A new adventure awaits...Sardinia!

Buongiorno, from Sardinia, Italy! The last few days have been filled with a whirlwind of travel by car, taxi, and ferry… that’s a lot of movement for two travelers who are easily motion sick (we’ve decided that if we ever have kids, they’re doomed to have motion sickness as their Achilles heel). On Monday, we packed up our luggage and moved out of the Bergerie Mertatu villa that we stayed at for the first week in Olmeto, Corsica (a sad goodbye) and we traveled to the Figari airport (about 1 hour drive) to drop off our rental car. Getting there included a few mishaps (tale to be continued), and getting out of Figari had its own sense of adventure. It’s only when we arrived here in Sardinia that we truly realized how truly remote most of Corsica is. We had inquired about bus service between Figari and Bonifacio. We were told “non!” and when we arrived we realized why. Amongst the fig trees and sheep pastures and stray donkeys (seriously), there were only a few taxi cab drivers to be found, and we had to call them to come get us. The first guy we called actually said “non” as well; he was simply too far away. Fortunately, the next guy we called was amenable. After a pleasant chat with him along the way (he’s fascinated with U.S. maps and places like FIgari, Kansas), we arrived safe and sound in Bonifacio, where our ferry for Sardinia was due to leave the following morning.

Oh, did we mention that Italians like to strike? Yes, they do. In fact, our whole above adventure was prompted when the ferry company we had originally been scheduled to take decided not to go to work “indefinitely” (we’re not making this up). Our last night in Corsica was spent in the “haute ville” portion of Bonifacio, in a wonderful, quaint hotel (Colombo). The next day, we sailed the oceans blue, and were treated to some incredible views as we departed.

Arriving in Sardinia, we were greeted by blue skies and summertime sun (we feel like we’re cheating autumn). Did we mention that Sardinia is a bit more modern? We were surprised by the industry and the modernity, like 24-hour gas stations and painted houses. We were even able to get a pizza at mid-day (pretty much everything closes down between noon and 3 in Corsica).

We are now nestled in the old town portion of Alghero, which is a bustling, seaside city with gorgeous beaches and amazing character. Courtesy of Doris and Gerry Rosellini, we are staying at a restored nunnery in the heart of the old town (it’s now a hotel). We are looking forward to exploring the nearby environs, before heading to Rome and the Sistine Chapel tomorrow.

Day #12 into marriage, and we are more and more thankful every day.

Our top 10 from Corsica:

1. We totally enjoyed the villa; it felt like a "home away from home"
2. Our chef, Tom, who cooked us a few traditional local dishes the first two nights
3. Visiting the amazing city of Bonifacio, nestled at the tip of limestone cliffs
4. Celebrating Sarah's 31st birthday in Corsica and finding our favorite restaurant so far, U Castille
5. A hike to a pristine beach near Capubia
6. The pure ruggedness of the landscape and the great opportunity for adventure
7. Very warm and personable locals (we had a 45 minute conversation with a guy in the supermarket parking lot) 8. Chocolate croissants for breakfast. Mmmm!
9. A surprise lightning storm
10. Just enjoying a slower pace of life as a new married couple!

Parting thoughts: you all are in our thoughts and prayers, and we send you much love,

Craig & Sarah