We all slept in with the exception of Josh who went out for an early morning ride. Upon returning, the verdict was that the Northern coast of Sardegna is more spectacular than this region in the Northeast. However, the fact that we are situated just across from Isola Tavolara -- a rock that looks like a mountain and measures 520 meters from sea level -- and Isola Molinara, makes the scenery unique. The landscape is more rural and desert-like.
Olivia and Avery went to the kids' club for a bit this morning. After all the energy and activities at Cala di Lepre it was too boring for Olivia and she wanted out. Charlotte's friends from RIS are staying nearby in Puntaldia. They were scheduled to come to our hotel for the day, swim, go to the beach, have lunch, etc. Charlotte was excited to see Anna and Violetta, and being friendly with Anna's mom, I was looking forward to seeing Bianca as well. It turned out they arrived at 12:30pm -- Anna wasn't feeling well -- and so the girls just swam in the pool for a bit before we sat down to lunch in the pool bar. After lunch we went down to the beach before Bianca had to take the girls back to Puntaldia. We agreed, we'd try to meet again tomorrow.
While breakfast had more to offer than Cala di Lepre, after the second night of dinner we all agreed the food at Cala di Lepre was much better. Again, the Germanic influence could be felt -- they just don't have as high a standard for food. Somehow, despite being a buffet, with so many people being served, the food at the prior hotel was of a much higher quality. In fact, each night I over-ate because it was so hard to choose among the delicious offerings. Perhaps it's a good thing we arrived here -- I can lose the weight I surely gained at Cala di Lepre. The other main difference both in the restaurant and all over the property is staffing. Travel Charme is simply understaffed. Fewer golf cart drivers, fewer kid's club counselors, fewer pool and beach staff, and no staff serving any of the buffet offerrings as at Cala di Lepre. I think somehow when people are involved in serving at a buffet, it helps to keep the food fresher.
Breakfast included an egg station where omelets and eggs were cooked to order -- one improvement over the prior hotel. In thinking it through, it makes sense. Travel Charme is a German company. In fact, all of the staff here are either German or speak German. This was disappointing to us -- especially to Josh; he didn't want to leave Italy, and suddenly we find ourselves in a German environment in Sardegna. Most of the guests here are German. This is relevant when it comes to breakfast because unlike Italians, Germans are used to eating a large breakfast centered on eggs, among other things. Whereas, in most of our travels throughout Italy (Cala di Lepre included) the Italian focus is on sweets (a cornetto or cakes) and coffee. So here we are, upon arrival at the Travel Charme, missing the Cala di Lepre, and looking for the silver lining. Now we know at least we'll be getting a better breakfast -- including eggs cooked to order, and even prosecco if we want.
Olivia and Avery went to the kids' club for a bit this morning. After all the energy and activities at Cala di Lepre it was too boring for Olivia and she wanted out. Charlotte's friends from RIS are staying nearby in Puntaldia. They were scheduled to come to our hotel for the day, swim, go to the beach, have lunch, etc. Charlotte was excited to see Anna and Violetta, and being friendly with Anna's mom, I was looking forward to seeing Bianca as well. It turned out they arrived at 12:30pm -- Anna wasn't feeling well -- and so the girls just swam in the pool for a bit before we sat down to lunch in the pool bar. After lunch we went down to the beach before Bianca had to take the girls back to Puntaldia. We agreed, we'd try to meet again tomorrow.
While breakfast had more to offer than Cala di Lepre, after the second night of dinner we all agreed the food at Cala di Lepre was much better. Again, the Germanic influence could be felt -- they just don't have as high a standard for food. Somehow, despite being a buffet, with so many people being served, the food at the prior hotel was of a much higher quality. In fact, each night I over-ate because it was so hard to choose among the delicious offerings. Perhaps it's a good thing we arrived here -- I can lose the weight I surely gained at Cala di Lepre. The other main difference both in the restaurant and all over the property is staffing. Travel Charme is simply understaffed. Fewer golf cart drivers, fewer kid's club counselors, fewer pool and beach staff, and no staff serving any of the buffet offerrings as at Cala di Lepre. I think somehow when people are involved in serving at a buffet, it helps to keep the food fresher.
After dinner, we joined the groups of people sitting poolside watching the final game of the World Cup match -- Spain vs. the Netherlands. It was quite pleasant to lie down outside at night on a lettino and watch a big screen TV. Unfortunately, it was the game that didn't want to end and we couldn't take it anymore. We were already back in our rooms by the time Spain scored the sole goal of the match to win the championship.
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