerby know of their services!

A few more shots….

That picture on the bottom right was on the walkway at night right in front of the Pompeii Ruins. Imagine….it’s the winter holiday season and in the trees are audio speakers playing American Christmas Carols…..Really cool night walking experience!

Me, at the ruins. Time to tell Pompeii bye for now!

Peace, love, and beaches,

John

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