Tropea to Salerno

After leaving Tropea we continued north to Cetraro where we were meeting Pete who was arriving by train

A stowaway who joined us way out at sea. How does such a small creature fly so far, especially against the wind. 

The anchorage in Cetraro where we met up with KI and Walanthea again and enjoyed a wonderful sardine supper cooked by Campbell. We then said goodbye as we were staying to wait for Pete and they were keen to continue on their travels together aiming to cross the Atlantic at the end of the year.

"Liquid gold" - the amazing effect of early sunset on the water.

I had to include this picture as I just love the colours and the "aerial perspective" as Pete informed me it was called. Usually this would be in shades of blue/grey but just as the sun was setting the palette changed. I had some very useful photography lessons during the two weeks Pete was with us.

Silhouettes of Serenity against the sunset

The coastline at Maratea with the statue of Christ at the top with his arms outstretched.

We then anchored off the beach at Sapri where "Alan" the dinghy went off for an adventure on his own. Luckily he had drifted inshore and Pete spotted him! 

The beautiful town of Scario.

A much needed beer stop before lunch. However, we were given so many snacks with the drinks that we then didn't need lunch!

Look who I met on my walk around the back of the town.

 Looking back down onto the harbour and Serenity tucked in against the wall.

Apricots growing, just ready to pick but too far away to reach!

So many fish!

Pompeii

We caught the train from Salerno to Pompeii and had a wonderful, but VERY hot day walking around this huge site.

The amphitheatre - the oldest known (80BC) and thought to be the model for others. It has a capacity of 12,000 

"Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization and, like an open book, provides outstanding information on the art, customs, trades and everyday life of the past.
The city has re-emerged from the darkness of centuries precisely as it would have been when it was unexpectedly buried in the thick layer of ash and lava which poured down from the devastating eruption of Vesuvius. It was the year 79 A.D. The scale of the tragedy was appalling: in what had been one of the most active and splendid Roman centres, life came to a permanent standstill.
The thick layer of volcanic material which submerged it, made up to a large extent of ash and lapilli - non-hard material, unlike that which covered Herculaneum and which solidified into extremely hard stone -has meant that the city has remained intact until the present day, not only as far as its buildings are concerned, but also as regards the contents inside the houses and shops, providing an absolutely fascinating picture of "daily" life."

The mosaic of the guard dog was intended as a warning to visitors not to step on small, delicate dogs of the Italian greyhound type.

A view of the ruins with Vesuvius in the distance

Bodies and artefacts had been buried for 1700 years under 30 feet of mud and ash

Grindstones at the bakery with the brick ovens behind. 

There were about 34 bakeries in Pompeii producing fine flour for the dignitaries and courser flour for the commoners. The millstones were made of a lava stone that did not leave residues in the flour that could be harmful to the teeth. There is a conical piece inside and the outer part was rotated using wooden bars and rotated by slaves or donkeys.

Salerno

Some photographic practise around the streets of old Salerno

Heading for gelato?

Inside the main cathedral.

Thanks to Wolfgang and Ursula we found the medicinal herb gardens at the top of town.

The locals claim that the medical school, which has existed at least from the 10th century, was the first and leading centre of medical knowledge in western Europe. It is supposed to have been founded by a Greek, a Latin, an Arab and a Jew who used their knowledge of languages and medical practices to translate and accumulate knowledge. 

The Minerva Garden traces its roots back to the 14th century, when the medical writer and botanist Matthaeus Silvaticus decided to set up a small garden of simple medicine, attached to Salerno’s medical school, 

The view from the herb gardens looking down to the marina.

Originally the gardens, which were created on seven levels, had their own irrigation system. There was a network of waterways, fountains and springs,  the remains of which you can still see today although a modern system has now been installed.

In the central garden on the first level, the plants are divided into sections reflecting the “four elements”: Air, Earth, Fire and Water, which formed the basis of the “humors theory” developed by Greek physician Galen, who lived between 129-216 AD. The mix of pairs of elements form the four fundamental bodily qualities: hot, cold, dry and wet.

.......and on the subject of gardens! This is the garden on Serenity - basil, mint and peppers.