Sorrento back to Roma

Thursday 12^th May

From Sorrento back to Roma

Last evening we had the most magical sunset, it was really stunning as we sat on the terrace sipping wine looking out over the Mediterranean sea.  This morning as we looked from our balcony there were so many fishermen out in their boats, some with rods, others pulling in nets – it is so peaceful here with views that are really very beautiful.  

Unfortunately we have to leave this paradise to go back to Roma, but piano piano (slowly slowly translated). In Sorrento it is not uncommon to see little dogs sitting on the scooters and motor bikes with their owners, it is really hilarious to watch them as they go around the bends (and there are a lot of bends); they lean the same way as their owners to with their tails wagging exuberantly. A very funny sight indeed.

The drive out of Sorrento is really very lovely and we are all a bit subdued this morning, maybe this is because the tour is coming to an end or maybe it is as a result of the big night last night or as in our case a combination of the two. 

We visit Pompeii on our way back to Roma.  We met our guide by the gates. From the first moment he made us feel special, we were made to feel like ancient Roman citizens. He showed us around and we spent a usual day of a Pompeian with him. We started from shopping (women), politics (men), then went to the baths, brothel (OF COURSE!!!), theatre etc. The brothel was somewhat amusing as it had vivid fresco's on the walls.   I wont go into to much detail here!! The whole area was peaceful and beautiful and felt like another world. The Villa of Mysteries is very exciting because it's so well preserved so you are actually inside the different rooms that are still standing.

A fresco in the Brothel at Pompeii

 We also pop to visit the Commonwealth War Graves. Like at the Somme there are thousands of graves for those members of the Commonwealth forces who died during the two world wars.  The majority of the Commonwealth servicemen buried in the cemetery died in the battles during 1944.  It is the second largest Commonwealth cemetery in Italy.  Within the cemetery stands the Cassino Memorial which commemorates more than 4,000 Commonwealth servicemen who took part in the Italian campaign and whose graves are not known.  The site is a beautifully maintained memorial and like at the Somme, when passing by these graves one can’t help but be moved by the site, these were young lads so far away from home.

We then make our way to St Peter’s Basilica as it was closed at the beginning of the tour due to Pope John Paul’s beautification.  The basilica is huge, rich and rather speccy and has quite a history like all of the Bascillic’s.    It took more than 150 years to complete and is constantly undergoing restorations.   Michelangelo was responsible for the design of the dome at 72 years.  Michelangelo’s Pieta is very spectacular and he completed this at 25 years old, also this is the only work to carry his signature, which is on the sash across Mary’s breast.  The marble window with a dove in the centre is really very beautiful, quiet stunning in fact, and one would never think that the wing span of the dove is 2 metres.  I thought that St Peter’s Basilica was very nice but it was not my favourite of the cathedrals, for me personally it lacked the reverence.  But I think it is the last one that we are going to be seeing on our trip!!!! 

We then made our way out in our finery to the Last supper on the tour and had a lovely night with our group.  The tour has been very good fun.  Our tour director Debra was very amusing and a good sort and our driver Mario was a real sweetie. We both really enjoyed the tour and thought that it was just long enough but now,  we are looking forward to a couple of days to ourselves doing very little.