Cult (or something like that) of split Personalities

 

Blogging Duo

Managed to combine intrepid explorer with family man today, all it must be said, within the reasonably sanitised environment of comfortable resort. I'll expand a little as most of this is going on in my head through experiences, rather than anything too out there, hope to a little more of the latter tomorrow. I was advised there needs to be some rest on this holiday, so perhaps today was the day!

10 hours sleep as we all caught up on the lost night but was out in the oven heat at 8am thinking that was a good time for a run. Need to set my alarm earlier tomorrow, it was boiling.  Downhill to warm up, 4 easyish miles where I wished I'd taken some water, and then uphill walk/down.

Breakfast outside of course, and a shower outside too, what better way to finish a run, I think I'll do it all again tomorrow. Rehydration the name of the game with breakfast so water melon and fruit juice did the trick.

The girls happy to mooch and sunbathe at the ranch so I took a trip down into the other side of Costa Rei to just get my bearings and keep things ticking over.  Found a lovely little beach bar, got out my books, had an iced coffe, chatted with the waiter, getting some advice on kayaking and local hikes. Think he thought I was a lonely traveller so was a bit surprised a couple of hours later when the rest of the family turned up for a snack and a chat!

Gourmet sandwich for 5 Euros can't complain, turkey, mozerella and olive paste.  

We then walked along the breathtaking beach, just drinking it all in, taking a few photos and reflecting on why it might rank above other beach favourites we have visited over the years. Others put it up there https://www.sardegnainblog.it/en/destinations/costa-rei/costa-rei-top-10-most-beautiful-beaches-world/#:~:text=Costa%20Rei%20on%20the%205,has%20been%20awarded%20by%20the

Wanted to do a bit of core work so a double kayak for an hour managed to achieve that; we didn't go far, maybe that's a bit of exploration for another day.

Found another beach bar, couple of drinks whilst the girls worshipped the sun, and hopefully not frightening too many with my reading choice, the first of the Dexter books!

We discovered a very steep but short route back to our house on the hill so everything suddenly feels a lot closer which can only be a good thing.

Interesting factoid of the day, the word sardonic (one of my favourite words) comes from this part of the world (back to that old sard root), dating back to Romans poisoning people with a herb that left that sort of smile on peoples faces. I love a smile that shrugs, and most of my humour follows this line.

With that aside it was another outside shower hoping the postman didn't come a knocking and then into the best clobber I could find for a night at a pizzeria. My attention to detail led to a few worries as I mixed up my piazzas and pizzerias earlier but luckily my spot on my walk down to CostaRei this morning was infact the right one

Dined at the https://reyoasi.it/menu-italiano although took a while to work out what to eat. For the umpteenth time abroad we were mistaken for Germans and whilst Chrissi was keen to make a stab at the German/Italian menu for a while I eventually had to go back to the waiter, tail between my legs, and ask for the English version.  We then proceeded to order the cheapest wine on the menu (that didn't need translating) but have tasty Pizza Gustosa, and then dipped into a traditional Sardinia dessert Sabadas Miele. Felt a warm glow when the waiter mentioned his mama had always made it for him as a small child. That glow faded as pastry, cheese and honey not so welcome on my palate, but pleased to give it a go, and have some of Chrissis tiramasu as a side dish. All washed down with a cappuccino.

Tidy little walk after sunset, passed a few markets, up the steps, and some wine and music from our viewing point.

(Carys)

A bit of a later start to the day, later than most typical days, let alone the early start we'd had yesterday. But none the less, feeling more rested, and grateful to see the weather just as nice and the view just as breathtaking as before.

 I had quite a mix-matched breakfast, with some different juices, watermelon and then some yoghurt which was just what I felt I needed, very refreshing. Typical holiday stuff. Spent some time soaking up sun on the balcony and reading and then braved the irritating process of applying suncream, at which point I somewhat regretted travelling somewhere so sunny although it appears the sun is out at home so would be doing this regardless. At least here we have delicious and different food, and as mentioned, glorious views. We met dad where he'd resided in a beach bar on the sand for lunch - I chose a sandwich with tomato, lettuce, and buffalo mozzarella, and we shared some chips - how very foreign of (not). 

Then I joined dad in trying out the kayaking but in all honesty it was hard work, and I just wasn't very up for it. The waters are good for it though reasonably calm and crystal clear.

 Instead, I enjoyed some swimming time and then read on the beach, managing to burn my feet despite my vigorous suncream application earlier - it seemed i'd missed a spot. As it got a bit later, we strolled on back, miraculously locating the elusive steps that took us straight up to outside the house. I therefore take back my comments on the lack of convenience to beach access, even though the hundreds of steps to climb is a workout in itself. 

Once showered and changed (I am now the only one of us to have not tried the outdoor shower, but am sure I will at some point), we headed out for dinner. 

We doubted the existence of the pizzeria we were in search of, having seen many signs for the piazza, which could have been mistakenly what we'd seen. We did manage to arrive at the one we were looking for though, and were seated in a nice spot where the sea, and appearing moon, were just visible. I had a 'pizza carrettiera', tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Very tasty as hoped, and then for dessert, I went in blind, choosing a 'semifreddo', mostly out of curiosity as I had no idea what to expect. I was asked if I wanted chocolate or fruit I think, so rashly said chocolate, and was then glad with my choice. It was some sport of cake with an ice cream layer, and chocolate sauce on top - really delicious, but wondering what the fruit one would look like?

 Anyway, we took the steps back home, tiresome again, but good for the fitness, and lovely views of the moon overlooking the sea of course. Now off to bed hoping to wake up energised and positive!