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.
TSH saw at least one ladybird high up on Etna.
Magnificent sunset over Etna before an Indochine dinner.
