The Etruscans

The Etruscans tour was great, we sampled some lovely Italian wine and olive oil and learnt was wonderful history about the ancient civilization.

Then to Naples, the armpit of Italy. The buildings and streets were beautiful except for the graffiti and rubbish. It looked like the place could use a good wash. Unfortunately also due to our days delay in Civitavecchia we arrived on a Sunday and the shops were closed. We were very disappointed as Naples is famous for it’s cheap but quality shopping.

We spent the morning doing a tour of Pompeii – WOW it was amazing. We had a fantastic tour guide who wonderfully explained how the people lived. It was very moving to see the bodies that looked like statues, you could see their teeth and bones. One of the cities baths survived reasonably well and you can still see the painting on the walls and intricate mosaics.

We decided that we would go on strike the next day, no tour, so we had a big night and slept late. We are now in Messina, Sicily, it is similar to Naples but cleaner, we did a bit of shopping and had a wonderful lunch. I am now relaxing on the pool deck, considering a game of shuffle board and having a cocktail. The weather is 20 degrees. Steve has gone to the spa to get a shave. Tonight we have been invited to have dinner with the entertaining honcho, it should be fun. We are at sea tomorrow so I am set for another big night.

Sorry about no pictures but the internet is really slow. I have no doubt that we will subject you all to a slideshow spectacular when we get home. We will provide alcohol and food as inducement.