By Dian Hasan | November 19, 2009

What would a resort stay experience be without a pool? Unthinkable for today’s travelers. They’ve come a long way, playing a central role in creating a distinctive experience and the common denominator as a social hub. Integral to a hotel’s brand identity. Here’s a glance at some of world’s most gorgeous resort pools, sharing the same traits regardless of their locale: sexy and chic!

Do you want to experience Sardinia beach holidays this summer but you have no idea where to go? Here are some popular beaches in Sardinia that will surely make your summer vacation unforgettable.

• Timi Ama. This beach is situated in the province of Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, specifically in Villasimius area. The magnificent shores have very fine, crystal-like sand perfect for building sand castles and relaxing on a beach towel, and the water will truly take your breath away. Many movies and TV commercials have been shot here due to its perfect, romantic setting. If you haven’t seen any pink flamingos, check out the famous Notteri lagoon. Its sparkling and clear waters reflect the fantastic colors of these beautiful creatures. This beach offers the ideal Sardinia beach holidays for families with children because of its shallow waters, and also for surfers and people interested in underwater fishing.

• Tuarredda. Also located in the province of Caliagri, it is included in the top beaches in Sardinia because of its one of a kind beauty. The sand is the color of the snow, very white and pure, which makes a nice contrast with the water’s sparkling blue color. Mediterranean flora such as old juniper trees also added the green color to this paradise. Tuarredda is a small island which can be reached by swimming after a few minutes. The outer part of the island is known for its pristine beaches while the inner part has Mediterranean floras. This is perfect for families because water is not so deep. Swimming all day is not impossible because weather is always mild.

• Cala Goloritze. This is another good spot for your Sardinia beach holidays. One of the most visited beaches in the Sardinia island, this place is popular for the clear sparkling water naturally created by underwater springs. Aside from sand, you can also find small white stones along the beaches, one of the unique characteristics o this beach. Near the beach is the Caroddi Mountain, perfect spot for those who enjoy free climbing. Children can play along the shore without parents worrying constantly because the water is shallow. Goloritze cove also boasts one of its most popular inhabitants, the queen-hawk, a bird which lives in this area because of the lush Mediterranean vegetation.

• La Spiaggia Rosa or the Pink Beach. It got its name from the color of the sand which is always scattered with corals, shells, and small granite stones or rocks, giving it a pink tinge color. This beach is located in the province of Olbia-Tempio and is owned and operated by the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di Maddalena or The Archipelago of La Maddalena National Park. However, this is not open to the public and you can only view this beach from the nearby Spiaggia del Cavaliere or Cavalryman Beach.

• La Pelosa. This is situated in the province of Sassari, specifically in the area of Stintino. Like most of the beache sin Sardinia, La Pelosa beach has fine snow-white sand and clear blue water. However, this one has a historical feature, the Pelosa Tower, a structure built in the seventeenth century. You can find this along the coast of La Pelosa. The beautiful view of the sea, beaches, and the island is enough to make your Sardinia beach holidays. It is also a famous spot for divers because it has attractive sights underwater. You can still be comfortable while spending nature at its finest because La Pelosa has parking, bars, and restaurants.

Welcome to Ogliastra, a special land and still little known and uncrowded. It’s a wild corner of the Mediterranean, where the mountain meets the sea, creating landscapes and unique play of colours that will leave you speechless. It seems that here mother nature gives the best of itself, creating a paradise to be discovered by foot, by horse, off-road, mountain bike or diving in its beautiful waters.

The territory extends along the side of central-eastern area of Sardinia, nestled between the mountains and the sea. From the hills of vineyards one gently climbs to the summits of Gennargentu, encountering varied landscapes of unparalleled beauty.

The coasts are wonderful jewels. Starting from the north one will discover small coves trapped between the sea and the rock reachable only by boat, such as Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé. Further south there are long beaches such as the Lido di Orrì, Cea, Marina Barisardo, to name but a few, and the amazing Red Rocks.

From the historical and archaeological point of view, the whole place is littered with Nuraghi, Domus de Janas, Sacred Sources, Tombs of the Giants and Menhirs, some 500 coastal towers built to defend the territory. Tortolì, one of the most famous cities on the eastern coast of the island is situated in a vast plain that stretches towards the sea.

The major advantage of the city lies in its scenic beauty, with its wonderful coastline that surprises for its fine white sand, for its crystal clear waters and the special red porphyry cliffs. Numerous accommodating facilities such as holiday resorts, hotels, holiday rentals and camp-sites located in some of the most beautiful coves of the coast, can host thousands of tourists.

Arbatax is the hamlet of Tortolì whose pond separates one from the other. This pond is one of Sardinia’s most plentiful fishing grounds and rich bird life. It is a small fisherman village located at the foot of a hill on top of which stands the lighthouse of Capo Bellavista. It also homes one of the most important ports of the island.

This town is particularly famous for the “Red Rocks”, which are located in the harbour area, considered a veritable natural monument. In this fascinating and unique location for its chromatic effects, a great musical event takes place every year: “Red Rock and Blues,” which animates the summers of Ogliastra with guests from around the world.

A holiday in Arbatax Sardinia and Tortolì will also be delighted by the local cuisine that offers a great variety of fish specialties and one of the most tasteful mullet of the island. The traditions but also the kitchen are deeply rooted and tied to the agro-pastoral products of the land with “culurgiones” and meat dishes.

For comfortable holidays one can choose between several Arbatax holiday houses, Tortolì and in the surrounding area, all located within walking distance of the most beautiful beaches. Here are some possible solutions:
Casa Sole, in San Gemiliano
Villa Ambra and Villa Aurora, in Girasole
Villa Belvedere in Porto Frailis.

Budoni Sardinia is a small village of the Baronia, a mountainous region in the north eastern Sardinia, bathed by a cristal clear sea. The town center (which includes several hamlets) is located on the coastal stretch near small creeks, cliffs and beautiful fine sandy beaches. These are the beaches of Agrustos and Cala Budoni, surrounded by dunes and a small pond full of birdlife, Cala Ottiolu with small dunes covered with low vegetation and a large marina, and Li Cucutti, bordered by green and lush pine wood, ideal shelter in times of great heat, and Mata e’ Peru, which is also enriched by a shady pine forest, Portu Ainu, with pale rather large greyish sand, and Sant Anna, where the landscape is again characterized by the presence of a pond.

The town has a markedly aspect related to the agro-pastoral culture, although over the years it has changed its expectations, mainly due to the development of tourism. The type of house, common in much of the municipality, owes its origin to the admixture of the architectural elements “stazzi” Galluresi with those of typical Sardinian house of the shepherds of the inner par of the island.

Today Budoni has become an important tourist center, known not only in Sardinia, but also in rest of Italy and in Europe. Besides the beautiful landscapes, where green hills melt with the intense blue of the sea and the whiteness of the beaches and to the festivals and events that take place there, there’s an outstanding organization accommodation of high quality with reception facilities undergoing continuous improvement and there are leisure and entertainment facilities (such as the club Pata Pata, one of the largest of the island).

Numerous houses and residences for rent, suitable for those who can’t do without the comforts of their homes. For those who want a holiday based on rest and detachment from the routine, there are some excellent Budoni Sardinia hotels, situated in the best places along the coast. The Apparthotel Club Marina del Porto inside the town of Porto Porto Ottiolu, near the marina. Or again the Hotel Cala Fiorita, in the Marina di Agrustos locality, and the Agrustos Village, surrounded by thick Mediterranean vegetation in front of a large and long sandy beach.

An amazing location. Budoni’s area is well connected to the “boot” because it is only 30 km away from Olbia port and airport. The village is just over 11 km far from the famous San Teodoro, favourite destination for many tourists for summer holidays. Further to boasting Caribbean beaches it is well known for its night life that attracts many young people every year.

November 30, 2009 is a date to retain for those who will be in Cagliari. Gilberto Gil, the famous singer, former Brazilian Minister for Culture and living icon of the contemporary Brazil, will perform in Cagliari on November 30, 2009 on the occasion of the European Jazz Expo.
In fact, this year, the European Jazz Expo (November 20, 21 and 22) will be held at the Feria Internazionale of Cagliari and will not only offer concerts, masterclasses and stages, but also a festival of gastronomy, the Jazzin Chefs!
This festival within the Festival will allow tourists as well as Sardinians to taste the gastronomy prepared by chefs from all Sardinia, and it is coordinated by Luigi Pomata, surely the current more famous Sardinian Chef in the world.
So, people who will attend the European Jazz Expo will have the chance to listen to live concerts, to see different shows and videos and to try the local gastronomy : do you know a better occasion?
Without forgetting that this Expo takes place in Cagliari and allows tourists to visit during the day the old city centre with its cathedral, its citadel of museums and its Roman amphitheater and why not to buy filigree, coral jewelry and local faience as their first Christmas’ presents.
And during the evening, they will attend the festival, and at night to return to their hotel in Cagliari.
So, please remember that this is a great opportunity for those who will be taking their holidays in Sardinia at this period as for 5 years Gilberto Gil, the living ambassador of Bossa-Nova in the world, did not perform to put the emphasize on his political career.
Don’t lose the chance to see the musician who recorded 51 albums and was awarded with 7 Grammy at a good price : €20, €30 and €40 depending on the location within the Teatro Lirico.

I’ve always wanted to visit Sardinia, Italy’s other big island (the first is Sicily). I have been told my everyone that I am missing Italy’s best beaches and coast. The Emerald Coast near the northern city and airport of Olbia is one of those vacations spots where movie starts and millionaires spend summer vacation, as to those dream of joining their ranks.
But right now I’m dreaming of visiting the area so I can visit the town of Arzachena and sip a white wine from there.
Last night I was at business dinner at Tullio, just of Piazza Barberini here in Rome, famous for it’s grilled and roast fish – but sometimes it’s wine that really makes the difference.
The wine is Capichera, a strong (14%) golden white wine produced at the vineyard of the same name. The wine has a complex array of aromas and flavours, and the hint of wood from the portion made in barriques mingles well with its mineral flavours and thick texture. Just sweet enough to balance the acidity, it’s the type of white wine you can really drink with anything.
Even spaghetti alla carbonara

La ville de Cagliari, en Sardaigne, est une de ces petites cités balnéaires qui s’est transformée en métropole durant les cinquante dernieres années ; à Cagliari, l’on trouve l’amour du football (comme dans toute la peninsule) et du rock progressif, mais pas celui que l’on pourait attendre. The Yleclipse, fondé en 1998, a publié en 2000 un premier opus Mercury and Sulfurus suivi en 2003 par Prime Substance. Opus, leur troisiéme album, a clotùre, en 2005, une trilogie basée sur le concept de l’alchimie. Les preoccupations de nos amis Sardes sont bien éloignées de notre vie quotidienne et confirment que les créateurs de rock progressiv sont bien souvent de fin esprits lettrès. Avec Trails of Ambergris, le groupe explore de nouveaux thémes, à savoir les aventures maritimes. Chacun des huit morceaux présentés est inspiré d’èveneménts advenus sur les côtes sardes et en particulier dans la ville de Cagliari, durant l’invasion du royaume de Sardaigne par l’armée révolutionnaire française entre 1792-1793. Les couleurs musicales des compositions de The Yleclipse sont clairement definies : le groupe propose un rock progressif nèo très Marillion periode Fish avec des teintes mediévales et des ambiances oldfieldiennes par-ci, par-là. Il module par endroit le propos avec des atmosphères proches des grands du prog (Yes, Pink Floyd, Genesis) et meme de Rush. Mais ce qui frappe immediamènt l’auditeur est le fait que nos amis du Sud de l’Italie ont totalement assmilé ce changement de cap de la decennie 1980-1990 amorcé par Marillion, Pendragon, IQ et autres Twelfth Night. Le nèo avait simplifié le language des dinosaures des seventies en l’adaptanta aux années 80. The Yleclipse reprend le propos en le trasportant dans les structures du genre. Durant une heure et en tuit titres, The Yleclipse confirme une grande maturité musicale avec la line up suivant ; Alessio Guerriero au chant et guitares, Andrea Picciau aux claviers, Andrea Iddas à la basse, et Federico Bacco à la batterie. Le chant en anglais de Alessio suit les lignes vocales de Fish de la grande èpoque et le groupe s’engouffre allegremént dans cette structure du passé  en la remettant au gôut du jour. Le plus souvent, nous sommes de retour dans le verts silions de Script, Fugazi ou Misplaced Childhood. The Yleclipse y ajoutant une sensibilité toute latine avec des guitares cristallines et une flûte enchanteresse. Dans le foisonnement de groupes néo proposant toujours le même album. The Yleclipse se dèmarque et nous offre un Opus remarquable de concision et d’efficacité. Qui aurait cru que le planete néo toucherait les côtes ensoilellées de la Sardaigne ? Il ne vous reste plus qu’à entrer de plain-pied dans l’univers de The Yleclipse. Peut-être dans quelques semaines aurez-vous la tentation de partir vers le côtes sardes, à la recherche des héros du passé et de leurs exploits maritimes ?

Raymond Sérini.

A destination different from the usual postcard from sardinia (beautiful post cards of course) and the usual landings, San Vero Milis is a location, placed in a short distance from the sea, far away from the typical landscapes of the Costa Smeralda and the north-eastern Sardinia in general, both geographically and from the point of view of tourism and landscape. From a tourist point of view it offers a very diverse sphere ranging from sports to arts, nature and typical cuisine.

San Vero Milis, lying on the plain of Oristano (western Sardinia) has a primarily agricultural activity, although some villages such as a Capo Mannu, Mandriola, Putzu Idu and Sa Mesa Longa, S’Arena Scoada, Sa Rocca Tunda, Su Pallosu are placed directly on the sea. Its appearance is characterized by low houses and some noble halls. It stands for its beauty, as often happens in the villages of Sardinia, the church of Santa Sofia having in its baroque facade and dome some baroque patterns. San Vero Milis is famous for its wattle activities that give birth to beautiful baskets made of swamp grass as well as for the Vernaccia wine, a fine local wine.

San Vero Milis is only 14 m above sea level, but enjoys a wonderful panorama. To the north you can see the beach of Is Arenas, the largest in Sardinia, with a pine tree wood behind. Towards the inner areas one can see the tops of Montiferru. To the west lies the island of Mal di Ventre, while to the south, there are the cliffs of Capo Mannu which mark the beginning of the Peninsula of Sinis (marine protected area). The limestone cliffs of Capo Mannu, of an odd yellowish color, is home to two Spanish tower, that of Sa Mora and Capo Mannu, and the lighthouse.

Along the costal area there are some beautiful white sandy beaches. The peculiarity of this coast is the wind. Indeed it is characterized by a strong mistral that generates huge waves that attract many surfers and windsurfers. That’s not all! The characteristics of the sounding and of the crystal water make the area particularly suitable for scuba diving and photography.

Nearby there are several wetlands: Salina Manna, Is Benas and Sale Porcus. The latter is one of the most important wetlands in Sardinia for the presence of a very high number of migrating birds. The natural oasis, the most important part of the Sinai Peninsula during the winter is populated by about 4,000 pink flamingos, as well as cranes, wild geese, cormorants and mallards.

In this territory there are important archaeological ruins such as the tombs Serra Is Araus and numerous Nuraghe including nuraghe S’Uraki, a vast complex of considerable importance in the island. It was also discovered an ancient Punic village. Nearby you can reach the archaeological Phoenician area of Tharros.

As in Oristano takes place Sartiglia, San Vero Milis also has a carnival tradition tied to horses. It is called Sa Cursa de sa Loriga and consists in pearcing an iron ring, from a running horse. This iorn ring until a few years ago could fbe found on the walls of the houses (it was used to tie horses and donkeys to the houses).

Spending your holidays in this part of the island can be an interesting idea to learn about the regional situation or approaching for the first time the Sardinian territory. It is not an area full of hotels but it is possible to rent houses in san vero milis sardinia and find some hotels and camp sites or areas equipped for campers. There are beautiful villas surrounded by nature at a short distance from beaches like S’Arena Scoada (Villa Oristano 1) and Mandriola (Villa 2 Oristano, Apartment Oristano 1 and Apartment Oristano 2).

One of the seven Royal cities of Sardinia, now recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is Castelsardo, a coastal town of great charm, located on a volcanic promontory overlooking the Gulf of Asinara. It is situated exactly on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, in the territory of Anglona region, in the province of Sassari, near the Port of Porto Torres and Alghero airport.

What strikes of Castelsardo is its location and its look. The landscape around the village is characterized by an impressive rocky coastline, fringed by wild and untouched vegetation and where from time to time one can find beaches and coves. The old town still preserves the original look, distinguished from the walls surrounding it. The lower part, the most recent one, called “Pianedda” is connected to the upper part through an old road that climbs up the steep cliff.

In the old town walking is a must. Coming in you find yourself surrounded by a beautiful setting featuring narrow streets and steep stairways, several churches and monuments of great historical interest, such as the Palazzo Episcopale. Bellavista Castle (built by the Doria), which houses a museum devoted to the wattle activity, dominates the panorama from the highest point and the Cathedral of Sant’Antonio Abbate overlooks the sea with its bell tower covered with Majolica tiles. From the terraces one can enjoy a magical view on the Golfo dell’Asinara and on clear days one can also see the mountains of Corsica.

Castelsardo has a strong craft tradition tied to the making of baskets according to the traditional art of the wittle out of the leaves of wild palms. Along the streets in the old town one can come across so many shops selling local products. As per the food tradition in Castelsardo your can stuff yourself with fish and lobsters in particular.

Since the holidays in sardinia are primarily synonymous of amazing sea, it should be remarked that in the town of Castelsardo there are several sandy beaches such as Baia Ostina, Cala La Vignaccia, Cantareddi, Lu Bagnu, Marina di Castelsardo, Pedraladda, Punta La Capra e Punta Li Paddimi all characterized by a beautiful sea where one can go sailing and windsurfing.

At the foot of the medieval village there’s the port of Frigianu, the marina, where you can admire the tower having the same name. Near Castelsardo there’s a unique natural zoomorphic sculpture, just like many others that can be seen in northern Sardinia, sculpted by the wind and the sea: the Elephant Rock. At its base in prehistoric times, there were some burial cells. At a short distance you can reach the National Park of Asinara, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands of the Mediterranean.

For the Holy Week there is a rich scheduled of event taking place throughout the streets of the old town, on Monday in particular with the procession of the “Lunissanti”.

The accommodation in Castelsardo is of good quality and the choice is remarkable as well. In addition to the holiday houses and residential hotels, there are several upper-middle class castelsardo sardinia hotels, all in front of the magnificent panorama of the Gulf of Asinara. The accommodation are very welcoming and are placed at different distances from the sea. From 10 meters of the Hotel Riviera Castelsardo Sardinia and from 50 meters of Hotel Pedraladda Castelsardo and Hotel Janus Castelsardo, up to 800 m of the Hotel BagaBaga Castelsardo Sardinia.

Regarding the numerous sardinia events, we would like to stress on the “Prugadoriu” festival which took place last week-end on 31st October and on 1st November in Seui. This was a great opportunity for those who wanted to spend their sardinia holidays during All Saints’ week-end.

This festival invoked an ancient tradition of the cult of the dead souls, that is to say the custom of children from Seui, like many others in Sardinia, to walk from house to house asking for an offering for the souls in Purgatory. All people used to give something such as nuts, candies, chocolates, sweets, or some money.

The old town is still kept virtually intact and its characteristic and evocative corners, framed the event; Seui took the opportunity to look like a medieval village, where some ancient traditions linked to the pastoral world come alive.

It was possible to visit the ancient “magasinus” the cellars where there took place the exhibition of typical handicraft of Ogliastra/Barbagia di Seulo, and to taste local products in particular wine and cheese, along with typical dishes.

Furthermore there were many events and initiatives sponsored by the Municipality of Seui in cooperation with the Theatrical Company “en Vol”: performances of traditional music and travelling shows, poetry recitals, exhibitions of painting and sculpture, parades with typical costumes, showing of documentaries, conferences.

Several culinary workshops were arranged to show the making and tasting of typical products. But not only, dinners and wine tasting tours; between the workshop of “flavour” that stood out for the preparation of “Is culurgionis”, a typical dish of Ogliastra, dumplings of dough stuffed with potatoes and mint and skilfully hand sewn with a kind of embroidery that requires precision and deftness.

During those days one had the chance to walk along the travelling-museum, the city council as part of a restoration project of the old town is trying to create. It includes the Palazzina Liberty, which houses the archaeological and an ethnographic section, the Casa Farci, where some places linked to traditional crafts were recreated, the Galleria Civica, with paintings of 1600, and the Carcere Spagnolo (Spanish Jail).

Through these initiatives, the Municipal Government tried to revitalize Seui and its old town, trying to attract visitors and letting them appreciate the typicality and the authenticity of the places, allowing them to know the most authentic side of Ogliastra.

My Life as a Realtor ~

Day 98:

It’s a cool, rainy Tuesday.  Went into the office and accomplished a few errands – including a trip to A & P in Brewster…

and a trip to buy some wine – looked into Sardinian wine - I’ve heard is dark, rich and has the highest levels of antioxidants.

                                                                  Brewster Liquors

Then back to juggle work and home life.

Image by gigi 62 via Flickr

L’alta tecnologia, la voglia d’impresa, il coraggio della sfida. Con questi ingredienti una parte del paese sta avviando in sordina una rivoluzione ambientale. Ecco dove e come.

La rivoluzione verde è appena iniziata. In sordina. Guidata da imprenditori coraggiosi che fiutano un’opportunità e non se la lasciano scappare. A cui si aggiungono un paio di assessori che ci credono davvero. Qualcuno vince un premio internazionale. Arriva del capitale, ma raramente dalle banche: le innovazioni non garantiscono reddito sicuro. E di venture capital in giro ce n’è poco. Ma ci sono alcune regioni che riescono a distribuire i fondi europei alle imprese innovative. E ancora più imprenditori che ce la fanno da soli. Insieme stanno rivoluzionando l’industria italiana. Creando i distretti del futuro. E un nuovo volto del made in Italy.

Concentrati soprattutto nel Nord Italia, i neodistretti dell’economia ecosostenibile sono, come i loro antenati, frutto della straordinaria inventiva delle piccole e medie imprese. Ma, a differenza loro, non sono tali solo in virtù della vicinanza fisica dei protagonisti, come accadeva per i vecchi distretti industriali, quanto piuttosto grazie alla messa in comune delle conoscenze.

Da l’Espresso la notizia qui…

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Luogosanto stands in the middle of the wonderful land called Gallura. It is a small village with a strong religious tradition and offers tourista many interesting elements. For this reason, it is really worth visiting, choosing to stay in a hotel in luogosanto sardinia, among which the numerous Luogosanto Sardinia three-stars hotels, or in a luogosanto sardinia farm house.

Its name is due to the presence of numerous worship buildings: in fact, the village was founded by the Franciscans in the 13th century. Thanks to this strong religious vocation, Pope Onorio III conceded the denomination “Porta Santa” (Saint Gate), a rare privilege, to one of the gates of the Basilica of Nostra Signora di Luogosanto, the most important of the village and built by the Franciscans. According to the tradition, the Madonna appeared to the friars to show them the place where the relics of saints Nicola and Trano were found, so the church was built in the area of this apparition. The tradition also tells that a wooden statue of the Madonna was found on the beach of Arzachena and this statue is still kept in the basilica. The Saint Gate is opened every seven years and for a whole year and it attracts numerous believers.

Luogosanto is found in a unique and enchanting natural environment, that is at the foot of mount Juanni, in a mountain and woody landscape, but it is also very close to the wonderful sea of Gallura. It offers some dream views that extend up to Bocche di Bonifacio and the coast of Corsica.

The architecture of Luogosanto is characterised by the granite, which is also used to pave the streets. This village is harmoniously inserted in the surrounding territory, which is very rich in granitic outcrops.

The summer 2010 is still far away, but the desire for the sea is endless. Someone probably is already dreaming about where to spend the next sardinia holiday by the sea. Apart from the advertised Sardinia and the sought-after North Eastern area, that is to say the Costa Smeralda and the coasts of Gallura, in general, there are many other fascinating places to discover, much wilder and less touristy. There is no doubt that reaching many parts of the island is not simple and the advice is always to rent a car to be free to nose into the coast and the inlands.

Renting a house in gonnesa sardinia is a good solution for those who decide to visit the south-western area of Sardinia, called Sulcis Iglesiente. This place is at walking distance from a very evocative coast, but not only. The land is strewn with old mining areas, such as the abandoned mining village of Monte Onixeddu and Seddas Moddizzis, the Villaggio Normanno, the mines of San Giovanni inside the cave of Santa Barbara, and also some archaeological witnesses of value, the Villaggio Nuragico Serici, indicating the importance of this area since ancient times. Moreover, the country is surrounded by green hills where one can make a lot of walking, cycling and horse riding.

Beach lovers can opt for apartments near the sea in Gonnesa Sardinia, just near the beach of Porto Paglia, one of three beaches of Gonnesa area. The beaches are actually linked to each other by forming a 3 km long golden sand beach: from south to north there are the beautiful Porto Paglia with the nice tonnara (a maze of nets), the Spiaggia di Mezzo and Fontanamare. The beaches are set in a spectacular bay, the Golfo del Leone, so named because of the strength of the sea, very prone to mistral winds that create waves ideal for surfing. On each side the beach is closed by high cliffs overlooking the blue sea. On its back there is a nice shady pine forests. between Fontanamare and Masua, along the panoramic road one discovers the beautiful profile of the rock of Pan di Zucchero. Heading to the south, along the road leading to Porto Scuso, the views are beautiful and during clear days you can see the islands of San Pietro and Sant’Antioco.

The “Festival of the Ligurian flavours” is taking place in Carloforte Sardinia; it began on Oct. 1 and will go on until until 30th October.

October is so dedicated to the brotherhood that ties Carloforte with Liguria, Genoa, and especially Pegli, connected by historical, economic, cultural bonds even today sharing the same dialect, traditions, culture, customs and even architecture. Carloforte every celebrate the twinning with Pegli and was recognized as honorary town of Province of Genoa in 2004, recognition that was given in 2006 also to the city of Calasetta, and organizes a tribute to the gastronomic products of Liguria.

Those who will decide to stay in a Carloforte Sardinia hotel and to take part to the event, can admire the typical architecture of the city, which recalls the Ligurian plant. They’ll be also astonished by the typical Genoa language, and especially will enjoy the excellent cuisine, the result of the melting between the island flavors with Ligurian and Arab ones. The event is organized by the association Arcobaleno under the patronage of the City of Carloforte.

On Good Morning America …  Dan Buettner talks of his best seller - “The Blue Zone”  and the

                                               Secrets to Living Longer and Healthier ~ CLICK ~

                                                                       Google Imagery

The Diets and Lifestyles that make for a longer life in Sardinia – bread, fruit, cheese, wine & nuts for this Mediterranean diet. 

                                                                     ndrwfqq – Flickr.com

Mayu  Kanamori talks to Caroline Baum about First Generation – an exhibition of  portraits reflecting the experience of post WW2  migrants to Wollongong.

Mayu Kanamori didn’t go hungry  as she travelled around Wollongong, shooting portraits of post-war migrants. Many of her subjects demonstrated the kind of hospitality their cultures are famous for – making more than the traditional cup of tea. She came away with a recipe for a killer apple coconut slice and an armful of fresh produce, as you’d expect from a diverse ethnic mix with a proud cooking heritage.

A migrant herself, Mayu accepted the hospitality gratefully, just as she did when she arrived here from Japan in 1981 as an 18-year-old. She moved house eight times in eight years when she first arrived, which gives her an empathy for the dislocated and those trying to make a new life for themselves.

Now settled in Sydney, she has exhibited and published a broad range of images that explore aspects of culture, past and present, as well as documenting overseas projects, including the secret of the longevity of centenarians on the island of Sardinia, called The Island of Ancients.

None of Mayu’s Wollongong subjects are centenarians… yet. But many are still going strong, thanks to a spirit of resilience and a strong connection to a place that binds them to their community. “Many have remained in the suburbs in which they first arrived,” Mayu muses. “When they got here, some stayed in friends’ garages to begin with, their only connection sometimes being that they came from the same village back home.”

Mayu spent over two weeks based in the city shooting portraits of her 25 subjects.  “At first, I followed up on the research done by local academics for the Places project, which had documented migrants who lived in temporary accommodation. They were Macedonian, Dutch, English, Irish, Chilean and Scottish,” reveals Mayu. But she soon broadened her search “to a wider mix and found Chinese-Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Greek and Austrian subjects.”

Of the properties the immigrants originally occupied, Mayu says, “about half are still there but of course many are gone, some are vacant blocks. And some have become something else. The Nissen Huts at Balgownie (Fairy Meadow) is now part of Wollongong University’s technology campus. It’s great that three of the huts are now listed as National Heritage to preserve that chapter of experience. They are being used as a childcare centre, which seems appropriate,” she says. Mayu goes on to reveal that, “Some Macedonians were in a boarding house in Port Kembla, which is now a private home.”

“Other places were built from scratch,” she says. “I photographed a Spanish man whose parents had built their own house; and a woman from Holland whose parents brought an entire section of the kitchen with them and fitted it into a new home.”

But most confronting is the revelation that, in one of her favourite places – Stuart Park, “there were campsites of temporary accommodation where people lived along the beach, sometimes for up to six months.”

Some had not ever revisited their first homes. When Mayu took them there to capture their portraits, “It brought it all back to life [for them], sometimes with tears.”

From their hometowns abroad to Wollongong, Mayu’s subjects’ brought mementos with them, many of them reminders of the tumultuous events their families had fled. “The Spanish man showed me his father’s military uniform. He had been a political refugee from the Spanish Civil War,” she says. “That was very touching.”

During the project, food was often a source of pride. “The Italian man showed me his veggie garden and gave me tomatoes, chillies, homemade sausages and bottles of his own wine! A Dutch couple gave me a delicious apple and coconut slice and the recipe for it,” Mayu recalls.

With her keen eye and a very Japanese appreciation of the cycles of nature, Mayu noticed elements of beauty in unlikely places. “The Unanderra hostel site is now a vacant block covered in earth-moving equipment, but in between the factory sites there are lovely white wild fowers growing there,” she says. “The past gets covered over, but the flowers still grow.”

Catch First Generation

Exterior panels Wollongong City Gallery

From Friday October 30

Photos:

Vincenzo Cerone next to garage where his family lived in Primbee. Migrated from Italy, 1962.

Mayu Kanamori, photographer taken by Sandy Edwards, 2009.

Journalist Dan Buettner has been researched communities of healthy centenarians around the world for ground breaking studies he did for National Geographic. In his book The Blue Zone, Lessons for living longer from the people who’ve live the longest (National Geographic) he translated the lifestyles of the vigorous elderly into the ‘Power Nine” principles of living well longer.

Lessons 1 – 4 of the Power Nine dealt with exercise and diet.

Lesson 5 Life Purpose

Have a reason to get up in the morning

Take time to see the big picture. Taking stock and having a purpose acts as a buffer against stress and reduces the chances of Alzheimers, arthritis and strokes.

Dr Robert Butler’s* 11 year National Institute of Health-funded study followed highly functioning people aged 65 – 92 and found individuals who expressed a clear goal in life lived longer and were mentally sharper.

Learning a new activity – a musical instrument or language – can do it for you.

Says Dr Thomas Perls*: “Do things that are novel and complex. Once you get good at them, and they are no longer novel, then move on to something else.”

Learning new things is like strength training for the brain, and has been shown to decrease memory loss.

Lesson 6 Foster Serenity

Take time to relieve stress

Many of Dan Buettner’s health elderly had a sense of sublime serenity. Doctors now are discovering slowing down may help the body cope with chronic inflammation.

• Reduce the noise – minimise time spent with TV, radio and the Internet.
• Be early. Arrive 15 minutes early to every appointment.
• Meditate or pray.

Lesson 7 Belong

Participate in a spiritual community

Studies show attending religious services, even as infrequently as once a month, may make a difference to how long a person lives. Put generally, the faithful are healthier and happier. They are less likely to engage in harmful behaviours, and may have higher self esteem and self worth.

Lesson 8 Loved Ones first

Make family a priority

Invest time and energy in your children, your spouse and your parents. Play with your children, nurture your marriage, and honour your parents. Families represent the highest degree of social network.

Lesson 9 Join the Right Tribe

Be surrounded by those who share “Blue Zone” values. “This may be the most powerful thing you can do to change your lifestyle for the better,” suggest Dan Buettner.

Spend time with people who reinforce right habits. Spend at least 30 minutes a day with members of your inner circle. Establish a regular time to meet and share a meal together. Building strong friendships is an investment that will pay back handsomely in added years.

Dr Robert Butler is president and CEO of the International Longevity Center-USA and professor og geriatrics at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Dr Thomas Perls is director of the New England Centenarian Study and association professor of medicine and geriatrics at the Boston University School of Medicine.

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25 NIV)

Many of us have someone we need to forgive. It can be so difficult to come to a chapter in our journey here on earth where we can truly understand how unforgiveness can actually be a prison of sorts for the one who has been wronged.

You may feel like this sometimes… “But they really hurt me badly, and I just don’t think I can forgive them, and even if I could forgive them I know I can never forget.”

What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is not necessarily as Greek Philosophy teaches, “pardoning others”. In Aramaic, forgiveness is an internal, self healing tool.

Forgiving releases God to do His work in me. I am much happier and feel better physically when I’m not filled with the poison of anger, resentment and unforgiveness. Our illnesses become worse as a result of stress and pressure that bitterness, and unforgiveness put on us.

You may then say… But do I have to remain in the “abusers life” ? Do I need to still socialize with my abuser and allow them to continue abusing and hurting me? Of course you do not. God does not expect his children to be abused.

So do yourself a big favor—and forgive. Then after you forgive, hold that precious head of yours up high and walk away trusting God to put His comfort salve on your wounds. He will get you through it and He loves you unconditionally and without reserve. Free yourself up from your prison of unforgiveness. God has a special blessing right around the corner for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Nancy Dittert (Founder & Overseer of Fibro/Chronic Pain Support Ministry) lives in a berm home in Rural Central Iowa with her husband & soul mate Patrick, 5 cats and a Lab/ Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring early because of illness. Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Absence Seizures and Neuropathy, and her husband had a brain tumor that left him disabled. They are still actively involved as Christian freelance writers and work full time in Chronic Pain Ministry through the Internet and local Cable TV. Write Nancy at nancierose@msn.com and visit her Chronic Pain Web Site at http://Fibromyalgia help.homestead.com/index.html

Previously posted with chronicpaindevotional@yahoogroups.com by Rest Ministries 10/17/2009

At the foot of Mont’Albo, Siniscola faces onto the beaches and the cliffs of Sardinia’s eastern coast. It is the high Barony region in the Province of Nuoro and Siniscola is one of the major towns. It has always been the gate between Barbagia and the costal areas of the province. Thanks to a varied territory going from the sea to the mountains, Siniscola has gained ground in the tourist panorama as a valuable destination for holidays in Sardinia in terms of natural interest.

Today it is a place that shows an elegant old town full of nineteenth-century buildings of a certain importance from the point of view of arts with a wide range of tourism and leisure facilities. The holiday houses are an important entry in the accommodation system and they are chosen by most part of tourists. Of different sizes they meet the requirements of those traveling with family or friends and of those who love to organize a holiday sized to their own needs. At the tourist’s disposal there are several types of houses such as siniscola sardinia sea view two-roomed houses or three-roomed houses by the sea in siniscola sardinia or apartments in Siniscola Sardinia.

The area offers a great variety of natural sceneries, ranging from limestone mountains, just like the Monte Albo, and hilly areas cultivated with vineyards and citrus groves or used for grazing, to the coastal lagoons. The coast is mostly sandy with broad beaches and a cristal-clear sea.

Its 30 km of coast are undoubtedly the main attraction point of Siniscola. 12 km of this coast come with beautiful white sandy beaches. La Caletta is one of the seaside resorts of the area. Here, alongside various tourist accommodation and a long beach, an equipped beach, a sailing school, diving and surfing courses . The beach of La Caletta connects to the south to Saint Lucia, a small village of fishermen from Ponza, where there is a sixteenth-century Aragonese Tower and several large bays with pine woods behind.

Farther south there are, first, the beautiful “comfit beach” and then the white dunes of Capo Comino, one of the wildest extraordinary natural landscapes of the island. Along the cliffs of red porphyry one can reach Berchida, the jewel of the eastern coast of Sardinia with an incredible cristal clear sea safeguarded by a protected area.

Among some other attractions there are several natural caves, such as those of Sa Prejone e’ s’Orcu, Duar Vuccas, and Sa Conca’ e Locoli, both due to the limestone rocks in the Monte Albo and Mount Latu. Monte Albo (1100 m) is rich in forests, springs and beautiful scenic areas where you can go trekking, hiking and horseback riding. Its rock walls are very interesting to those who practice free climbing.

Delphina hotels&resorts has been offering luxury accommodation in the beautiful land of Gallura for years.

The delphina hotels sardinia, all 4 or 5 stars, were built totally respecting the environment, the traditions of the region aiming to offer their guests more comfort and satisfaction.

Delphina hotels&resorts include: Capo d’Orso Hotel and Il Mirto Residence located in the beautiful park of Cala Capra, only 4 km far from Palau, Valle dell’Erika Resort situated in the north of Palau, nearby the Park of Arcipelago della Maddalena, facing the island of Spargi, Hotel Marinedda which is one km far from the Isola Rossa, Cala di Lepre Hotel located 3 km far from Palau and facing the Costa Smeralda, Torreruja Relax Hotel placed in Isola Rossa, Dune Village, in the Gulf of Asinara and the Hotel Cala di Falco placed in Cannigione.

Delphina hotels&resorts are all by the sea and characterized by the care that is given to particular things such as wellness, nature, food, sport and entertainment, aiming at the customer’s total satisfaction.

In each of the six Delphina hotels there’s a prestigious Wellness Centre, specialized in Thalassotherapy, which, with the most modern equipment, draws from the marine environment the properties the guests will benefit from.

Delphina is aware and proud of the many beauties that Sardinia enshrines and offers daily land trips land, on foot and on horseback by bus or by car, both to the inlands, the sea and the islands.

At the same time Delphina knows very well the genuineness and goodness of the typical Sardinian food enhanced by the excellent quality and freshness of the agricultural products such as meat, fish and seafood. All its restaurants offer traditional dishes in their menus, accompanied by the absolute excellent and fine local wines.

Delphina also loves sports and wants to give its guests the benefits that come from it, either practiced in contact with nature or making use of fully equipped indoor gyms and programs sized to guests by qualified instructors. You can take sailing, diving, surfing, horse riding and tennis courses not to deny anything that can offer a holiday Delphina.

At the guest’s disposal there are many Delphina’s offers such as the Sardinia Roulette Formula allowing guests to save up to 70% (the choice of the Hotel will be random on the base of the last minute availabilities): customers will know which hotel they’ll stay at two days prior to departure. The closest hotel is 27 km far from Olbia Airport and the furthest is 80 km far from Olbia Airport. No matter which hotel you will be given, Delphina ensures the luxury of 4/5 stars hotels in the amazing northern Sardinia.

The fair The Mountain Produces takes place in Desulo, Sardinia, in the province of Nuoro, from October 30th to November 1st. This is an important food-and-wine event organized by Aspen, an agency for the economic promotion of the area of Nuoro, which promotes actions aiming at enhancing the area of Gennargentu, an ancient land that, right from the prehistory, was inhabited by brave peoples that could hold out against the numerous invasions and protect their customs and traditions.

This is the 18th year that The Mountain Produces is organized. In fact, this event was conceived in 1991 thanks to the cooperation between the Municipality and the municipal tourist board of Desulo. This year it will be part of the festival Autumn in Barbagia, which is one of the most important events in Sardinia and aims at making visitors know the old arts and trades, the local costumes and all the oldest and most genuine traditions of Barbagia. During Autumn in Barbagia, the cortes and some private houses generously opened to the public by their owners, shops and workshops can be visited to see local craftsmen at work and admire their products.

The Mountain Produces, which is now the most important event for the exhibition of the products of Gennargentu, allows visitors to taste and buy all the most typical and healthful products of the mountain: ham, sausage, typical bread, meat, sheep’s milk cheese, sweets, roast chestnuts and specialties like su callu, a very strong cheese cream made of milk fermented in the stomach of the goatling. And there are also some interesting additional rendezvous that further gladden visitors.