Italian journey begins: thrilling car rental, delightful cuisine, and we are ready to explore the ancient city of Pompeii..
The journey to Italy began with an unexpected car rental mishap, but luckily, the renowned birthplace of pizza quickly soothed the adventurous foodie’s stomach and lifted her spirits.
On the day of arrival, brimming with excitement, we headed to the car rental office, unaware of the unforeseen troubles that awaited us. Fortune favored us, and we eventually succeeded in renting a car, sticking to our original plan and embarking on this long-awaited adventure.
During lunchtime, we wandered through narrow alleys and arrived at the birthplace of pizza. The pizzas here were like works of art. Thin crusts emerged from the oven, topped with fresh tomato sauce and rich cheese, leaving us salivating. Each bite was a taste of Italian tradition and passion, as if I had become a part of this culinary masterpiece.
To enhance this delightful experience, we ordered a cocktail crafted by Hermuth and Camperi. The cocktail exuded a fragrant aroma, and each sip brought forth a rich and smooth flavor. As I savored this delicious concoction, I felt as if I were floating under the Italian sun, fully indulging in the country’s warmth and vibrancy. I hope this captures the essence of your experience in Italy.
The next day, with eager anticipation, we prepared ourselves to explore the ancient city of Pompeii.
Pompeii, the place I had longed to visit, this magnificent ancient city, a “natural history museum,” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Reflecting on my European road trip, I realized that each country in the European Union holds rich historical and cultural charm. It is only through delving into the local history that one can truly appreciate its uniqueness.
My introduction to Pompeii began with the bestselling novel “Pompeii” by British author Robert Harris, or perhaps from the “Spartacus Uprising” chapter in my international history textbook. The Spartacus Uprising was the largest slave revolt that took place from 73 BC to 71 BC and was eventually suppressed by Crassus, one of the three Roman triumvirates.
It was through the Spartacus Uprising that we learned about Mount Vesuvius, where Spartacus fought against the Roman army, and it was because of the existence of Mount Vesuvius that we discovered the ancient city of Pompeii.
Time froze on a day in AD 79 when Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, mercilessly covering Pompeii in thick volcanic ash, wiping it off the face of the Earth. Pompeii lay silent and buried for nearly two thousand years. It wasn’t until a day in 1707 when people accidentally discovered three beautiful female statues while digging a well in a garden at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. At that time, people thought it was just a part of the ancient artifacts along the coast of the bay of naples. It wasn’t until 41 years later when human remains wrapped in volcanic ash were excavated, finally revealing the name of the city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79: Pompeii.
Today, only one-third of Pompeii’s ancient city is open to visitors, while the rest remains hidden underground. The history of this city is like a mysterious and captivating novel, waiting for us to explore.
Pompeii: Unveiling History, stay tuned for our next post, coming soon..