John: Visit To Pompeii

It was good to visit these ancient historical sites, because I have seen and read about them so many times before. After a bone rattling suspension testing start in our minibus we made it to Pompeii.

First up, the gladiator rooms where they used to wait before a contest. As you can see below my associate although considered SHORT! for AFL footy would have made the grade for being a gladiator, (only by standing on a step, but that's our little secret) 

After that came the theatre. Glitterati, the rich and Pollies at the front. Riff raff and Collingwood fans ( I know you're there but I don't care) at the back. A multi purpose theatre. There were times when there was serous theatre and special occasion times, and nights when it was used for strippers.

After the theatre and the strippers we moved on to the brothel ( I am sure I could have phrased that better but you know what I mean). Large sculptured penises were carved into the road and on walls to show the way. Or as one gentleman succinctly put it:

"The direction for an erection"

On the walls of the establishment were various illustrations of sexual positions and the punters pointed at their preference and paid the price of two glasses of wine for the service. Only one position seemed to be allowed per client (keeps things moving) and the stone beds ensured turn over was brisk. The "Uscita" sign means exit. 

After the brothel came the bathhouse, where the lady tour leader invited me to take a close look at a pipe which she found fascinating. (I'm sorry this blog is taking on a salacious tone so allow me a moment or two to stop and start again)

Right,  bathouse and pipe. 

So as we approached the bathouse she pointed out to the group that a part of the origial lead piping that pumped water into the bathouse remained. By now I had lost interest, and had wondered off. 

However, my attention was brought back to the matter in hand by a very severe scolding which caused  everyone to look at me,

"You Mister yellow hat. This is original lead piping you come and look!"

I sheepishly wondered up and mumbled something like most interesting damn clever these ancients while she stood over me. From that moment Mr Yellow Hat's card had been marked and I was under observation.

The visit was completed with an inspection of the Forum which was where government, civic matters etc were discussed (you can see Vesuvius in the background) and the road which leads to the sea. The little bits of white quartz in the paving stones reflected the moonlight just as modern "cats eyes" do in our modern roads

After that came lunch then back on the bus to go up to Mount Vesuvius.