Downshifting in Sardinia

 

All the photos belong to Francesca Mazzer.

We usually live in a constant race, and an increasing number of people are claiming that they need more time to relax and enjoy the simple things in everyday life. While small villages in Sardinia are losing many inhabitants due to a lack of opportunities, especially for young people, there are also those from the most significant cities who decide to live a simpler yet very fulfilling life in a countryside village. 

Francesca is a young lady who decided to quit the city and live in a quiet village in the south of Sardinia, surrounded by enchanting countryside away from traffic, noise, and bustle. Her choice fascinated me, and I asked her some questions about her countryside lifestyle. Take a deep breath and imagine a place where you can see the stars at night and wake up to the lovely bird singing. 

-Francesca, do you remember when you decided to live in the countryside? Why?

-I moved to a small country village in 2015, in a tiny house that still needs to be renovated, but it’s fit to live in, donated by an old relative. In the beginning, it was the only option available.

-Where do you live exactly?

-I chose to live in Genuri, located in the Marmilla region, south of Sardinia, at the foot of Giara mountain. Genuri is a village with circa 300 inhabitants; it’s a quiet place, well known for its production of almonds and extra-virgin olive oil. It’s surrounded by almond groves that, in spring, create an enchanting and romantic atmosphere with all the almond white and light pink flowers in bloom. At the beginning of the winter season, olive groves produce olives that can be tasted in oil, in brine and as tasty, scented excellent extra-virgin olive oil.

Genuri is my maternal grandparents' village, where they lived a quiet life, far from noise and environmental pollution, until their old age.

I choose to live similarly. Being the child and grandchild of farmers, my childhood nostalgia made me rejoin the most natural lifestyle and way of being, which rewards me by giving me peace.

-What do you do? Is it difficult?

 

-I do several things. My main field is catering, which I adore.  I work for a few hours per week, which allows me to devote some time to working in the countryside: seasonal jobs and "foraging".

 

 

 

 

-Can you please describe one of your days?

 

-I wake up early to clean and tidy my house and then I go straight to work. Back home, I take some rest and then I devote some time to my various hobbies.

 

 

 

 

-What are the pros of living in a small village in the Sardinian countryside?

-Nature gives us a lot of benefits, in particular, it offers a slow pace, giving us the possibility to enjoy every moment of the day. Olfactory, tactile and visual contact with soil and plants refreshes us and improves our mood.

 

 

 

 

-You’re also an artist: how does living and working in the countryside feed your art? 

Direct connection with nature has always inspired famous artists and it still inspires nowadays people who have a bent for art. I adore photography, painting, reading, taking long walks, writing, cooking and preparing delicious fruit jams.

 

 

 

-Do you miss anything about living in the city?

-The only thing I miss from city life is that you can reach places just by going on foot or by public transportation, that is impossible if you live in a small village because if you want to go out, you need to have a car.

Another proof that reconnecting with nature and ourselves has extraordinarily positive effects on our well-being.

Thank you Francesca for such an inspiring interview!