Pompeii Basin (1973)
A marble basin in the calidarium (hot-water bath) of the Forum baths in Pompeii. It offered cold water to overheated bathers.
When we were in Rome, an “optional excursion” to Pompeii was too tempting to pass up. It was an all-day adventure, involving a rather lengthy but at times scenic bus ride departing very early in the morning. As our trip got underway the guide, Salvatore, introduced himself in Italian, Spanish, German, and English. But something seemed off. Although the majority of the passengers were American, the English version of his comments always came last, usually beginning well after we had passed whatever he was describing.
But sometimes Salvatore would make an announcement only in English. For example, when the bus stopped for a potty break, he specifically admonished us with “English and Americans, take your time quickly!” While driving through a decrepit part of Naples, he said “English and Americans, look at what your fathers destroyed during the War!” After Salvatore proudly informed us that “we’re now driving on the beautiful autostrada that Mussolini built,” my father decided enough was enough. He raised his right arm in the salute used by Nazis as well as Italian Fascists and shouted “Viva il Duce!” Half the passengers applauded, as Salvatore muttered something in Italian that probably wasn’t suitable for family viewing.
When we got to Pompeii, Salvatore fortunately turned us over to a different guide who had no political agenda, and delivered her commentary entirely in English. Our only complaint was that we had far too little time to explore the fascinating ruins.