Ollolai, Italy: The small Sardinian town selling homes for €1

Posted on January 31 by Jennifer Avventura

We’ve all dreamed of owning a home on some far-away exotic island where they don’t speak English and life is the clichéd dolce vita. The town of Ollolai, a luscious green zone in the Barbagia region of Sardinia, are now selling abandoned homes for €1. Shocking but true. The internet has lit up from joyous dreamers who want to pack it in and live the la dolce vita, I mean who wouldn’t want a taste of this attainable dream, for only $1.52CAD you too can stop dreaming and make it a reality. But how…? Continue reading →

Snowed in Sardinia

Posted on January 20 by Jennifer Avventura

It’s hard to imagine Sardinia’s slopes, peaks and valleys covered heavily in snow, but it happened. It snowed in Sardinia!

This past week in many parts of Sardinia it snowed so hard that many people were left without heat, electricity or even a way out of their homes. It left its mark in the memories of the locals and those that had to shovel out of it. Most of the island was hit with a blanket or two of the cold white stuff, the worst hit areas are Nuoro, Fonni, and Tonara where it took far too long for help and snow plows to arrive. My thoughts, prayers and wishes for warmth and safety to those affected by the storm.

The above photo whipped by our windows a few days ago leaving a thick white blanket which quickly melted and trickled down to the sea. Such a contrast from the bright blue sky that I’ve come accustomed to in sunny Sardinia.

Did snowmageddon reach you?

Dear Santa Claus: Let Sardinia smile again – In the aftermath of disaster

Posted on November 24 by Jennifer Avventura

Dear Santa Claus,

“Make a great gift to us sisters, that Sardinia will smile again, as always.”

Photo by Debora Deiana

**This photo was circulating Facebook early this morning, and it hit the soft spot we all carry in our hearts. I emailed Debora to get her permission for this photo and she happily obliged.

On November 18th, 2013 Sardinia was hit by a deadly cyclone, killing 17 people and leaving thousands homeless. Islanders have come out in full force in offering beds, clothing and a shoulder to cry on. The solidarity seen between the communities of Sardinia in the aftermath of cyclone Cleopatra just proves how strong, united and committed the islanders are in the wake of disaster.

The following map shows areas which were affected by Cyclone Cleopatra, people offering help, evacuations, emergency services, news, flooding, volunteer help, and stories.

Click to visit site

60 communities were crushed by Cyclone Cleopatra:

11 communites in the Gallura: Arzachena, Berchidda, Budduso’, Golfo Aranci, Loiri Porto San Paolo, Monti, Olbia, Oschiri, Padru, Sant’Antonio di Gallura, Telti.

16 communites in Nuoro: Bitti, Dorgali, Galtelli’, Irgoli, Loculi, Lode’; Lula, Nuoro, Oliena, Onani’, Onifai, Orgosolo, Orosei, Posada, Siniscola, Torpe.

8 communities in Cagliari: Armungia, Ballao, Decimoputzu, Escalaplano, Siliqua, Vallermosa, Villaputzu, Villaspeciosa.

8 communities in Medio Campidano: Gonnosfanadiga, Guspini, Pabillonis, San Gavino Monreale, Sanluri, Sardara, Villacidro, Villanovafranca.

7 communities in Ogliastra: Arzana, Lanusei, Seui, Talana, Tortoli’, Ussassai, Villagrande Strisaili.

Here’s how you can help Sardinia pick up the pieces:

To make a monetary donation to the comune of Olbia please follow the banking details:

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

Alluvione = Flood

‘Apocalyptic’ storm devastates holiday island of Sardinia (the-tap.blogspot.com)

Forza Sardegna. Forza.

Santa is listening.

Picking up the pieces after Cyclone Cleopatra – Sardinia, Italy

Posted on November 21 by Jennifer Avventura

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.

A 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

Comune di Olbia
Comune di Nuoro
Comune di Torpe
SardSOS: Emergenza Meteo Sardegna (an interactive map of drop-off centers, where to volonteer and areas affected.)

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.

Cyclone Cleopatra Crushes Sardinia Killing 16

Posted on November 19 by Jennifer Avventura

Cyclone Cleopatra Crushes Sardinia. Sardinia is in a state of emergency and needs your help!

The death toll from yesterday’s devastating cyclone Cleopatra is 16. Today the entire island is in chaos and tears. The Gallura was the hardest hit by gale force winds and extreme rain. Olbia is in an extreme state of emergency with the majority of the town submerged under water. The coastal town of Torpe has been fully evacuated by the mayor.

A lot of people are contacting me asking if I’m okay and I appreciate the outpouring of kindness and support. My area was not affected by the storm like it was in other parts of the island. We did see torrential rain for a solid twelve hours, lightning so sharp and bright, and thunder that made the walls shake.

I want to help those affected, and I need to physically help those affected by this natural disaster. The best I can do is write about this deadly storm so the world can be aware. Many people have contacted me stating they haven’t even heard about Cyclone Cleopatra in the news – please help to spread this devastating news with the world by sharing this post with your family and friends, on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. At this time it’s very important the world knows. Sardinia needs your help. Today Sardinia cries loud tears of loss and pain.

From Facebook:

-urgente servono gommoni e mezzi pesanti a Berchidda 3346837575
– servono aiuti in via Iglesiente a Olbia, é urgente
– zona di Olbia il 115 è in tilt. Numeri alternativi: 0789/69502, 0789/52020 e 366/6617681.
– sala medica allestita nel municipio di Olbia in quanto l’ospedale è difficile da raggiungere
– statale 131 altezza Bauladu strada è allagata e l’acqua supera il metro di altezza
– ponte crollato statale 129 tra Nuoro e Orosei
– SS 131 NUORO-OLBIA CHIUSA DAL KM 66 (BIVIO ORUNE-LULA\DORGALI)
– confermata evacuazione Terralba
– a Torpè ci sono persone arrampicate sugli alberi
– la diga di Torpè a rischio collasso: evacuato il paese
– emergenze comune Uras 348/7074692, 347/1240911
– la Farmacia Lupacciolu, in via Genova ad Olbia è aperta per le emergenze

Olbia residents are offering up accommodation for those in need:

Ad Olbia offrono alloggio

– Marrante: 3403624311
– Pina Murru: 3470830042
– B&B, 10 posti letto gratis, via Dannunzio 92. Tel. 331 2095889
– B&B offre alloggi gratis 3939800313
– Sabrina Di Giusto ha 4 posti letto, murta maria 328.3323210
– Massimo Dessena offro la mia casa con 5/7 posti letto 3939051855
– Etabeta Fancello: Posso ospitare tre persone, tel.3426904741
– Monica Cretì: 3465075162
– Renato Schirru (Il Laghetto) 349280052

A Facebook message from an expat in Olbia tells the real pain the residents are going through.

A few Tweets

@EuroSavant: Not only #Philippines #Sardinia also hit by killer-storm, flooding kills at least 12 clik4pics http://t.co/rNvWTqukWT #Sardegna

— Gina Bondi (@GinaBondi1) November 19, 2013

Pray for sardinia (italy)… #prayforsardinia #Sardegna #allertameteoSAR

— Claudia Pesce (@claudia_pesce) November 19, 2013

Buongiorno! 14 morti? Che strage! Un casino! Caduto in una malinconia e preoccupazione estrema! Forza bellagente! #alluvione #sardegna

— Giovanni serra (@gringoserra78) November 19, 2013

Sono vicina al popolo sardo. Spero che questa devastazione finisca al più presto! #Sardegna

— Rina (@_RinaC) November 19, 2013

#Sardegna #allertameteoSAR i Vigili del Fuoco dicono che la causa delle morti sia la gravita' degli eventi atmosferici.

— Bernardo Botti (@BernardoBotti) November 19, 2013

#RIP "@BBCBreaking: 14 killed, several missing after Cyclone Cleopatra hit Italian island of Sardinia http://t.co/KoVZAwztaY #Sardegna"

— ANT (@thelockedwonder) November 19, 2013

Emergenza #Sardegna Emergenza #Sardegna Emergenza #Sardegna Emergenza #Sardegna Emergenza #Sardegna Emergenza #Sardegna Emergenza #Sardegna

— Cristiano 00 Milan (@79_bond) November 19, 2013

La nostra terra che piange e lotta, distrutta,ma la nostra forza non si abbatte. Che dolore mia amata #Sardegna

— ValVir (@valvirdis) November 19, 2013

Ciclone #Cleopatra è calamità sulla #sardegna. 14 morti. Città evaquata per diga pericolosa a monte #climatechange

— Tommaso Pitacco (@TommasoPitacco) November 19, 2013

https://twitter.com/roberto_rigoni/status/402694678145163264

Solidarietà per chi in questo momento, sta combattendo con la furia del tempo e per chi ha perso tutto in #Sardegna

— Valentina (@Valenfiore) November 19, 2013

Today Sardinia weeps.

Flash floods in Sardinia kill nine (telegraph.co.uk)
Sardinia flash floods leave nine dead and hundreds homeless (mirror.co.uk)
Nine dead as storm ravages Sardinia (independent.ie)
Sardinia flash floods leave nine dead (terradaily.com)
Deadly storms and floods in Sardinia (oddonion.com)
Six people dead in Italian flash floods (sbs.com.au)
Sardinia on ‘maximum alert’ after deadly storms (theguardian.com)
Nine dead as storms hit Italian island of Sardinia (emirates247.com)
Deadly storms and floods in Sardinia (bbc.co.uk)
‘Apocalyptic’ storm floods Sardinia, 9 dead (metronews.ca)

There are a few organizations working on a renewal and relief fund, the moment I know of how you can help I will post it here.

How to donate:

The City Council of Olbia has set up a bank account dedicated to raising funds to provide practical help to the territory and the people affected by the terrible wave of bad weather.

Vista la calamità che si è abbattuta sul territorio del Comune Olbia, l’Amministrazione comunale ha attivato un conto corrente bancario dedicato alla raccolta di fondi per garantire un aiuto concreto al territorio ed alla popolazione colpita dalla terribile ondata di maltempo.

Coordinate per i versamenti:

Bank details:

Conto Corrente n. 0540 – 070361388

IBAN IT72U 01015 84980 000070361388

BIC (codice swift) BPMOIT22XXX

Causale: Comune di Olbia Emergenza Alluvione

Il Sindaco On. Giovanni Maria Enrico Giovannelli

Thank you.

My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of the victims.

Please share this message.

Inside Sardinia: Nuraghe Santa Sabina

Posted on November 16 by Jennifer Avventura

Around every corner lies a medieval surprise and when we passed Nuraghe Santa Sabina we just had to stop and admire the ancient architecture and beauty.

Unfortunately, we were there in the off-season and the office was closed but that didn’t stop us from stretching our legs, breathing the fresh mountain air and investigating this fabulous structure, albeit from afar.

Nuraghe Santa Sabina is in the small rural town of Silanus in the province of Nuoro. This structure is the perfect example of the ancient Bronze Age stone towers (nuraghe) that dot the island of Sardinia. In front of the nuraghe is a stunning Byzantine style church.

The next time I’m in town a full investigation into this medieval church and nuraghe is a must!

Where to find Nuraghe Santa Sabina?

The Nuraghi’s Island (angelafloris.wordpress.com)
Nuraghe and Church of Santa Sabina (visitarelasardegna.com)

What detours do you take when traveling the open road?

Snapshots: Memories from Mamoiada

Posted on November 6 by Jennifer Avventura

Mamoiada is a small rural town in the province of Nuoro and is famous for its carnival held in February. I recently had the pleasure of visiting this mountain town and it held up to my expectations. Follow me on a photographic journey to the heart of Sardinia – Mamoiada.

View of Mamoiada from the watch tower at Cantina Puggioni Giampietro.

Tzilleri = Bar

Beautiful old alleys and doorways.

Typical bread for that special day.

Patience and care goes into making this typical bread from Mamoiada.

Roast Pecora

Roasting chestnuts.

Hand-crafted masks.

Masks of the Mamuthones.

The most comical guy I’ve met in a long time at Mamoiada.

Jennifer Avventura My Sardinian Life Mamoiada (3)

Tappas in Mamujada 2013

I’d like to personally thank the Mamoiadini for throwing such a BIG fabulous festival at the Tappas in Mamujada. From what I read there were about 25,000 people in attendance this past Sunday. Keep up the great work. I look forward to a return visit.

Inside Sardinia: Lake Cucchinadorza

Posted on October 9 by Jennifer Avventura

Lake Cucchinadorza in the province of Nuoro, sits at the foot of the Gennargentu mountain range and offers stunning views of the three surrounding towns: Ollolai, Ovodda and Teti.

Nestled deep in the valley, Lake Cucchinadorza provides the nature-lover in you with a plethora of wildlife, hiking & horseback trails and a staggering panorama of the neighbouring towns.

Inside the heart of Sardinia – Toneri, Tonara (laavventura.wordpress.com)
I want to live in Sardinia – answering your questions (laavventura.wordpress.com)

Inside the heart of Sardinia – Toneri, Tonara

Posted on October 7 by Jennifer Avventura

Tonara by Jennifer Avventura My Sardinian Life I caught the bus early Saturday morning to meet up with a friend in Sassari. We filled the car with an expensive tank of gas and headed south down SS131 towards the elusive province of Barbagia in the heart of Sardinia. We headed to an ‘open-house’ in the ancient neighbourhood of Toneri, Tonara in the province of Nuoro.

It is here, in the heart of Sardinia, where you can immerse yourself in a world of historical flavours, ancient traditions, narrow alleyways and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It’s also here where they make the world-famous torrone but I’m saving that juicy, delicious bit for another post.