Tapestries in Time - Sardinian Sunset

Sardinian Sunset

by

C. L. Kraemer

Prologue

USA Today, Feb. 1, 2018

Ollolai, Italy, is selling homes for $1.25. That's cheaper than a cappuccino.

  Ollolai, a hillside town toward the center of Sardinia, a large Mediterranean island west of Italy, is offering crumbling dwellings for 1 euro (about $1.25) in an effort to boost the shrinking population of the mini-metropolis, which dates back thousands of years.

  The catch? You have to spend about $25,000 to renovate the home you buy and do the work within three years. You can sell it after five years.

  Over the past half-century, as reported in official figures, the town's population has declined from 2,250 to 1,300, leaving hundreds of abandoned homes.

  According to Britain’s Independent newspaper, Ollolai sits on the slopes of Monte San Basilio Magno, and is one of the few remaining Sardinian towns where a local martial art, S’Istrumpa, is still practiced. It also keeps up traditional artisan crafts such as the weaving of baskets.

Chapter One

Keys winging through the air, accompanied by an exasperated, “I have HAD IT!” announced the arrival of Olivia Francesca Porcu Martin. The unintended target, a replica of an ancient, Italian, wine container, shattered into shards on the floor. “I always hated that vase.”

Traffic on the way home from work had her wondering if the State Mental Hospital had freed all the patients with keys to new cars, releasing them on the unsuspecting public. Her briefcase thunked to the floor, and she dropped to the sofa. Toeing off her high heels, Olivia sighed as she lay her head on the back of the cushion. “What I wouldn’t give to fly away to a quiet Greek island and disappear.”

Working was a distraction, nothing more. Years of living in the fashion her friends referred to as, monk-like, she had invested her earnings wisely, wanting for very little in the way of material items. Why couldn’t she fly away? She huffed. “Where would I go, and what would I do?”

Sitting on her laurels didn’t appeal. Her finance degree opened the door to a world of fast and furious; leave your emotions in the lobby. Another wistful sigh escaped her lips. “Something will show up. Just a matter of time.” Leaning forward, she snagged the remote from the coffee table and turned on the local news.

“In other news, today… On the island of Sardinia, the mayor of a small village in the mountains is offering approximately two hundred abandoned and crumbling homes for sale for… are you ready?” The newscaster peered into the camera lens and waited an appropriate length of time. “…one Euro. That’s right, one Euro. There is a catch, however,” he chuckled, “Isn’t there always? The purchaser must sign an agreement to refurbish the home to a livable state. The mayor figures it will take $25,000 to $30,000 and the new owners have three years to reach that goal.”

Olivia was on the edge of the couch cushion, waiting for more information.

“We’ll be right back.”

She groaned. “Of course.”

When the broadcast came back live, the newscasters moved to another story without divulging the name of the town. She knew she had some research to complete as soon as possible.

 “Comfort first.”

Olivia struggled from the couch and traded her work clothes for jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes. She snatched the laptop from its resting place on her dresser and walked to the sofa. Folding her legs beneath her as she flipped open the laptop, she powered it up. “If this story isn’t a con, I’m outta here. If not…well, can’t hurt to check it out.” The sound of fingers maneuvering computer keys muted the rest of the news. Olivia leaned against the cushions, folding her arms. “I’ll be. They’re serious.” She tapped through the photos, stopping when she’d located the place in which she was most interested.

Decades old stones tumbled into a courtyard. The layout shown suggested the previous owners of some wealth at some point. I wonder what could have happened to make them move? Olivia scanned the rest of the pictures and noted the number assigned to the property.

“Tomorrow, I’m taking a vacation day and doing as much research as I can. I believe I hear the call of Mediterranean sirens. No point in ignoring their songs.”