I See Dead People

A few yeas back Karen and I visited the ancient city of Pompeii which was buried under volcanic ash after a massive eruption in 79 AD. We were lucky enough to be spared a six hour walking tour with nothing but a map to guide us. We met a little Italian security guard who took us under his wing and gave us a private two hour guided tour.

We kept telling our tour guide that we wanted to see 'the dead people'. If you have ever seen documentaries or photos of Pompeii they always show the petrified dead people. He got so mad at us and told us that there was so much more to see in Pompeii. He was right. We saw the farmers market, the brothel, the amphitheatre and the remains of several homes. In the entry of one of the homes we saw the mosaic floor picture above. How's that for a "Beware of Dog" sign?!

After he showed us what a wonderful city Pompeii had been he finally took us to see the dead people. I felt bad for thinking that was all there was to this fascinating and once thriving City. On the way to see the dead people, he showed us these petrified animals.....

Apparently, the dog picture above was chained to his master's house and died while struggling to free himself. We finally saw the dead people too. Very sad and very humbling. We left that day hot, tired, covered in dust and reflective. It made me realize that even back then life was the same. It was all about love, family, friends, food, wine and pets....