The Purple Penguin

We slept in and slowly packed. Checked out after 10 and left our bags at the hotel and headed out to explore the modern town of Pompeii. Walked up to the cafe that we’d stopped at on our first day and had coffee and pastries, just as good as the first time, then walked up to the main square by the Cathedral. There is a main shopping street which we strolled down and then up the next street, before finding a spot on a bench by the square and settling in the sun to watch people.

We were comparing sitting there to being in the forum in Pompeii during Roman times. Lots of people walking dogs (the dogs were more interested in chasing pigeons or peeing on the Christmas tree), music from the Cathedral, people meeting up to chat, photos being taken of a young girl in a white dress (confirmation?), the party for her was happening at the bar across the way, people stopping to get photos, just all sorts happening and it was fun to watch. Several school groups came out of the Cathedral so we assumed it must have been the end of term thing. They posed in front of the Christmas tree for photos before heading off.

Having sat in the sun for a bit, we had a look around the Cathedral. Joe was grumpy about looking at a church until he came across the nativity scene which had all sorts happening. Not just the usual wisemen and shepherds but also sales people and bards. And right in front a man in a lab coat. Joe got a photo.

Overall this week ee had very good weather, with only bit of cloudy, showery day on Tuesday. Otherwise sunshine and warmer than expected which was really nice!

We debated having a last drink at the hotel before leaving, but decided against it and walked to the bus stop. We had a lovely meat and cheese platter at the cafe right by the main entrance to the ruins (Ristorante Suisse), it included a lovely pot of honey and walnuts. A very filling late lunch. Then off to Naples airport again. We had a reservation at a hotel right by the airport, but did have to play hopper across the main road to get to it. It was a usual business/conference hotel but suitable to make our flight the next morning.