Naples and the Ruins of Pompeii

Now I need to backtrack a few days. I was so taken by the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, I didn\’t give myself time to tell you about our drive from Tuscany to the coast. We left Florence last Saturday and flew from Florence to Naples and were picked up by our driver, Marco, who safely transported us to our hotel in Positano. While we were only in Naples a very short time – just driving through – I couldn\’t help but think of my father, Charlie Doyle. He served in Italy in World War II as a paratrooper with the 509th. He always wanted to return to Italy, but life\’s obligations, and his health, prevented him from returning. I have carried his uniform emblem with me on this trip in his honor and have lit candles for him and my mother, Sylvia Yourkewicz Sharp in the many Duomos we have visited.

Visiting the city of Pompeii was much more than I ever expected. The origins of the city are uncertain but there is evidence that it dates back to the end of the 7th and beginning of the 6th century, B,C. Vesuvius erupted on August 24th 79AD burying the city under ash and rock. At the time of the eruption, Pompeii was under reconstruction from an earthquake that had occurred 17 years earlier. Many people fled the city before the eruption, but many people did not. Feeling the city was a total loss, Pompeii became a forgotten city. It was rediscovered in the 16th century, but excavation didn\’t begin until 1748 and continues today. The architecture, even today, is extraordinary, with frescos, sculptures, pottery, paintings and mosaics surviving the burial. The area covers 66 acres of which 45 have been excavated.

We visited the roman style central bath house, family homes, the market, the shopping district, and, of course, the house that was visited only by men. I encourage you to learn more about this remarkable place. It was more than amazing!