Pompeii

Today we saw the city of Pompeii which was covered in ash from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79ad.

Because it was totally covered up with ash, it was very well preserved.  Archaeologists have been working on it for many years.

It was very cool.

many frescoes were visible on the walls

you can see the height of the ground around the excavated area...

Mt. Vesuvius... imagine the left and right sides rising up and 
meeting in the top.  The guide told us that 1/3 of the 
mountain was blown away in the eruption.

amphitheater

And so our visit to Italy has come to an end.  We have made great friendships on the trip.  Many people are already talking about where we will plan to go next year.

We are so fortunate to be able to visit such places.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Capri

Regarding these Italy pictures, I feel funny just posting pictures and not saying very much.  But I so appreciate those of you who have enjoyed the pictures.  

The heavens declare the glory of God, the world shows the work of his hands.

The beauty of the hills and seas is so humbling.

Day 7 was spent on the Island of Capri.  Again, fantastic.

local grocery store with vegetables in the narrow
alleyway outside.  Very cool to see what the locals
have the opportunity to purchase.

harbor of Capri was used by the Greeks and Romans.

Another lovely day.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

The Amalfi coast

Among the most beautiful places on earth is the Amalfi coast.  This was my first time to this area, and it did not disappoint!!!

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Ancient Rome Part 3

What a treat to return to see the coliseum and the Roman Forum.

The Roman forum - shops

Arch of Constantine 325ad

Coliseum 

Gate 35

It is such a wonderful place to visit.  It was on my bucket list... yes at the age of 68 I have a bucket list.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

Ancient Rome, Pt. 2

We also saw the Vatican Museum.  It is among the best museums in the world.  It holds many items that were gifted to the church, as well as items that the Christians looted, or kept for safe keeping, depending on how you look at it...

Authentic Italian Pizza

roman ruins

face removed from city of Rome now in the Vatican museum

hundreds of statues in the Vatican museum
most from ancient Rome.

1st century floor moved to the Vatican

amazing large maps from the 1600's

large tapestries 10' tall x 20' wide
gifted to the Vatican

Authentic Egyptian obelisk moved to the Vatican

lovely sunset at the Vatican

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.