Dear Gaetano,
We wanted to send a proper written letter of thanks, but could not come up with a mailing address. Somehow though, we imagine that we could just address it “Gaetano Manfredi, Pompeii” and it would find its’ way to you!
The three hours we spent together was very powerful. The natural forces that conspired to preserve Pompeii, almost two centuries ago, would be in vain if there were no one to properly interpret the site for us today. Fortunately, through your long studies, natural observational skills, and a great sense of logic in stringing together a narrative; those who engage your services get a unique opportunity to time travel with you. And just as unique, are the comparisons you make along the way to so called “modern” cultures. It was very insightful and we will never be the same for it.
We would recommend to any Rome bound visitor, that they come to Pompeii first with you, as we did. Over and over, in the days following our visit with you, your words would come back to us – in the layouts of the old temples and the baroque churches of Rome, in the street front arrangements of Rome, time and again seeing storefront – storefront – home entry to inner courtyard – storefront – storefront. Even the streets of Rome itself, rock speed bumps built right into the same sort of sidewalks as Pompeii. The parallels were everywhere once one knew how to see it. And that is your gift. Helping others to see it.
Thanks always,
John and Debra Gall