Unpacking Italy & Sicily - Part Nine
Glimpses of a Lost World
Buongiorno,
Pompeii is one of Italy’s most iconic historical sites. While history isn’t usually my thing, I couldn’t help but stand in awe of this incredible lost city. At the very least, I’ll share some photos and a few memorable highlights. One that stands out was our tour guide—dressed in perfectly coordinated red and blue, he was easy to spot in the crowd and made sure we never lost track of him amid the throngs of visitors.
The next photo galleries offer a unique glimpse into daily life in the Roman Empire—frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Pompeii's preservation has yielded a vast collection of artifacts and human remains. Archaeologists have found a multitude of objects, including jewelry, food remnants, and even skeletal remains, offering insight into daily life and the tragic events of 79 AD.
Everyday objects: Utensils, tools, and household items offer glimpses into the daily routines of Pompeians.
Food remnants: Among the most unique findings in Pompeii are food remnants. They helped us learn about what types of food the locals consumed and how healthy their diet was. Whole eggs, fruit, and nuts were discovered preserved in the ash.
Art: Frescoes, mosaics, and other artistic works provide insights into Pompeii's culture and artistic styles.
Bodies and Casts & Preserved remains:
The volcanic ash preserved the forms of human bodies, which decayed and left hollow spaces in the ash.
Archaeologists poured plaster into these hollow spaces to create casts, revealing the forms of victims in their final moments.
The Cellini Gallery
We couldn’t resist a visit to Cellini Gallery, the leader in the sector of Coral and Cameo-Making. It just happens to be next to the Pompeii site. We spent several Euros there, coming home with cameos for a few family members.
Traveler’s Tip: They were more than willing to barter and offer us deals when it appeared we might leave without purchasing.
If you could…
What would you want to ask someone who once walked these ancient streets?
Hope you'll join us at The Kitchen Table on Friday, June 27th. This month at the Kitchen Table, we gather with suitcases full of stories, hearts cracked open by beauty, and maybe even a little sand still in our shoes.
Inspired by the theme “The Art of Returning,” we’ll explore what it means to come home—not just physically, but emotionally and soulfully—after stepping away from our everyday lives. Whether you’ve recently travelled far or simply taken a pause from routine, time away has a way of shifting something inside us. We’ll reflect on how holidays—of any kind—leave us changed, awakened, softened, and somehow a little more ourselves again.
As always, we’ll share gentle conversation, meaningful reflection, and a creative project to anchor our experience.
This month’s creative invitation:
You’ll be guided in creating a simple handmade card inspired by a travel memory—real or imagined. Your card will serve as a soulful keepsake of a time you felt truly alive and present.
Bring your tea, your stories, and watch for a list of supplies you'll require for the creative project. Let’s gather and gently honor the magic of stepping away—and the beauty of what we find when we return.
Hope you can join us!
Arrivederci!
Pompeii is top of my bucket list. I have been following all the archeology for a couple years now.. I'm so fascinated by what we are learning about the lives of the people that were there.