Well here I am overlooking the Bay of Naples, staying in a 5 star hotel which is the sort of place one sees in the films. https://www.grandhotelangiolieri.it/en/. George Clooney would not be out of place. He’s not here though – as far as I know. My room does not have a sea view but, apart from that, it seems very nice. I am a little worried about the three marble steps down to the bathroom……

Unfortunately, the journey over here was not quite so scenic. First bit was fine – nice young man in a silver Mercedes whizzed me up the A303 without too much effort. On the plane I had the last seat at the back, right next to the toilet, no window and no ability to put your seat back. Two people also stood on my foot. Ho hum. Just as well it wasn’t a long flight.

The group is as expected. Everyone retired, half of them American (must watch my alcohol intake lest I start a conversation I might regret) and several very knowledgeable about the Roman Empire.

The weather is not as sunny as it was at home although the temperatures are similar. It is currently raining a bit but the waiters are denying it.

The land around the motorway south of Naples has an interesting mixture of modern blocks of flats interspersed with old villas and what must be ancient gardens. You can imagine ancient Romans building themselves sea view villas just as people do today.

We have had a nap, a talk about the development of Rome from a smallish city into the Empire of Augustus and dinner. Rather short on veg but nice nonetheless.