Vesuvius 1: Pompeii 0

Erie!!! Yes, the feeling you get from visiting Pompeii is exactly how a 2000 year old city that was covered in volcanic ash should feel. However, you can also tell that the city was magnificent at its peek. Complete with fast food stands, pubs, vineyards, amphitheaters, mansions, and a summer vacation villa, Pompeii is/was a truly remarkable city. Although it rained for my entire visit, forcing me to take 7 hours to finish it all instead of the normal 4, the day was still one of my favorites on my journey. From the top of the city you can see Vesuvius, the ocean and a number of other mountains and valleys. It is quite obvious why the Romans chose to build a city here...its beautiful and a great advantage point for military. Each home was more lush then the next. Every room had mosaic floors and muralled walls, some of which are still in tact. The bounty of pots, urns, and statues that survived the ash and rain of fire are kept secure on display. Included throughout are the plaster encapsulated bodies of people who were crawling, hugging, and praying forever frozen in that state. It is a fate never wished upon anyone. But the glory of their city is not lost. The vineyards have been replanted and wine is being produced again. The amphitheatre is being reconstructed to once again hold plays. Hundreds of tourist come each day to explore and learn about a rich city that will forever be remembered.