Those Are Lemons?

This morning we got on the bus for our last big journey, this time to Sorrento. On the way, we stopped in the ancient city of Pompeii, destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. We hoped the dormant volcano would not suddenly spring to life as we followed our guide through the ruins. A quick moving and light shower made umbrellas necessary, but we were happy for the inconvenience. It had been almost 100 degrees here just the week before!

We heard of a once thriving civilization prior to the volcanic devastation. As we walked, we could clearly see what would have been the theater, public baths, shops and temples.

Our guide made it unmistakenly clear that unlike the hot lava flows of Hawaii, falling ash - asphyxiation - was the cause of death at Pompeii. The display is pretty graphic.

We were amazed by the lava rock casts left of the citizens of Pompeii, who, having expired, were encapsulated by lava. It was eerie seeing actual impressions of those that died; still in the physical positions, it took barely seconds for death to come.

We took a last look at Vesuvius, as it towered over the town before resuming our drive to Sorrento.

By the time we arrived in Sorrento, the weather had improved significantly. We were met by bright sunshine and the group took some pictures of the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea from the mountain top on which our hotel was pearched. Then there was free time to shop until our dinner later on in the evening.

We spent another delightful evening wandering the streets of town while stopping in the many shops that lined them, hoping to pick up some last minute gifts for our families and friends. The quaint little stores sell everything - leather, perfume, jewelry, art work, clothes, wine, food.


The surprise of the evening was the size of the lemons that grow in Sorrento! No wonder the town is the home of a sweet, lemony Italian liqueur called Limoncello. There are dozens of shops that make and bottle the spirit right in front of you. Each shop keeper claims that they make the best and they insist that you give them the opportunity to prove it by giving you a free taste. Fortunately, my Dad could draw on the vast experience of Mr. Campbell. Because he has been to Sorrento many times, he helped narrow Dad's search for "the best" before things got too rowdy.

The morning would bring our last day in Italy. Nevertheless, we looked forward to our day trip to the Isle of Capri. It's just outside our window! Amazing!