For two years between 1990 and 1992 I was stationed on the USS Orion (AS-18) in Sardinia, Italy. One of our more frequent ports of call was Napoli - or Naples, Italy.

We worked very hard in the Engineering Department aboard the Orion, she was an old ship and need lots of attention from her crew. But every once in a while we would be granted leave for a day or two, to visit the city and the nearby Naval Station to do some needed shopping (and grab a Wendy's hamburger at the only fast-food place you would see in months).

On one of these days of liberty, I joined a tour to the ancient city of Pompeii - about 13 miles from the city of Naples. Once there we filed in with the other groups of tourists who would spend the day with us exploring the empty streets of Pompeii.

When in port at Naples, Mount Vesuvius looms up from the coast to occupy your sight on the Southeastern horizon. This is truly an awesome sight when you realize the history behind that jagged-topped volcanic relic. It is even more impressive when seen from the hilltops and streets of Pompeii.

I was surprised at many things in the city of Pompeii - the beauty of the architecture and the design of the inlaid ceramic tiles. There were also several interesting engineering designs - like the bathhouse with heated sauna.

It was thrilling to walk along the same stone roads that the Romans had so many years before. And the worn-out edges of steps and tables - and tracks of wooden carriages and wagons which were worn several inches into the stone in many places - proved to you that these streets were once very busy - much different than the quiet stillness I experienced that day.

The photos reflect the haze and heaviness of the day I was there - and seem somber and restful to me. Enjoy my shoebox full of photos - and drop me a line to tell me what you think (@@@).

I have other groups of photos - including Egyptian life and the Pyramids - and the Greek island of Corfu - among others. Let me know if you would be interested in seeing them, if there is enough interest I will put them up.

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