Italian Summer: Pizza pie That's amore ...

This year Italian Summer is more than ever a savour, something coming from the past.  A past not too far. It was summer 2009.

A country home, close friends and a sunny day. Laughing, swimming, boys pretending to be farmers, girls chatting about friends,  and at the sunset was pizza time.

Chrissi Island

Chrissi Island or Gaidouronisi (donkey island) lies 8 miles south of Ierapetra from where - from the middle of April to the end of Octomber- there are daily cruises by boats to Chrissi. The residents of Ierapetra simply call it “the island”, as there is a special relationship between them, lost in the depths of time.

Ierapetra

In the wonder of the Libyan sea, the journey is usually in the company of herring seagulls, while occasionally dolphins play within sight. After almost an hour’s sailing, the boats approach the southern coast of the island, which is normally more sheltered. Passengers disembark at “Vougiou Mati” where there is a small wharf and the reception area. 

The vegetation is quite diverse in view of the island’s size. There are mainly cedars, junipers, lentisc, thyme, heath and rockroses and sandy shore vegetation.

The Cedar forest of Chrissi is very rare in its expanse and structure. It covers almost 35 hectares and its density is approximately 28 trees per hectare. Their average height is 3 to 7m tall and their average age is at least 300 years old. Cedars have a root system that spreads across an area which is more than double the height of the tree. Apart from the big roots, a huge amount of tiny roots forms a complex web that keeps the sand in place.

In the sea around Chrisi the variety and abundance of the marine species are impressive, as the water is shallow. The sea bed around the island up to a depth of 20m covers about 30km2 (area six times the size of the island).Most of the island’s animal species have a Mediterranean distribution. None of them pose any threat to humans.

The total length of the island’s pathways is 10km. With three hours of relaxed walking the visitor can obtain a good idea of the variety of the landscape. All you need is a pair of sports shoes, and of course hat, sunscreen and water during the summer months.

One that doesn’t enjoy walking so much can relax by the blue sea either on the jetty or on the northern beach, which is 5 minutes walk. Even on a relaxed, short stay like that, Chrissi remains very impressive.

A few hipsters are "allowed" to live permanently in Chrissi and their presence somehow prevents from environmental degradation. 

You can see their pictoresque and fascinating accomodations between the cedars.

When back in Ierapetra remember is the only town on the south coast of Crete,  Today the area of Ierapetra is one of the most productive regions of Greece  and one of Europe’s main sources of early fresh fruits, vegetables, olive oil and flowers. Ierapetra has a lot to offer to its visitors and is a great place to enjoy beautiful nature and traditional Greek atmosphere. Above all the small and tipical restaurants facing the sea.

Grilled octopus is  on the menu of every seafood tavern in Greece and On the Greek islands  one will often see a clothes line of octopi hanging  outside of a taverna, drying out in the hot Greek sun. This is done to draw out moisture (water) from the octopus, especially important if grilling octopus.

Try the recipe  (makes 1 appetizer serving for 4))

1 medium to large octopus, beak and ink-sac removed (most octopi are already cleaned)

1/3 cup red wine

splash of balsamic or wine vinegar

cracked black pepper

fresh or dried Greek oregano

extra-virgin olive oil

salt to taste

lemon wedges

Place your octopus (throwing in the cork is optional) in a pot over high heat and cover. Allow the octopus to boil for about 5-8 minutes. Take the lid off and have a look to see if the liquid has been released (the octopus should be almost covered in liquid). Place the cover back on and reduce the heat to a medium-low and simmer for about 45 minutes (checking occasionally to see if there’s enough braising liquid). You may add some more water and continue to braise until the octopus is fork-tender.

Remove from the heat and add your wine, balsamic vinegar and some Greek oregano. Allow the octopus to steep until the liquid has cooled or even better, place in the fridge overnight. 

When you’re ready to grill your octopus, pre-heat your gas or charcoal grill to a high heat. You may cut your octopus now or after it’s grilled (your choice). 

Take your octopus out of the liquid and place in a bowl. Add some olive oil, some balsamic vinegar, dried Greek oregano, freshly ground black pepper and if needed at all, some sea salt. 

Place the octopus on the grill and sear for about 2-3 minutes on both sides. Remove from the grill and place on a serving plate. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a good sprinkle of dried Greek oregano and a little sea salt.

This is only one of the tastes of Greece.

يعات. реализация. Sales.Buy or do not buy?

Afternoon at McArthur Glen in Serravalle (Italy)  where there are no more between seasons. Summer sales, very summer, mingle at the arrivals winter, very winter. Metaphor of the only big spenders: Arabic and Russian. 

Saldarini

Burberry

The first  accumulate bags while the  husbands wait sitting on the sunny benches surrounded by many children. The second with long Soviet-style legs are followed by husbands  lugging the bags. I forgot Asians but except for the Chinese they have always bought what we have only dreamed of.

Prada

 And the Italian? They are mostly gone, as between seasons precisely. The few remaining roam without a reason, sometimes in small groups, accompanied by some older mothers who suffered cruel beatings of "freddocaldo freddocaldo". They are immediately recognizable. And suffer the sneer. They are greeted with a smiling "good morning ma'am, curious as well," and settled with an equally smiling and obsequious "thank you for coming to visit us." In stores of the most expensive brands also taste succumbed to the seduction of the Arab-Soviet wallet. All very orpelloso, an exhibitionist.
Too much trouble for my days. And then, let's face it, even tiring to the eye. 

Dolce & Gabbana

With my  friend we develop simple but effective economic theories that I prefer to omit. I will only say that go from the proletarian expropriation  to revenge  exercise on behalf of the unsuspecting benefactor, with a clear trend although not exercised the medio-light underworld. I must say that on the latter occasion we did it seriously. Thinking about the past and possible developments we said that for years we have continued to buy, to hoard goods, we have grown steadily until a few years ago. I do not know where we thought we could get.
 It 'obvious that we burned the way for the new generations. How could grow more than that? So now it is normal to stop running, stop for a while, waiting for the others who, after parties, they still have a few miles to go. And try not to make it a tragedy, to prevent the break turns into a brawl. Conclusion: The  happy decrease  seems to me the most dignified way to leave the scene.  
So what?
Buy or do not buy: buy it. But a couple of Kickers in the shop for children. € 19,90. Last couple: what luck to have big feet! At home, while I remove them from the box, I glance at the green and red dots that serve to recognize right from left. It makes me smile. I remember myself as a child. It will also be so that it decreases?

Experience Hotel in Sardinia

In the heart of Sardinia, in the cool Supramonte countryside, among vineyards and olive groves where the air smells of myrtle and rosemary, one of the legends of Sardinian hospitality: Su Gologone. The charm of this country estate in its unique blend of charm and atmosphere, hospitality and comfort, scents and flavors of the good things of the past.

In the green, silent park, the buildings are scattered among the gardens, balconies, patios and stone paths shaded by olive trees, medlar trees and mastic, with the large pool of spring water overlooking the soft, silvery horizons.

A romantic retreat with exceptional comfort: rooms, junior suites and elegant suites , furnished with antique furniture and Sardinian fabrics.Do not miss the art rooms with a bathtub in the middle of the terrace:  11 suites and 12 junior suites, each dedicated to a great artist of the twentieth century by Francesco Sardinian Ciusa (considered the first sculptor isolate) to Federico Melis and Edina Altara. 

A collection of Sardinian art, among the most important in the world, created with commitment and dedication, and of which many pieces are regularly sold to museums, thanks to the richness of the works, creates numerous paths within the structure of art.

To these are added the paths of flavors, aromas, and finally those of the art workshops.
These are a project of Giovanna  Palimodde that by creating the brand "Gologone Style" wanted to bring together traditional and innovative artistic content.
At the shops, you can admire and purchase sumptuous shawls, fabric creations with multicolored embroidery, iron objects, pottery majolica with unique shapes and colors of their kind.

 

Happy hour is a rite relax on the wooden terrace of the bar Tablao, overlooking the Gennargentu, which at that time turns pink. A magical atmosphere envelops the place, where linger long before heading to dinner.  

The terrace of dreams, however, where the sight dwells on Mount Corrasi (here, in 1966, John Huston shot a few scenes of the blockbuster "The Bible" with Ava Gardner), who loves the stars can attend lectures on the subject.

 The restaurant Su Gologone is a real temple of flavor. Around the great centuries-old fireplace or on the terrace frescoed by cascades of flowers you can enjoy, according to the season, the Sardinian delicacies that were once reserved for special occasions. A wealth of culinary culture made ​​possible by the excellence of the food products of the land of Oliena.

In an outdoor courtyard  are hosted dinners where you can watch the preparation of bread carasau and eat cold meats and cheeses. A little farther on the shops where the curious tourist can find jewelry, sets of dishes and glasses colored fabrics typical and pillows, but also objects in wood and wrought iron. Everything in the hotel is a hymn to the Sardinian tradition, habits and customs of the island, to art, from painting to ceramics.

Every day starting from the Resort guides accompany guests, with Land Rover, quod Motorcycles, bicycles, canoes, horses and on foot, through the savages the Supramonte with its white limestone and a step away from heaven, or of touch and enjoy 'crystal clear water of the nearby beach of Cala Cartoe.

To complete the offer, rich, not only the courses - from embroidery to design - but also the wellness area.The spa and fitness Gologone offers anti-stress treatment, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and personalized diets. The pristine environment of this part of Sardinia allows you to find the balance with a perfect relaxation.

Even for Madonna, who after a long stay, said:  «Su Gologone es mi casa, my home, goodbye».

Su Gologone Hotel 

Fond of Portofino

June has come and we've never been in Portofino in the new year. I miss it! Now we've to wait until september and find out our beloved one. A world apart...

Paraggi
 Bloody Red and Veronese Green like in a Visconti's movie

Portofino at a glance is  a parentesi in every day grey habits. 
It's more necessary to life than a window a room

Portofino Little Square
Theatre Wings for Uncommon Lives

There were fishermen in Portofino. Once...

Focaccia and Giancu Portufin on facades

Leaving the gulf you know you won't find  the same fulfillment as in that world apart

Get your  chance by clicking on Portofino World

Garibaldi Suite, a charming flat in Genoa

A 70 squared metres flat in a beautiful Palace dated 1756 in the hearth of Genoa is now available for rent. A "home" far from "home", fursnished with comteporary design objects and the luxury of precious silk, velvet and leather. In the sitting room six decorated pannels on 18th models by Claude Adran and contemporary home decor objects by Ludovica and  Roberto Palomba, Hervè Van der Straeten, Matt Sindall, William Sawaya, Romeo Sozzi, artworks by Shu Takahashi and Nathalie Pasqua.

In the dining room table and chairs by Sawaya & Moroni, lamps by  Foscarini e Tom Dixon, chinaware by  KPM.

Envelope yourself in Pratesi expensive bedclothes, wake up and have a glance at the garden outside. Nespresso is provided with a wide range of flavours.
What else? 

Garibaldi Suite