Thursday, 22 September 2011

Working in Italy

Piet went on a nice business trip last week: a geological excursion in the south Italian Apennines. These trips are offered occasionally for people in the office to "reconnect with the rocks". The aim is to study oil or gas producing reservoirs in the field, and not behind a computer, and to get an appreciation for the variability, scale and detailed properties. This trip started in Naples, then towards the south, back north along the Adriatic coast, and returning through the mountains to Rome, 6 days in total. The weather was beautiful, the food was excellent, the company enjoyable, and Piet even learned a few things! What more can you wish for?
In the end Piet had half a day before returning home, and he took the opportunity to visit Ostia Antica. This is the ancient port of Rome, now some 4 km from the beach, and a huge site with remains of a large city. There are hundreds of houses, temples, baths and a well-preserved theatre. You can wander around for hours, and easily image the buzz during the Roman time. An appropriate ending of an excellent trip!

Looking at carbonate rocks near Salerno

Walking back after visiting some more rocks...

Matera, a UNESCO world heritage site in southernmost Italy

A mosaic in Ostia Antica, in a small shop along the ancient trading square

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