Beautiful morning shadows and Fall color

Today's visit to Pompeii was brought to life by a wonderful guide who told us such interesting details of Pompeii life that now I have to go read the book about it and find out even more. Some of the especially intriguing things that we saw were: insides of residences, baths for both men and women, the "red light district" with painted scenes on the walls that the guide says were probably also used as "menus", the little rooms where the gladiators were caged before fights, casts of bodies that were trapped in the ashes that were highly detailed, showing clothing and sandals, and "fast food" places that were set up throughout the town. I loved this visit!

Today we drove to Naples to visit a museum where I saw an original Caravaggio, and then we visited some Catacombs nearby that date from the third and fourth centuries. It was fascinating. They were used for many things throughout the centuries, including worship during periods of religious persecution, command central during wars, etc. In the tombs of some wealthy occupants, beautiful frescos were painted on the stone walls.

This week we have a new Italian teacher, Francesco, who speaks very rapidly, all in Italian, and it is intense!! Still time in the afternoon for strolling with camera and sketching unknowing subjects. Yesterday a man thought that I was sketching him and was very disappointed to find out that it was the woman beyond him.

This trip offers lots of interesting sketching opportunities. Yesterday, while sitting at lunch, I sketched an artist painting plein air very close to me. When I sit in the hotel lounge which is airy and lovely, there are always good subjects.

Today was a perfect day, and it looks like my entire stay in Italy will be so. Such inspiration.

Beautiful day in Positano.

Sorrento e bellissima! The weather has been amazing, the food delicious, the people kind and patient, the accommodations comfortable, all in all a perfect trip. The Italian language school was very stressful in the beginning, but so enjoyable now, and I am learning a lot. I will have so much fresh inspiration for painting when I get back home. Tomorrow is a day in Positano which I am sure I will love.