Of rain storms over Alghero and a winter apartment

Yesterday it rained in the night.  I say rained but that does little justice to the powerful downpour which lasted for most of the night.

You could see during the late afternoon that there was something brewing.  Heavy dark rain clouds had formed up to the east of us, but ever the optimist I judged that they were moving away which they were.  But as we came away from the beech around 7.30 another even more menacing group had formed up out to sea.

But the damage was done in the night and by the time we awoke at 6, the sun was just beginning to do its work and so while everywhere was still wet this would not be the case for long.

And now at just after nine, the pavements, balconies and roads are dry, the sky is blue and we are set for another fine day.  Already the free beach has its first customers and away to the south the paid sunbeds are filling up.

The town is also busy, but here it is that work a day business.  Tables in the bars and restaurants are being prepared, the local bakery has just had its third delivery of the day, and the gift shops are open to catch the first tourists of the morning.

From the height of the fort rampant we have a fine view of all that is going on.  Yesterday afternoon standing on the same spot I was drawn to the house directly opposite.  It is one of those that you can see on the arty postcards, and it draws the attention of passers-by who like me take a picture and dream of living there.

But I suppose that is always the danger of holidays in the sun in picturesque places.  The here and now is all too evident and lets you build a romantic image of life lived out in a house like this.  But I am not sure it would be so attractive in the winter months when most of the gift shops are closed, the restaurants and bars have retreated inside, and the wind and rain adds to the emptiness of the place.

True the old town will still have a lot going for it but along the coast road to the south the blocks of apartments will be empty, only a skeleton staff left in the many hotels and the beach will be deserted.  Not one of the beds or umbrellas will be left and the tiny bars which they accompany them will be shut up.

But enough of such dismal thoughts, the sun is shining and we have a guide book which means in the fullness of time we will start more adventures, this time armed with the knowledge of what to see and what to know.

Pictures; from the collection of Andrew Simpson