Favourite moment of 2016

.

 

A new ****e one that won't last 30 years versus one with character which has?

Uh hu.

 

Politics - The Brexit Vote
Personal - A close loved one getting clear test results
Highlights - Climbing three active volcanoes, Vesuvius, Etna and Stromboli, and seeing several eruptions on the latter just metres away.

 

Presume you did the night time ascent on Stromboli?
Nice little island - if you're not put off the by the cholera/typhoid(?) graves visible as you approach by boat

 

Yes, did the climb in October, the old route up past the observatory, then a scrabble up rock faces to the top.
Quite unforgettable, definitely going to do it again.
TBH I never saw the graves, was concentrating on not ending up in one myself!!!!
Was in a pizzeria there, all done out in Napoli blue tiles, just as they crashed out Europe.....they werent happy.
(Just checked, they got beat 2-3 at home to Besiktas, twas bugging me)

 

I'll second that. ****in Mare getting rid of the Bitch.

 

She finally came home then???

 

Not an easy island to reach, that ferry from Napoli is always booked up. If you want a quiet place to get away from it all, Stromboli is it. No proper road and all the drinking water is tankered in. Would deffo go again though. And do Pompeii properly this time.

 

I flew into Sicily, did Etna, then caught the hydrofoil from Milazzo to Vulcano (forgot that one, so did four). then onto Stromboli via hydrofoil.
Did Vesuvius earlier in the year on a seperate trip to mainland Italy.
With regards to doing Pompeii properly, you are spot on.
Did it as part of an organised tour, and only saw about a tenth of it.
Doing Vesuvius and Pompeii properly again in a couple of months (and Herculaneum, Naples and the Phlegrean Fields (burning volcanic fields).

 

And the night sky in Stromboli is almost as spectacular as the volcano.
As you know there are no streetlights so on a night you have to take a torch out with you, because it is pitch black.
But the stars are something else.

 

Stayed in Sorrento for Pompeii and Herculaneum, but about 40% of Pomp has not been excavated/uncovered yet.
The Camorra have lots of things sewn up down there, so independent unaccompanied trips are not easy.
Made the trip to Gracie Fields' gaff on nearby Capri.

 

Last post before it looks like I work for the Italian tourist board.....
My favourite picture from the top of Mount Etna....

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And sat directly opposite one of the active craters on Stromboli, waiting for the sun to set and the fireworks to begin....

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Did the cable car to the top of Capri this summer. Stunning views. Stayed in Sorrento and cocktails on the hotel roof terrace as the sun set and Vesuvius changed colour a thousand times is a memory that will stay with me. I enjoyed Herculaneum more than Pompeii. A bit disappointed with Vesuvius up close. Before the '44 eruption it was really impressive apparently.

 

Personal - graduating uni and getting a job I enjoy.

City - A combination of the Derby 3-0 and the Playoff final.

Honorable mentions - the Olympics, Sturridge's last minute winner against the sheep shaggers, becoming an uncle, 21st birthday party, finally seeing Radiohead live, christmas.

 

Personal - securing a permanent contract at work.

City - The Derby away leg in the play offs.

 

Good work fella

 

It just wasn't a good year for me. I won't bore you with the details.

 

Cheers for sharing. It's interesting stuff and not places I'd really considered.

 

I'm sorry to hear that. Presumably midnight on New Years Eve was your favourite moment.

Here's to better luck this year. (no offence Askewshair)

 

You know that old saying "You make your own luck" ?

I like it and I live by it, but it's not always true.

All the best Dutch.