Leaving the volcano

The scenery around Naples and Sorrento includes many dramatic mountains but it is all dominated by looming Vesuvius, making for a dramatic sail-away.  The sea was moderately rough that night but seasoned sailors TSH and Diva did not need to take any medication. On arrival in Civitavecchia, the weather was sufficiently gloomy that TSH and Diva, along with many other in-transit guests, spent the morning in the assigned Panorama lounge whilst the rest of the ship was sanitised ready for the embarking guests and the next leg of their Grand Voyage.

Not many birds have been seen during this voyage, but there were hordes of Gulls around the ship in Naples.

The most recent ship-wide testing session revealed an additional guest who tested positive for Covid. The current total is 6 guests and 4 crew (all asymptomatic or with only mild symptoms) in isolation – 1.2% of the onboard population. TSH and Diva were told by a guest who had tested positive earlier in the voyage that the procedure is to stay in your suite pending a follow-up PCR test. If that is also positive, you are required to pack a bag and then you are put into a wheelchair and the crew run you into isolation. Surprisingly, the food arrangements appear to be less than satisfactory.

 

Volcanic ventures

Herculaneum, destroyed in the Vesuvius eruption of 79AD along with Pompeii, was a small but very prosperous town. It is a much smaller site than Pompeii and more of the buildings, along with some of their decoration, are still standing. An excellent guide really helped the visitors to understand what life was like. The visit is much easier than Pompeii because of the smaller size and the greater number of recognisable houses.

The Silver Spirit then anchored off Taormina in Sicily, providing excellent views of an erupting Etna. Intrepid TSH took the tender ashore to visit the volcano at close quarters, whilst Diva stayed on board. The tender ride was notable for being smooth.


He went to the Silvestri craters which are at 5,700 feet above sea level. The highest point of Etna is at nearly 11,000 feet but to progress any further up required a cable car ride and a further road trip which could not be completed in the time available. During the bus drive, he saw ash and lava  from many eruptions, including some this century. The walk round the extinct craters was interesting and provided views over a number of other craters and lava fields.


One enterprising “shepherd” was sitting by the path with a goat, posing for photographs – he appeared to be making quite a bit of money.


The drive up and down Etna was also interesting as a study of the behaviour of Italian drivers. The  road was very narrow in parts and one town was very busy because there was a festival.  At one stage the bus driver needed to ask a policeman for directions because of road closures. TSH learnt that rude gestures are universal.


Surprisingly, TSH saw at least one ladybird high up on Etna.

Magnificent sunset over Etna before an Indochine dinner.