Despite bearing a Greek name, Mount Versuvius is actually quite Italian. Sitting within a caldera of another volcano, Mount Somma, that had erupted 17,000 years ago, Mount Versuvius is a member of the exclusive Campanian volcanic arc and the only one that is currently active. Today, it assumes another identity as part of the Vesuvius National Park, receiving visitors by the bus loads, daring them to climb against a history of violent ejections of hell unto Earth.

Brave climbers, behold!, for new life in the form of lush vegetation, robust wildlife, bountiful vineyards and a thriving population of about 3,000,000 people of Naples, Italy, seen below from the summit, issues forth from the very life extinguishing lava of past eruptions, in poignant contrast. Of the experience from standing closest possible to the mouth of a volcano, taking gander of the grand unhindered view of the Bay of Naples and Naples, and further yet into engimatic parts of Italy, there is an appreciation to be had for the beauty of being in an unhurried present.

Life's fragility, when in the shadows to a sulphur seething giant that is ever ready to spew lava and ash, is made all the more stark, demanding an ever conscious recognition of mortal coil's possible abrupt conclusion, and in turn, the value of a life well led. Surmounting such a threat, and gaining a keen awareness of the personal capacity for courage, is reward in itself, bragging rights included.