Sardegna

Photobucket Album

Just returned to Milan after an amazing week in Sardegna. The beaches were gorgeous - crystal clear, cool water. The landscape rich and dense. Large red rocks carved into interesting shapes by the heavy winds. Aromatic shrubs that can stand up to the wind - olive trees, rosemary, myrtle, fennel - scents that waft thru the air and are constantly enjoyed.

Typical day was heading out for the morning brioche and cappucino. Nonno got his newspaper, Luca screamed at the boats and flags that we saw walking along the marina. We got back to the apt and got our gear together for the beach. We would drive for about an hour just sightseeing while Luca napped in the car. The island is small and can be covered in probably 30 minutes, so we would just stop to take pictures, visit pretty spots to look around, while he slept. Then we would pick our spot for the remainder of the morning. You will see in the pictures the different beaches. Each had its own special unique characeristics - diverse rocks, sprawling sand, cozy locale... My favorite was the Punta Rossa....

Luca LOVED the beach! He ran up and down the shore, splashing in the water, dragging around his shovel. Luckily he has his Daddy's complexion so he got a nice tan!

After the beach we would head home for a nice lunch. Of course there was an abundance of amazing food - as there always is with Gioel's family. His father prepared essentially every meal for us with the exception of the morning brioche and cappucino which we got at the local bar. We had fresh fish bought from a local fish monger as he pulled in his boat to the dock after the morning catch. We had a Sardegnian version of my favorite ragu - made with only pork (sorry Marcia) on top of "gnocchi sarde", this little football shaped pasta-gnocchi type blend. There was the Sardegnian pork chop that was honestly the best I ever had - the region is known for its supreme pig and sheep. The fruit in season we got at the market - peaches, pears, grapes, apples... We went to an open market where we bought fennel which is supposedly not in season, but was incredibly good.  had it for lunch sliced up thin, drizzled with olive oil, lemon, S&P - just like Gioel makes it for me at home.

Luca was always worn out from the beach and he took a great afternoon nap. Late in the day I would take him around the center of town for a walk. Again, more screaming and pointing to every flag and boat. Luca also figured out how to go up and down the stair to get out to the balcony and he practiced over
and over... So proud of himself every time - we would say "Bravo Luca! and he would say "Thank you!" and we finally stopped saying "bravo" but he kept saying "thank you"... hehe

Gioel arrives tomorrow and we very excited to see him after over a week apart!
Miss you all - Happy New Year....

Love Ronni & Luca