Snapshots: Reflections of Summer in Sardinia

Posted on February 17 by Jennifer Avventura

It seems that winter has eluded us, at least for the last four days it has, where we’ve had temperatures upwards of 19 degrees Celsius and we’re still in the month of February. After a harsh, wet, gray and snowy winter it is invigorating to see the bright blue skies and the warm, luminous sun that casts its brilliant rays on my pale Canadian skin. These are my reflections of summer in Sardinia and it’s times like these that I dream of Continue reading →

Snapshots: The Bell Tower at Castelsardo, Sardinia

Posted on February 10 by Jennifer Avventura

The bell tower at Castelsardo in Sardinia’s northwest is one of the most photographed monuments from this pre-Nuragic, quaint town by the sea. From every angle, far and wide, the cathedral’s bell tower looms in the background of every photo.

Grand and spectacular from every point; the bell tower at Castelsardo should be on everyone’s “to see” list. There’s a lot to do and see in my favourite Sardinian town, from ancient castles to cathedrals, sea-side sights and some of the best restaurants around where Cannonau is poured freely and the seadas comes just right.

Will you put Castelsardo on your bucket list?

Inside Sardinia: A Traditional Cooking Method

Posted on January 31 by Jennifer Avventura

The first time I saw this method of cooking was some years ago in a small town, in the folds of a mountain in Sardinia, Italy. A friend who lives a few mountains over had invited me for lunch, and when I arrived the first thing I noticed was the ancient red brick fireplace and clock. It had just snowed in Sardinia and it was cold, so I a found a spot right beside the fireplace to warm up. Upon closer inspection of the red-hot flames I saw slices of pancetta and pork chops sizzling away above the hot embers. The aroma, better than a barbecue and the taste impeccable. I’d never tasted meat so fresh and exquisite.

Roasting meat in the middle of a living-room was a first for me, and I can’t wait to delve into this tradition yet again.

What is the strangest place you’ve seen meat being cooked?

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?

New Year Greetings From Sardinia With Love

Posted on January 2 by Jennifer Avventura

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.

Inside Sardinia: A Distorted Nature’s Poem

Posted on December 13 by Jennifer Avventura

Inside Sardinia: A distorted Nature’s poem …

I grow flat along the red rocky earth
with only the wind to guide me.
My nutrients I steal from the sea
with only the wind to guide me.
I yearn to reach new heights
with only the wind to guide me.
I’ve learned to reach the mountain peak
with the wind holding my hand, beside me.

Snapshots: The Art of Losing Oneself to Sardinia

Posted on December 2 by Jennifer Avventura

The art of getting lost is an easy task if you don’t know where you are going and are not prepared to get lost. I don’t get lost as much as I used to, like that time in Dublin, Copenhagen, Australia or even Brasil. The art of losing oneself in Sardinia is spectacular, mind-boggling and a full frontal attack on all human senses. I often lose myself to the spectacular panorama, the rising sun or the setting full-moon, the endless crashing of waves and even in a plate of traditional gnocchi Sardi topped with aged pecorino cheese and a glass or two of cannonau (Sardinia’s earthy, red wine).

What I don’t do, ever, is get lost in a maze like the photo below.

I prefer to walk on the road often traveled, however, every once in awhile I like stray from the path to adventures unknown with my trusted Sardinian sidekick showing me the way.

Go on and get lost, just be sure to come back and tell me all about it.

Which road would you prefer to walk on?

Snapshots: Climbing common roads at Castlesardo

Posted on November 16 by Jennifer Avventura

A simple snapshot of one of the most romantic towns I’ve found in Sardinia.

This is Castlesardo.

Go ahead and explore her ancient alleys and mythologies. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Inside Sardinia: Valle della Luna

Posted on November 1 by Jennifer Avventura

Valle della Luna – a mecca in the 60’s and known all over Sardinia as a hippie hangout, is one of the most surreal and controversial places I have ever seen. A vast valley in the north of Sardinia made up of colossal granite formations and where seven different valleys carry you to the sea or deep into the crevasses of Sardinia’s interior.

It’s surreal in the sense of being on a film set, it doesn’t feel real. The massive formations of granite take on shapes and faces, bringing alive the valley and its ghosts. Surreal because you are instantly transported to another absurd, panoramic view that leaves one in awe, in awe of earth and life.

Controversial because of the people who live deep within Valle della Luna’s grottos and mountainous terrains, people who live freely, people who still adopt the same principles and lifestyles of those famous hippies of the 60’s. Controversial because some people want to stop that lifestyle.

Valle della Luna, one of the most spectacular places I have ever seen and I’m eager to discover her seven hidden valleys.

Handcrafted Gifts from Oliena, Sardinia

Posted on September 15 by Jennifer Avventura

The thing that sticks with me the most from my weekend getaway to Oliena are the people. In every cortes (home) we entered, we were greeted with humble welcomes and gracious smiles. Each and every artist was eager to explain his or her handcrafted goods. I popped into cortes Sa Mea and was warmly greeted by Angelo. I was drawn to the traditional necklaces he had placed on an old tree. I picked up a necklace and a bell rang out, I must have looked surprised as Angelo quickly came over to offer the background to the necklace I eventually purchased.

The necklace is worn by women who are pregnant. The bell bounces on the woman’s stomach, ringing out soft chimes for the developing baby to hear, supposedly calming the baby and calling out to the angels for protection.

Even though I have no intention of becoming pregnant, I was still drawn to the necklace, its sound and sway, so I bought it. I peeked around the small shop and noticed a yellow face in the shape of the island of Sardinia. I love yellow, I love Sardinia and I love handcrafted goods, so another little gift in the bag.

If you’re interested to know more about this artist: