Categories: Podcast

The Journey Home — Day 7 — Pompeii

Day 7 was a free day so we were going to go to Ercola to see the ruins there. Luckily we were able to contact Gianfranco at the last minute and he had the day free. So off we went, however, the ruins were closed on Wednesday’s. You close the ruins! So we changed course and headed to Pompeii, which was no problem for Gianfranco. Who by the way, is the best drive in Campania and you can reach him at Salerno Car Service.

Well let me tell you it was hot. On the way in we stopped for two hats. Sixty Euros yikes! Well I walked away…

“wait forty”, no thanks.

“How much do you want to pay?”

“Thirty”

“Thirty-Five, I buy coffee” LOL still a ripoff but what are you going to do.

I guess we spent about 90 minutes in Pompeii, we could have stayed longer but it was just too hot and very crowded. Much different than 25 years ago and much more has been unearthed. But certainly worth the visit it you are near Naples.

On our way back from Pompeii, Gianfranco gave us the history of macaroni in Gragnano. How the streets and buildings are laid out to maximize the climate and ensure that the macaroni dries properly. You then carry it home under your arm and break it in half when you get home to put into the pot.

Gianfranco asked if we saw the view from Posillipo, and we said no. “You can’t leave Naples, without the view.” So off we went.

Going up the mountain Gianfranco kept telling us…

“Don’t look”, “No not yet”

Finally we arrived at the scenic point and the view is amazing. Photos do not tell the story.

By now we are pretty hungry and after seeing a few of the government buildings, Gianfranco dropped us off at the bay where all the restaurants are located. He recommended La Scialuppa, which was excellent and quite reasonable for the location.

And I finally got my Gnocchi Sorrentino!