We arrived in Rome on Friday and met up with my co-worker Maureen and her husband for some wine. It was great to catch up with them in this wonderful city!

There is lots to see and do in Rome and we’ve been busy! Will post photos later.

Miles walked last two days: 17.5

We left the beautiful Amalfi coast to spend a couple days in Ercolano, our chosen base for exploring Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples.

It was wonderful to get a glimpse into Roman life 2,000 years ago. The volcanic eruption that completely buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD also preserved them. Excavations today give us a glimpse into the cities and what Roman life was like. The cities are large and we spent a full day wondering through them. Pompeii shows the impressive size of the city but Herculaneum has better preserved structures.

Yesterday we ventured into Naples, where we explored the historic district and had dinner at a pizzeria (pizza originates from Naples).

Miles walked yesterday and today: 16.3

A stretch of Amalfi Coast:

Ruins of Pompeii:

Artifacts found at Pompeii:

Amplitheater:

Gladiators:

Roman fast food shop (common for lunch):

Changing room at the baths:

Mosaic floor at the baths:

Women’s baths:

Roman House at Herculaneum:

Another House:

Public fountain on Herculaneum street:

Herculaneum – current city on top, ancient city excavated below, and volcano that buried ancient city in background:

We’ve worked our way through Southern Italy to the Amalfi Coast where we spent the day walking through the towns of Ravello and Amalfi. The valleys, coastlines and gardens are beautiful. We are enjoying the hospitality of central Italy (which seems to be greater than in the south).

Miles walked last two days: 12

We have yet to see a Ferrari, so Brent has fallen in love with the classic Fiat 500:

Today we explored the scenic town of Tropea, South Italy. We enjoyed a sunny walk along the beach and then ventured through the citrus covered hills just outside of town. We were intrigued by the old churches and cemeteries covered by fresh flowers.

Miles walked today: 10.3

Today we visited a vineyard on the slopes is Mt Etna. We saw how monks once made wine on the property, and then got to sample wine made last year.

We are saying goodbye to Sicily and making our way back to mainland Italy.

Miles walked today: 4.5

Yesterday the rain cleared up and left us with a great view of Mt Etna (from Taormina). We were able to walk the streets and visit the Amplitheater before moving closer to Mt Etna.

Today we hiked to the top of Mt Etna which is Europe’s largest active volcano. Walking through the barren lava and ash fields made us think of what the moon must be like.

Miles walked yesterday and today: 18.3

View of Etna from our hotel in Taormina:

Downtown shopping district Taormina:

Amazing view from Amplitheater:

On our way up to Etna:

Happy Halloween! Today’s rain and fog made for a spooky Halloween in Taormina, Sicily.

Miles walked yesterday and today: 10.8

Today our thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Matt – we are wishing you strength and quick recovery. We love you so much.

Today we walked around Palermo where we saw cathedrals, markets, fountains, gardens, piazzas and architecture. And of course more good food.

Miles walked today: 10.8

Started the day with a long walk along Bari’s harbor where we watched the local fisherman clean and tenderize their morning catch of octopus. Tenderizing involves beating the octopus with a wooden paddle or slapping it against the rocks 40-50 times. This gives the harbor a very unique sound in the morning…

We then had one more flight to catch to get us to Sicily. Our flight was delayed 4 hours so we spent most of the day at the airport, playing against each other in bejeweled. We are looking forward to exploring Sicily tomorrow.

Miles walked today: 8.6

A little ballet and stretching on our balcony in Bari: