The blue azzure of an ancient land

Sardinia or Sardegna as it is known in Italy is one of the oldest areas in Europe with settlements going back to 6,000 BC.

We decided to take six days away in Sardegna. We had been told about the wonderful beaches and seaside and to date it was a part of Italy we had yet to visit. So off we go. We selected the south of the island which is less developed than the north. We chose a resort location at Chia on the south east coast. It was comfortable and in a good location near the beach. Here is a pic from our balcony.

Sardegna is the second largest island after Sicily in the Meditterranean and sits just south of the French Island of Corsica.

Sardegna is one of the most geologically ancient land masses in Europe. It is dry with 300 days of sunshine a year and highlands up to 1,000 metres throughout the island.

The island has many ethnic influences. The most obvious today, apart from Italy, is Catalan and Spain. Language and lifestyle appears to be very much influenced by these. It is the 4th least populated area of Italy with just 1.6m people and is just 50 minutes flying time from Rome.

The prevailing wind for most of the year is the Mistral which can be quite strong at times and blows from the northwest.

The island is dotted by beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear ocean waters. Here are just a few examples in the south of the island.

This shows one of many areas set up where you can "rent" a deck chair for the day. Usually costs around 10-12 Euro and includes and umbrella or some form of covering

One of the many "Torre" that dot the Sardinian coast line.

Il mare (the sea) is crystal clear

Sand beaches and in many parts of the island relatively free of people.

Water was on the coolish side although once in the water it was great - so refreshing and clear - it was amazing!!

Sandy beaches which are different to the pebble beaches experienced in a great deal of Italy.

One of the best beaches we came across.

Below is the other side of beach life in Sardegna.

This is in Cagliari, the capital of Sardegna. Here vast areas of beach are contracted for supply of deck chairs and umbrellas.  It costs approx 5 euros to enter the beach area and another 10 for a chair and 5 for umbrella.

The main beach in Cagliari ........and the season is just starting. A mass of people but to the Italians a joy!

And of course the tourists. You can't escape them. But they are having such good fun that you put up with them. Here are a few pics of "the tourists"

On the beach

At our favourite restaurant La Luna, the fish was frescha (fresh) and we usually had the spignola (white fish), orata (like bream) or San Pietro (john dory). We loved the grilled fish which was served whole and then filleted in front of us. it always comes with potatoes (Alan's favourite).

Who is a happy girl?

Who is a happy boy?

Life is tough. Just getting my back tanned!  Tony Abbott eat your heart out.....speedos are back in according to papers here and in London!

Yes apperitivi is still very much part of our life! This was taken overlooking the beach in Pula, a town just north of our resort.

In general, towns and cities we visited were uninspiring when compared to the mainland cities. Cagliari has an old centro which is interesting and Pula has some quaint shops but in general not much to inspire.  They also shut for a serious siesta - most shutting between 1.30pm and 5pm.  The towns are desserted during siesta time.  We must agree as it is very hot during that time of the day...............nightlife prevails for the Italianos.

 

Cagliari old town

Cagliari Duomo

Pula

O well, life wasn't meant to be easy.

Princepessa has decisions, decisions....

is that the right nail colour?

 So baci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan

Herefordshire

Herefordshire, just near the Welsh border, was a delightful discovery. Richly green with hedged country lanes and historic mansions with picture perfect gardens.

Here are some pics of our journey through Herefordshire last week

This is Hampton Court Castle

Set on 1,000 acres this castle dates back to the 15th century

Henry IV gave the estate to Sir Rowland Leinthall who was knighted at the battle of Agincourt.

This is now one of England's finest stately homes

Note the maze in the foreground. Easy to get lost in!

The 12 acres of gardens at Hampton Court were rescued from neglect in 1994.

The gardens feature stunning flower beds.

 a house for the little people.......and some who like to play....

and a 150 year old wisteria tunnel leading to expanses of sweeping lawns.......the secent from this wisteria was amazing.....

Ludlow is a very interesting town. It is described as one of England's finest market towns.  It had a really lovely feel to it!

 

It is situated above the river Teme....

And has Alan's family hotel situated in the middle of town

The Feathers Hotel is one of the most photographed buildings in the shire.

Here is the other side of the Feathers Hotel.  The balcony at the front was used for political rallies.

TheChurch of St Laurence in Ludlow is outstanding having been "the parish church" for more than 800 years.

Many notable lords and ladies are buried in the church...

Ludlow Castle sits on the hill above the town.

Construction started in the 11th century around the time of the Norman invasion of 1066.

It was further expanded in the 14th century and was involved in the War of the Roses.

It also became the seat of government for Wales.

The castles' long history is reflected in its varied architecture: Norman, Medieval and Tudor.

Then onto the Berrington Estate...

Berrington Hall was constucted in the 1780's for Thomas Harley who became Lord Mayor of London in 1767 aged only 37 and a year later was made a Privy Councillor.

It is now a National Trust property. The interiors are in great condition with a marble hallway, drawing room, boudoir (for ladies to retire to), business room (for the gentleman to discuss affairs of the day), Lady Cawley's room (one of the ladies of the house), the dining room, the library, the oval room, dressing room, nursery and bedrooms.

The staff quarters are in wonderful condition and include a large laundry, kitchen, staff canteen and bedrooms.

Does anyone know what this means?

Well a HA-HA is a concealed wall. It is like an infinity pool. You cant see it from one side. It just drops away into the next field so that it all looks like one field. Very effective in keeping the cows away from one's manor house.

Next is Brockhampton Estate which features a medieval moat house and extensive grounds.

Well that's all for now. Off to Sardegna (Sardinia) tomorrow.

L'amore e Bacia a tutti

Carolyna e Alan

Friends and family

Here we are leaving 30 degree sunny days in Roma for England.

Mmmnnn, what to pack?

Well guess what, it was cold. 16-18 degree days were the norm although as the week progressed in did get into the early 20's. But I guess it is England!

We left at the beginning of the world cup so lots of English flags prevalent in old London town.

First game 0-0 against USA.

We stayed for the first two nights with Margaret (better known as the Baronness). A very dear friend of Carolyn (and now myself) whom she has now known for 30 years.

She has a beautiful apartment in St Johns Wood.

We had a wonderful time dining at La Aventure on the first night and fish and chips on the second. The Brits still know how to do good fish and chips!

Waiting for our royal carriage on the way to La Aventure

In our royal carriage on the way home

The fish and chip queue. Note the two sitting on the left.

We also had a wonderful lunch at Margaret's son's house in Hearne Hill.  Jon and Allison made us feel very much at home!

Then off by train to Herefordshire, on the Welsh border, to visit John and Katherine. John is Carolyn's cousin from her father's side. They have a beautiful old "rectory" property which they enjoy outside of their London base in Kew.

John and Katherine were gracious hosts and showed us many wonderful places in and around the area which will be the subject of a separate blog.

John has a cellar with some greart French wines. We were fortunate to have red wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy dating back to the mid 1990's. And of course we shared a traditional pint!

Then we were off to Watford to catch up with my son Peter and his fiance. They both work at The Grove, an amazing resort of 300 acres just north of London.  Peter and Victoria are marrying in October this year in Mallorca Spain and the whole family is looking forward to it very much.

We stayed at the Grove and it was clear from the reaction of the staff that both Peter and Victoria were liked by their colleagues.

The Grove Resort

And some pics of Peter, Victoria, Carolyn and myself.

Peter and Victoria in Pete's restaurant "Stables"

We had a great degustation dinner in their fine dine restaurant. Possible the best we have had.

The boys

And of course, as is tradition with father and son, we ......

O well, boys will be boys!

Just some wonderful moments with friends and family........

Ciao, ciao a bacci

Carolyna e Alan