Sardinia

	From Monte Urpinu, we took in a spectacular view of Cagliari, the saltpans, and Molentargius Lagoon, home to thousands of splendid pink flamingos. There was a statue of St Francis on the top, Continued on to lovely Poetto Beach, ten minutes from the city center. In the mountains, where the fiercely independent Sardinians held out against the hated Romans, we visited the farming community of Maracalagonis. Just off its central piazza lies a Spanish-style landowner's mansion where a folklore group entertained us with exhilarating local dances and colorful costumes. We enjoyed handmade cakes, sweets and local wines--a taste of genuine Sardinian hospitality. They had put herbs on the ground so when we walked on the scent filled the air. This was really delightful!