We pulled into the gates of our hosts’ Sardinian compound and rolled down the gravel driveway lined with olive trees. They waved us in and we pulled into the court yard where our uncle Jason and Chris Del Morro were nibbling on fresh cheese, tomatoes, and artichokes while sipping on red wine. We jumped out of the car and gave them each a high five. Moody clouds surrounded the rolling hills and a brisk wind whipped through the air. We loaded up the car and sped down a few empty roads to a point. An old spanish castle sat at the tip of the point and a few crumbly lefts peeled towards us. The sun set below the dark clouds and we headed back to the villa escaping the swarms of mosquitos that bit at our faces. We walked to the dining table where our new friends beckoned in Italian for us to join them. Jugs of wine were passed, stories shared, and plenty of laughter filled the quiet night. Then bowls of steaming pasta were brought out and passed around the table. Penne Pomodoro and Rigatone al Zuccini melted in our mouths. We sat and ate and drank and then ate some more. And then when we were too full to move a plate of fresh baked fudge brownies appeared out of no where and the stories and laughter continued on and on. Group by group we slowly dispersed into our little rooms and faded into a deep food induced coma.
