Sounds of Sardinia

The Sardinian mountain sounds here are still the same and I wouldn’t change it for the world: goats bleating gleefully in the distant, the echo of donkey’s heehaw-ing as they chase each other under a twisted cork tree, farmers calling up the mountain to their cattle that it’s breakfast time, a solitary owl that makes its presence known in the wee hours of the morning, every morning perched atop the roof, and the distant sea that roars her mighty strength onto this island’s shore with dazzling drops of sea water.

Sardinia, Italy

Hello, Ciao. I’m finally back after a two year hiatus from Sardinia, Italy. The last two years have seen a dramatic change in the way we view the world, and it’s my hope that I can continue to inspire through this blog with tidbit’s on the culture, traditions and snapshots from this glorious island in the Mediterranean.

😊

Snapshots: Reminiscing about Cagliari, Sardinia

It was a whirlwind twenty-four hours at Cagliari this past fall, and I still can’t get this Mediterranean island city out of my mind. She’s jam-packed with events, spectacular beaches, wineries and local events that could keep me busy for a lifetime. I met a dear friend for an afternoon coffee and he showed me around this magnificent city by the sea.

He graciously pointed out areas of the city that had witnessed war, and buildings that still today suffer from the age-old conflict. I shall never forget those splendid hours in this city and my heart is calling to her. I will return, I shall return. Thank you, Cagliari for being the island city that this city-girl needs every once in a while.

Opinion: 100 Years Younger in 21 Days

A new British reality program has hit the airwaves where eight people between the ages of fifty-five to ninety-three undergo extreme diet plans and exercise regimens. The program is filmed on an island full of centenarians, an island full of splendour, an island filled with mystery, and a longevity that is deeply planted at its roots. The island is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, the island is Sardinia, Italy. The goal of this television program is to look, a joint, 100 years younger in 21 days. Surely, that is not possible! I’ve lived here for ten years and I can see the age creep in, it’s inevitable. Coming to Sardinia will not make you look younger in twenty-one days, but she will definitely make you feel younger in twenty-one days. Read on and I’ll tell you how to easily live to 100 years of age.

There are some strict rules that go along with this absurd reality show: all contestants are placed on a strict diet that suits the individual best, they are put through a rigorous exercise program and they undertake radical anti-ageing treatments like a snail facial, cow urine shampoo and coffee enema. EEEEwwwwwwww!

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New Year Greetings From Sardinia With Love

Wishing you all a safe, successful, and happy New Year filled with love, joy and peace.

my-sardinian-life-2016-jennifer-avventura

If you have any questions about your trip to Sardinia, don’t hesitate to send me an email. Just click on the contact tab at the top of the page.

See you in Sardinia my friends.

Picking up the pieces after Cyclone Cleopatra – Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is still in shock from the deadly storm Cyclone Cleopatra which devastated the island on November 18th, 2013. Entire communities are gone, livelihoods which took decades to build are destroyed, entire road systems and bridges washed away in the raging tide.

Six months of rain slashed Sardinia in less than twenty-four hours, 400 millimeters of rain washed away lives, hopes and dreams.

sardiniaA national day of mourning as been declared in Italy as residents come to grips in what has become one of the largest natural disasters to ever hit the Mediterranean island of Sardinia.

Islanders from all over Sardinia have come together to help those in need. Drop off centers for donating goods have sprouted up in every town across the island.

Here’s how you can help rebuild the lives for the people of Sardinia. The following links are in Italian – if you need help translating or have any questions then please leave your comment below.

Helpful links:

Comune = Town Hall or City Hall

To make a monetary donation please follow the banking details from the Comune di Olbia:

Account: n. 0540 – 070361388
IBAN: IT72U 01015 84980 000070361388
BIC/Swift Code: BPMOIT22XXX
Reference: Comune di Olbia Emergenza Alluvione

Alluvione = Flood

Sardinia needs your help.

Sardinia, Italy – Emergency Flood Relief Fund – How You Can Help

sardiniaThe city council of Olbia have set up an emergency relief fund after the devastating floods on November 18th, 2013. Sardinia is still in a state of shock and 17 people have lost their lives in one of the largest natural disasters to ever hit the Mediterranean island of Sardinia.

If you would like to donate please follow the banking details below:

Bank details:

Account: n. 0540 – 070361388
IBAN: IT72U 01015 84980 000070361388
BIC/Swift Code: BPMOIT22XXX
Reference: Comune di Olbia Emergenza Alluvione

Residents in effected areas are in dire need of clothing, shoes, towels, blankets and toiletries. If you can donate please send a package to the following address:

Edoardo Padre
c/o Bar Baraonda
Via Mameli n.11
07026 Olbia (OT)
Sardegna, Italy

If you have any questions on how to help in the relief efforts please leave a comment below.

Sardinia and her residents thank you.

Where the Mediterranean meets the Caribbean

Ten of us gathered for a late afternoon brunch at a friend’s house in West Bay, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Brunch is a BIG thing on the island and it’s the day most people look forward to. Some head out to expensive and posh hotels to drink expensive champagne which has been spoiled with orange juice. And others … like the Italians, meet with friends, inside their homes.

We sip beautiful earthy reds from the Mediterranean mountains of Sardinia and dine on locally, fresh caught Cayman lobster. This is where the Mediterranean meets the Caribbean.

ImageLife is pretty exceptional when you mix two worlds.

What are your Sunday traditions?

When is the best time to visit Sardinia?

Sardinia is known for its long summer, turquoise coloured warm waters, 200 days of sunshine and an average yearly temperature that will melt any Canadian’s heart. So, when is the best time to visit this magical island in the Mediterranean?

Average Monthly Climate in Sardinia, Italy

Average Temps Sardinia-page-001

Let’s break the year up into groups of four to see what it really looks like in Sardinia.

January-March

These three months are the coldest, wettest and most windy of the year. Locals busy themselves collecting wood to keep them warm during the drabbest months of the year.

April – June

This is my favourite time of year in Sardinia, the birds are singing and the town is filled with smiling happy people and the temperatures are warm enough for jeans and a t-shirt. It’s also the time for my favourite Sardinian festival of the year – Cavalcata Sarda.

July – September

These three months are undoubtably the hottest and busiest of the year. The sun is shining all day, every day and the beaches are filled with global beach goers. It’s the perfect time to chill seaside with the perfect novel.

October – December

October and November are iffy months. We’ve been known to spend an afternoon on the beach in November while the following day is filled with thunder, hail and lightning storms.

When will you visit Sardinia?

Chase The Dart | Believe in Dreams

Sometimes in life, you need a dart, a dart board and some courage. The board is there to make the final decision. Your only requirement is to throw the dart.

There are a myriad of options why one never throws the dart. There are limits to our logic. Most of the time we spend holding the dart, afraid to throw it, afraid of what the board will tell us.

I’ve held my dart for far too long. It’s time to let go, time to focus on the dream. Time to travel. The time is now. One way or another a life changing event will unfold. Again.

Throw the dart.

I can’t.

Just do it. It’s not the first time nor will it be the last.

But … but … packing up and moving again. Do I have it in me to culturally, emotionally and spiritually open myself up to a new country … again?

Yes, you can.

The dart flies out of my hand, through the air, swoosh. Eyes closed and heart pounding.

I … can’t … believe … I’m … doing … this … again! I’m nuts! Totally nuts!

The dart lands with a thud, stuck to the plastic map and wall. I can’t move, I won’t move. My new reality is about to unfold, another new beginning is about to start. Oh dear, I’m moving where … ? Continue reading

The Number One Best Thing About Living in Sardinia

***Post orginally written in October 2011. February 2012 we’ve been hit with snowstorms and blizzards for a week. Check out my most recent posts on the snow in Sardinia.

Sardinia Covered in Snow | Sardegna Sotto la Neve

Sardinian Snow Angel 

Video – Sardinia Covered in Snow

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