Exploring Naples - Capri - Sorento

On Capri...
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We exchange glances which convey an equal mix of uneasiness and disbelief as our cruise director opens his discussion about Naples with, "Anyone who has been to Rome knows that you take your life into your hands when you cross the street.  Well, you ain't seen nothing yet!"  But, since we will be with a tour group, we find comfort in the wise words of Marcus - "...safety in numbers or speed..."

Sure enough, as if on que, our tour guide stopped us in front of the cross-walk and instructed (to our amusement after what we'd already learned in Rome), "We are going to cross the street now.  SHOW NO FEAR!"  In an effort to muster courage and bolster confidence, he repeated these words over and over in the headsets we had been issued until the last of us had crossed the street.  "No fear!  No fear!  Show no fear!  We are almost crossed.  Show no fear!"

Comming up to Capri via the water taxi
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We didn't actually stay in Naples, though.  Instead, we selected a tour that included a visit to Sorrento, Capri and Pompei.  Sorrento and Capri are nice charming little places, but the highlight was definitely Pompei.  The ruins of Pompei are well known, and walking through the streets of this once major metropolis, one can discover why.  The place is unexpectedly huge, and quite fascinating.  It would have been nice if we had time to visit the Herculeum, as well, which was destroyed by mud-flows instead of fire and lava.  As a result, there was much more preservation - for example, there are many tapestries and such that are still in tact.  The contrast of the two ruins would have been interesting, and would be recommended if anyone is planning a visit to this area.  As for us, we'll just have to imagine the Herculeum until we can come back another time!