Rome, Vesuvius, Pompei

The next day was our excursion to Rome. We docked in Civitavecchia and boarded our excursion bus bright and early and headed to the Coliseum on a bus.

Behind us was an older couple with really thick New York accents. I couldn't stop giggling at their loud conversation.

"But I thought we were going to see the Spanish Steps!!"
"No, Paula, remember we looked at the excursions and this was the one you wanted."
"Well I just can't believe they aren't taking us to see the Spanish Steps! I could just go there myself and it would be so easy."
"Well, Paula, this excursion doesn't go to the Spanish Steps. If you want we can get off this bus and go see the Spanish Steps but I don't know how we'll get back to the ship."
"I just can't believe that they have a tour where they don't take you to see the Spanish Steps. And I wanted to see the Trivi fountain."
"Well Paula, I just don't know."

When we got there I think Paula forgot to keep complaining.

Our tour guide walked us through the history of the Coliseum, pointing out at many different times that the movie "Gladiator" has it allllll wrong.

Then we hopped over to the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel (which we didn't get photos of because it's strictly forbidden and there's really tight security everywhere)!

Fertility Goddess.  Betcha can't guess why.

Pieta of Michaelangelo

The next day we hiked Mt. Vesuvius (an active volcano) and visited Pompei, the city that was destroyed by preserved by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.

Near the top

Inside the volcano

The Amalfi Coast

Pompei

Is he tired of smiling for pictures yet?

Amphitheater with crazy acoustics 

You can still get drinkable water from this spout

Tour of the bath houses

We did have some days at sea where we just pulled up chairs and read books, went to the gym, wandered around outside, went hot tubbing, and tried adventurous things for lunch.  We also fell in love with the Turner Classic Movie station at night and watched some random (and awesome) John Wayne and Judy Garland movies, as well as "Risky Business."

Harry also got second place in an on-board speed rock climbing competition.  It was pretty impressive!

More to come!