Pompei

Oh Pompei.  Did I ever tell you it has been a dream of mine to visit this place my whole life?  Ever since I learned the history of the city frozen in time, I had to see it.  So, Husband and I made a quick detour from Florence, on our way to the Amalfi Coast.  We actually spent a night in Pompei, to give us more time to explore the ruins, which really takes at least an entire day.  We could and should have spent more time there, but truth be told, it was so ridiculously hot.  I don't recommend doing Italy in the summertime if you plan to hit all the tourist spots.  But, you make do.  
I loved Pompei, it was really quite fascinating.  But I had one disappointment.  And this is entirely morbid of me, but I really expected to see more casts of bodies.  You know, the dogs, the pregnant mothers, the people covering their faces.  So morbid!  I know.  But growing up, I saw all of this stuff in books.  And I don't know if we just didn't hit the right spots, because the ancient city is actually very big on foot - or maybe they're somewhere else.  I don't know.
I think the most surprising thing to learn was how similar the ancient Romans were to us.  In reality, human kind has evolved, but in many ways, thousands of years later, we are very much the same.  I mean, these people had day spas with hot tubs!  And fast food joints, bars, bakeries, theaters, plumbing (granted it was lead plumbing).  And not only did they have many modern day conveniences, but everything was so intricately constructed with the marble, brick, columns and painted frescoes.  I can only imagine how beautiful this place was back in it's heyday.  It's such a tourist's playground now, but in reality, the ancient ruins of Pompei are actually a grave site to a once bustling city, and all those who perished there.