Obviously my promise to do better was sorely lacking -- and I don't know why!
Actually I do.
The summer here in Rome are hot and dry. The dry I can deal with, the hot has become difficult. Walking in the heat really took all the energy out of me. I guess this is a sign of my advancing age and finally an acknowledgment that I really have to plan well ahead of any activities I do.
I found that I couldn't do two physically (for me) demanding tasks on succeeding days.The worst day was a long planned trip to Pompeii with with visiting family. The month was July, the weather was hot. We rented a taxi to drive the two plus hours to Naples so we could plan out own exploration.
When we entered the site I couldn't believe the size of ruins. They weren't just a few blocks with some displays. The site was miles square!
We had decided what we wanted to see and the route to take to the exhibits. We started out on the old Roman streets. Cobble stoned. Bumpy. And mostly uphill.
I lasted about 40 minutes before I couldn't go any further.
I found a building with one side in relative shade. I sat down feeling older and far less togther than the ruins around me.
Well, the trip was partially ruined for the party. I stayed next to my building while the others made short forays into the ruins around me. When I recovered a bit, we explored a but more making frequent rest breaks and staying mostly on level ground.
All in all, a trip mostly ruined but still unforgettable.
So what did I learn? Pompeii is a great place to visit, but not in July. We are planning another trip in January with an archeologist my wife knows.
I want to see the Agustin Aqueduct and the bathhouse located near Marine Gate portion of the ruins,.
So, as usual, I was too soo old and too late smart!
Arrivederci!
