In 1972 Pink Floyd did a documentary which was set in Pompeii. I went to the Kelburne Cinema around 1978 with Ken Lightbody and I’m not sure who else was there but we were going to see a movie marathon that started near midnight. 

We were going to see Woodstock, Pink Floyd at Pompeii and The Song Remains the Same.  This movie marathon went onto about 6 in the morning. People brought sleeping bags, food and drink and of course drugs.  Having a wee toke of Paki Black in the Kelburne Cinema with hundreds of other folk watching three of the greatest music events of all time was really quite amazing.

Forty years later I have finally made it to Pompeii and they are still celebrating that moment in time. There is an exhibition in one of the corridors that was once used to let the rich and famous reach the expensive and the best seats first. 

Coming to Pompeii has been a life long dream  of mine and to be honest it did not disappoint, which I’m really glad about because I have seen a few places on this trip that did. 

I’m sure we all know about Pompeii and so I’m not going to give my version of events, but a few comments nonetheless.

The buildings look so familiar and you will recognise most things as you walk around. Add electricity and you could move in to many of these villas.

The frescoes on the wall are still fresh and you can still see the detail. The mosaics on the floor could have been finished yesterday. 

I also visited a tiny brothel with some interesting images and it had a little bed that was not so comfy looking.

There is one image though that I found very moving and brings home the thoughts and feelings of that day. This image is more powerful than words. This poor soul has resigned himself to his fate.

What was this poor soul thinking? 

.