Today has been an incredibly long day. I can hardly believe that we started this morning by arriving at the gates of the ruins of Pompeii just before opening time. We then spent two hours going from site to site, hitting the most important structures we had not seen during the visit a few days ago. Our fellow-participants gave on the spot explanations about each place.

We arrived back at the hotel with just enough time to clean up a bit, check out, and head to the train station. We had a nice trip from Pompeii to Naples. We waited about an hour in Naples before leaving on the train to Rome. From there it was a quick bus ride back to the American Academy. It was good to be back "home." I have a greater appreciation for my private room with a ceiling fan and internet connection, not to mention a bathroom with a shower.

Several of us went for pizza this evening. The locals in Trastavere were having a celebration and at some point must have had a parade. We had some excellent pizza while enjoying the night life of Rome.