Three solid days of discrete relaxation on the Costa Smeralda. In early September the flash has disappeared and only Mother Nature is showing off her bling.
My host had turtles roaming the grounds, preppy pink-and-green bathroom trim and, oh yes, a splendid view.
Crowds of people, crowds of boats - neither exist here in September.
Complete Tranquility: it's not just the sights and the (lack of) sound, but something in the air that puts the mind and body at ease.
Grey skies but great company: new friends and the beach, near Porto Rotondo. Pictured: Sicilian actor Francesco Castiglione.
I went down by the shore to gaze at the ripples and muse...
...with a stony whale by my side.