At 0730 we were crawling along and off
the port side I could see nothing but sea and mist. Turning on the
bow-cam it looked the same. Quite suddenly we were passing a jetty
and light tower as we entered the long arms of the harbor, which was
about 0745. The ship pulled up to a commercial pier and tied up port
side to the sea, starboard side to town. Our view is of the mussel
farm, some mountains across the huge bay, a half sunken freighter,
grain silos, a couple of other piers and down below; buses and
concrete. Not bad though. This being a working pier we cannot walk
ashore into town so the line has provided a shuttle bus. For us we
found we had a large tour bus; one built for Europeans/westerners
with adequate size seats and leg room.
 |
| view from our deck |
|
 |
| view of harbor |
 |
| view of city |
|
Another organized tour, this began
with a ride through the city with points of interest being
highlighted by Mikala, our excellent guide. This city is cleaner than
the cities we have seen the last couple of days and the apartment
buildings are tidier, better looking and most have some green space
too. At the top of the hill we got out and began a walking tour of
the old city. First we passed the 13th century Tower of
St. Pancras then down the streets past old palaces to a square and
the Cathedral of Cagliari.
 |
| Palaces, the square and the Cathedral |
The Cathedral (
www.duomodicagliari.it)
started as a church was rebuilt in 1254, enlarged in 1258 and became
a Cathedral in 1313. It was remodeled/enlarged mostly during the 17
th
century. In 1702 more work was done. In the early 20
th
century more.
 |
| Cathedral | |
 |
| Cathedral |
 |
| tombs beneath the Cathedral |
 |
| arch over the steps to the city |
Following that we walked down the
streets and emerged at the many marble steps down the cliff face to a
busy square for a few minutes of shopping and nibbling pastries. Back
to the bus and up to Mt. Urpino for a view of the entire city.
 |
| bag 0' snacks |
 |
| street scene |
 |
| view of city |
 |
| atop the mtn |
Back down to sea level and a drive
along the beach and the salt lagoons. Flamingos! Then out into the
countryside to the farming village of Maracalagonis. Once there we
got out of the bus and squeezed down a narrow street, sharing it with
a few passing cars. The local men enjoying the sun on benches
welcomed us warmly. A costumed man guided us to the Casa Atzeri where
we were given a glass of Mirto and taken into a long room of stone
walls, wood roof and one long table. Myrtle was spread on the floor
which gave a nice aroma when walked upon. Costumed staff served
plates of salami, prosciutto, cheeses, fruit, olives, breads and
pitchers of local wine. While dining we were entertained with
traditional music as each new dish was explained. After dining we
waddled up to the courtyard and enjoyed a show of traditional music
and dance. The owner, Mr. Vincenzo watched from a nearby table. Julie
extended to him our pleasure of the experience. The ride back to the
ship was narrated by our guide from who we learned about the many
other sights and adventures of the island that we did not have time
to see. Thus, a return to Sardinia is on our list.
 |
| welcoming us to Casa Atzeri |
 |
| Soldiers' memorial from WWI |
Back about 1315 for unpacking the day
packs and getting ready for dinner. Still stuffed with Sardinian
fare, we face tonight a special dinner in the Pinnacle: Italian
Night! At 1645 we sailed. 1800 a multi-course dinner with friends
Ray and Loren followed by a show.
Noon report today: 39º
12.58'N and 009º
06.32'E. Sunrise 0719. Sunset 1703. Days run 225 nm. Total log 6527
nm. Temp 20c, 68f.
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