Living La Dolce Vita

Day 13

Today we left Sorento, heading back to Rome. Our first stop was Pompeii. This decimated city left me in awe, such an amazing place full of so much history. I have trouble believing I actually saw it first-hand. Even though much of the marble has been stripped from the ancient city it is still incredible and been able to experience the places people lived so many years ago is indescribable. 

Pompeii

© A Product of Silence

After leaving Pompei we had a brief stopover in Naples where we had lunch. I would have enjoyed Naples much more had our tour guides not scared the life out of us with stories of muggings etc. As it was there was there was a protest happening by out of work men in the centre square. 

However lunch was incredible. We found a little pasta restaurant out of the way, up a tiny alley way and we had one of the best meals we'd had in Italy. This was mostly because of the entertainment which consisted of a man playing a piano accordion who serenaded us while we ate. If I didn't look up I could imagine it was Dean Martin singing 'That's Amore' amongst other songs that you associate with Italy from years gone by. It was a magical time. 

Bay of Naples

© A Product of Silence

We arrived back at our hotel in Rome at 6.15 and spent the evening doing some last minute shopping and packing up ready for our departure tomorrow. It's hard to believe my stay in Italy is nearly over. We have seen so much in our short time here. I'll be sad to leave, but I'm looking forward to seeing my family.

Going Home

Part 54

Finally Josh looked up and saw Grace beginning the decent. Hoping to God someone competent had control of the ropes he watched as she slowly made her way down.

Robert was also watching Grace descend the cliff from above. He knew she was trained to do these things just like Josh but knowing and seeing were two different things. She looked so small climbing down the cliff face. He really liked Grace, she seemed perfect for Josh. She was intelligent and caring but she was also calm and competent and from what he’d seen she wasn’t intimidated by him in a way he imagined some people would be. Robert was glad Josh had found someone so lovely to share his life with.

Minutes later Josh was relieved as he helped Grace out of the harness and released the rope for the stretcher, spinal board and brace to be lowered. As Josh waited for the equipment Grace walked over to Maddie. Crouching down she smiled at the little girl “hi I’m Grace, has Josh been looking after you?”

Turning his head at the question Josh frowned at her.

Giving him a cheeky smile Grace looked back at Maddie, “we’re going to have you out of here in just a minute.” Then looking back at Josh, Grace watched as he took the rope off the stretcher and spinal board. Bringing them over to Grace he looked at her “ready?” Nodding, Grace took the neck brace from him and turning back to Maddie fitted the brace around her neck chatting to her all the while to keep her relaxed. Then they put the spinal board under the girl and lifted her with care onto the stretcher. Carrying the stretcher over to the ropes Josh attached it and called up to the top “okay we’re all set here.

Robert waved that he had heard and said “right Josh.”

Looking at Maddie, Josh asked “you ready?”

Fear was visible in Maddie’s eyes but showing she had guts she said “I think so.”

Seeing her uncertainty Josh said “don’t worry they’ll pull you up carefully, just stay still.”

Stepping back Josh called “okay just take it slow.”

The stretcher began its ascent back up the cliff and as they watched from below Josh reached out and pulled Grace close. He kissed her head.

Wrapping her arms around him Grace closed her eyes and took a deep breath, glad that it was a good outcome. 

Going Home

Part 53

Some minutes later Josh heard another vehicle arrive and guessing it must be the ambulance he stepped back again and looking up waited for some movement. But after a few minutes he wondered what the hell was taking so long. Impatient to get moving he called out “Grace?”

Straight away Grace appeared at the edge. “Yeah Josh, we’re just working out what we’re going to do.”

“Well I’ve got a suggestion how about getting us out of here.” Josh said with irritation.

Grace frowned. “Josh, the problem is neither of the ambulance officers have done any climbing and as you know it needs two people to move Maddie. The rescue guys are out on another call and as Margaret said we were here they decided to leave it to us rather than have us wait. So I guess I’m coming down, but I’ll have to fill them in on what to do with the ropes. So hang on.”

“Well hurry up will ya?”

“I’m going as fast as I can, take it easy.”

Sighing Josh frowned as he considered this development. He wasn’t happy about Grace climbing down with someone who was inexperienced in charge of her rope but apparently they didn’t have much option and he had faith in her ability. So taking a deep breath and trying to be patient Josh waited.