Life with Pia

MILLIONAIRES ON THE LOOSE

I love surprises so when Henry told me between one turn and the other at 110 miles an hour on the Italian Riviera Highway that we were invited to his brother Giorgio's birthday on his yacht in Porto Cervo, I was so pleased that I totally forgot to be scared about the speed and the turns.

Porto Cervo is in Sardinia, on the Costa Smeralda better known as the Emerald Coast. It is here big yachts worth many millions of dollars dug in for vacation and where their owners enjoy - among peers- being themselves.

The town is created by the "who is who" of the world many years ago and even if it in fact is Italy, it in reality seems like another planet. If you think that Monte Carlo is hype, forget it, the Billionaire Club is in Porto Cervo as well as the present "who is who" of the world. Of course, to get to another planet you need a rocket and a crew. Trust Henry’s brother Giorgio with that!

We started our trip in Italy where Henry, his mother and I were picked up at the private airport LINATE to fly with Henry's brothers private 125 HS twinjet with ten seats to Porto Cervo. Henry always explains me all technical details about cars, planes and boats and if I could just remember a little of it I would be an expert.

I must admit I felt great being met by the captain and co-pilot at the entrance of the airport. The entire luggage, the paperwork and the three of us went through security as VIP- the only potential terrorist could have been my mother in law, but she is in too good shape at 83 to want to kill herself just to get rid of me!

The plane was ready to start the moment we were seated in the comfortable seats and of course with the air-conditioning running right away. That way of flying is great, 10 seats, you can lie down if you need a nap or go into the cockpit for an incredible view of the Alps and Apennines, after that just time to see Corsica and Sardinia and we land at Olbia Airport.

We were picked up by Henry's brother and after thirty minutes of beautiful scenery we finally arrived at Porto Cervo. We dropped the car and walked to Giorgio’s Westport 130 footer!!! Impressive three decks and a half of luxury and comfort. Life could be harder of course, but the nine people crew and Giorgio’s wife made their best possible to make us forget how hard it is. Observing people and boats while lunching on the main deck is a great experience. Lunch was delicious, the table was beautifully decorated by Giorgio's wife, and she enjoys fully the art of interior decorating and is very good at it.

Boats float on water and if the sea is not in a good mood also big yachts move even if they are in a harbor so it sometimes is better to sleep on land. This is why we, pushed by the stormy winds, ended up at the Porto Cervo Sheraton. We enjoyed a hotel room where the price per night per person is like a monthly salary for a normal american - that is without breakfast! But who cares when a coke or a latte is fifteen dollars.

Inhaling the exclusive atmosphere of the charming Village at Porto Cervo with its shops, restaurants, expensively dressed vacationers and the many large boats was an adventure. At night it looked even more beautiful, but then I love the warm air, the sea breeze and the lights from the boats and the surroundings that are so beautiful and give an elated feel of romance and mystery.

Even more exciting having a wonderful dinner at the Hotel Restaurant situated right on the sea. Great food, exclusive Champagne and not the least wonderful company made the day perfect.

We fully enjoyed our days at Porto Cervo and it was much too fast it all ended by Henrys brother taking us to a relaxing and fun family lunch on the way to the airport.

On the flight back to the mainland we stopped in Rome before we finally arrived back at Linate.

All in all an outstanding experience. There is nothing like family, I just love it!