When I was kid, my mom read me a book about Mount Vesuvius and the legend of Pompeii. I remember being really effected by the image of a couple, buried in ash, preserved together for thousands of years.
Outside of the archeological village, the modern city of Pompeii is fairly dilapidated and depressing–it looks reliant on of the World Heritage Site to bring in visitors (with good reason), and has ceased to maintain a living, breathing body outside from the attraction. But the archeological site is magnificent and extensive, and we could have easily spent more than one day getting lost in the ancient town.
Mount Vesuvius and a little preview of Ari’s well-deserved meltdown:
Although it wasn’t exceptionally hot, just an hour under the dry sun with little reprieve is too much. We practically sprinted out of the village, Ari squirming violently in my arms the entire way. We bee-lined for what we knew was an over-priced tourist trap just outside the gates, but it had shade and cold water and nocciola gelato. And then our babe slept almost the entire four-hour drive to Val d’Orcia.
anna in med school 
I hope you are able to go to Herculaneum!! Luckily it was covered in mud and not ash so most of the frescos are preserved. I actually preferred it to Pompeii. Enjoy your trip!
Oh, blast! Reason 10,701 why we need to go back! Thank you so much for the recommendation! Hope you’re surviving…gets better, promise!
Thank you!! The support is much needed… second year is dreadful. I’m trying to stay positive- and I LOVE seeing your pictures! Italy is very dear to my heart 🙂
Oh I’m so glad (about the pictures and Italy, that is). I remember how awful second year was, but honestly the memories are now vague and muddied. It will pass, I promise. You’re gonna love clerkships!