Richard And Jo Demeester's photos

Seafood platter to celebrate Jo's birthday.

A section of saucy paintings found on the walls of Pompeii's suburban baths.

In the vestibule of the House of Paquius Proculus, Pompeii.

A cast of a victim found in Orto dei Fuggiaschi, Garden of the Fugitives.

The Amphitheatre of Pompeii is the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre. Seating over 20,000, nearly the size of the Pompeii population of the time. The amphitheatre was, apparently, not just the site of gladiatorial clashes, but sports and entertainment of various forms. It was infamous in its day after a deadly riot in the crowd between the residents of Pompeii and another town, leading to a ten year ban on events at the venue.

A typical street, Pompeii.

Remains of scores of people were found in the boat houses. These buildings, which would have once been on the shoreline, appear to be where people headed and waited in the hope they would get rescued by sea.

The medallions hanging between the pillars were meant to ward off evil.

I love how the artist has captured the drunkenness so well. Hercules, apparently, was a notorious piss-pot, and was frequently portrayed in Roman times relieving himself.

Some neighbours turned up, the first time to their house this year. When they came, they could barely get to their front door, due to the street being overrun by our building works. I guess there were no hard feelings, because when we turned up with some wine and cheesecake to apologise for any inconvenience, we were invited to the party - arrosticini and beers.

An early trip for Jo's birthday. She got her wish - we found an Indian restaurant. Well, Steven found an Indian restaurant. All kudos to him.