If you are new here, I’ll get you up to speed. This day trip to Pompeii is part of a more extensive vacation where I tour Italy and Greece, also known as my Euro Summer 2 trip (#ES2). After spending a few days in Rome, it was time to head south to Pompeii. Remarkably preserved beneath layers of ash and history since that fateful day in AD 79 when Mount Vesuvius unleashed its devastating wrath, Pompeii is reminder of what was.

How To Get To Pompeii

To sidestep the usual travel headaches, I booked a through a tour company. If you prefer a more guided experience, I would consider booking a tour that includes transportation; many companies offer day trips that whisk you away from Rome and provide a knowledgeable guide to enhance your visit.

Our Pompeii adventure began with a charter bus that picked us up from our hotel, embarking on a two-hour journey. But the true gem of the ride? A stop at an Italian truck stop that felt like a weird twist on the classic American pit stop, infused with an Italian flair. You know how much I love comparing cultures, and this was a goldmine! The shelves overflowed with Nutella-infused bites, tempting me, calling my name. As I ambled through the aisles, I couldn’t help but notice a few local men casting glances my way, their comments echoing the universal truth: gas stations are hot spots for flirtation. Ah, the joys of travel!

If booking through a company is not an option, other ways exist to get to Pompeii from Rome. The most popular way is to hop on a high-speed train from Rome’s Termini station to Naples, which takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Naples, you can catch the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii, a journey of roughly 30 minutes. This scenic ride will drop you right at the entrance of the ancient ruins.

The Gift Shop Got Me

Jewelry a large part of my culture and upbringing—whether it’s a Black East Coast tradition, a Caribbean thing, or a blend of both, we love a statement. So, when I came across this fly bracelet in Pompeii, I knew she had to be mine. As I stumbled through the ancient ruins on the hottest day of the year, the thought of that bracelet kept my dramatic self going. The gift shop was loaded with beautiful cameo pieces, but it was the golden bracelet adorned with ancient coins that got me.

The cobblestone streets, worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, invite you to explore deeper. The beaming sun however, makes you wish you stayed in the gift shops. Please bring comfortable shoes; history is not kind to ankles.

In these moments, standing amidst the remnants of Pompeii, you feel a profound connection to the past. It’s not just a visit to an archaeological site; it’s an immersion into a story that transcends time, reminding you of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring beauty of a civilization despite its tragic end.

Not Gonna Yiee

Please tell me you read the title like Jayda Wayda’s son. If not, know I plan to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. I’m glad I saw a piece of history. I hope I made my AP World Civ. teacher proud. But I could’ve done without this activity on the hottest day of the year.

Walking through the ruin was like walking through a maze. The pavement is challenging to walk on, so please be aware. There are places to eat, shop, and take in the landscape of this beautiful place. Remember to pack a hat or umbrella if you plan to visit in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.

Leslie