Carol

We will be there in late November and wanted to take a day trip to Pompeii. Does anyone know if the earthquake has caused any damage in Pompeii or in Rome? Is it safe to travel there now?

Eye Spy

Carol: I don't believe there is any cause for alarm. If you are in doubt, check if trains are delayed on www.trenitalia.com, click on English flag. All in all, you shouldn't have problems. If you read Italian check out the daily Corriere della Sera website, although it sometimes crashes the web browser. www.corriere.it.<BR>

Californian

After an earthquake, there are always aftershocks. These are not to be confused with an actual &quot;earthquake&quot;. They are little tremors that may move things around, but not really a concern.<BR><BR>So far, the magnitude ratings that I have seen on this quake were under 6. If this holds true, this is not a big quake. Unfortunately, many structures in Europe, etc. are not designed for even medium size quakes...therefore the death and destruction.<BR><BR>In California, this size quake would knock a few cans off the shelves and that would be about it. Many of the natives would have to read about it in the paper or hear about it on tv to even know it happend.<BR><BR>To answer Carol's question, of course it is safe to travel where you want to go. If you worry about this type of thing, you have a much better chance of being run over by somebody on a Vespa.<BR><BR>Californian

Carol

Thanks, Californian. I do feel better now. The destruction just looks so awful, and it's just such an awful thing.

gb

I just spoke via email to a friend in Pompei. They did not have any damage there, but they have been warn of the potential of earthquakes and large aftershocks in the region. It is safe to travel.

Howard

Carol, we just returned from Italy last night. The areas you are going to were not affected by the earthquake.

abc

This thread has been modified since yesterday. - many posts were removed. <BR><BR>Carol got a lot of flack from people here about her question. She is simply trying to figure out what to do. She actually posted an apology which was also deleted along with the other messages. Let's give her a break. She is traveling to the region soon and just wanted some information. I don't think she meant to offend anyone - especially the people who live in the town and lost their children.

Mark

I did not see the posts that were deleted, but I must say that this sounds like a legitimate question. The fact that people died is indeed a horrible thing, but it seems reasonable that if someone has a trip planned to this area, they have a right to try to find out if it's safe to travel. I personally don't think that anyone who posts to this board would intentinally post a question meant to offend. My condolences to all families.

laurel

My post was one that was removed. Although I was not personally offended by the question asked by Carol, as it was a valid question, just not very well timed.<BR><BR>On another note, if one is worried about damage in Pompeii, I think the damage there has already been a tourist attraction for decades! But Carol, watch out for bandits on Motorbikes if you are driving through Torre Anunziata! But enjoy your trip. Buon Viaggio!

xx

not very well timed? she's leaving in a few weeks. when should she inquire? when she gets back? the day before she leaves? she had to ask now ; she would have needed time to alter her plans if that had turned out to be necessary.

Pat

Hi, My message has nothing to do with earthquakes but noticed on Laurel's warning of bandits on Torre Anunziata. We stayed here June 2001 at Hotel Grille Verde (very adequate), believe me the bandits are also on foot and stole from the back seat of our car whilst waiting outside of Hotel. Good location though to visit Pompeii.

laurel

re bandits- While my Pompeii comment was a bit tongue-in-cheek, Pat's warning is a word to the wise. Be careful and don't wear flashy, loose jewelry, even while riding in a car. Also do not keep your handback on your lap. It's possible they will pass the car and attempt to reach in and grab whatever is in plain sight. I was strongly warned of this by my limo driver while visiting Oplontis, just before Pompeii.

Carol

I was not aware of the bandit problem in Pompeii and appreciate the warning. We were planning to take the train from Rome. Do we need to watch out for bandits on the train as well?

ann

We were in Rome when the earthquake occurred and never even knew it had happened until we called home.

Rae

Carol, there always has been and probably always be &quot;bandits&quot; on trains and walking the streets. Just some places have more incidents than otheres, so watch your bags on the trains and in the cars. You won't have any harm come to you if you aren't flashy and distracted. Don't worry, plenty of nice, decent, non-bandits ride the train from Rome every day. But remember that you have to change trains in Naples to get to Pompeii, you go downstairs to the Circumvesuviana line, and you may be approached by men pretending to be porters, just say no.

rar

was just in naples/pompei last weekend, no damage or problems.