The story of 3 and then the story of Efisio

First 3 or "Tre". Very Italian. We wanted a 3 Sim card. We have an unlocked dongle fixed into the pc. We wanted a local card for internet access only to supplement our wifi. On a Pay As You Go basis. We went to the recommended shop, very helpful and obliging staff. He (spoke some English) recommended the 15 Euro for one month, unlimited use sim, rechargeable. Good. We bought it for 3 Euros. Loads of paperwork, took copy of my driving license, wanted an Italian temp address, etc etc. So far so good. We asked him to charge the card for us. Oh no, they couldn't do that, you need to go to a Tabacchi to do that. One across the road. OK go to the Tabacchi. Oh no, we only do 10 or 20 Euros charging, can't do 15. But this is a 15 Card we say. Shrugs, you need to go to the 3 Shop. Back to the 3 Shop, Nice girl (doesn't speak English) says oh, you have to go to the bar instead to do 15 Euros. Go to bar, chap says give me 15 Euros, I'll give you a 10 and a 5 card, take these back to the 3 Shop and they will charge your card. Back to the 3 Shop, is this true? Yes. Back to bar, buy 2 cards, back to 3, they charge the sim. Asked why do they not charge sims then and there. Shrugs, that is not how it is done. Well why could you not sell us the 10 and 5 card and do it that way? Because they are now obsolete. How do we recharge if we want another month? Go to the Tabacchi. Full Circle. The joy of it all!

But after several goes back on the boat, it works. And one can recharge online. And they do chaos so stylishly.

The story of Ephisius. 1 May 2011

We had a rest today and had a real treat in joining a Sardinian celebration. St Ephisius is a Saint based in the ancient town of Nora (ruins and amphitheatre still standing), who freed Cagliari, Nora and the surrounding area of plague amongst other things and was martyred in Nora for being a Christian. Since 1652 the people of Cagliari, and now all of Sardinia, have honoured their Saint with processions and pageantry lasting 4 days when they carry the effigy of Ephisius from Cagliari to his place at Nora. Today's is the 355th anniversary.

The 1st of May is the day that the main procession in Cagliari takes place - traditional Campidano carts, highly decorated by competing villages and drawn by decorated oxen, 3,500 people - each commune or village displaying their individual costumes, 300 people on horseback from the Campidano, the Militia and the Honour Guard. And finally the Saint himself in his gilded cage starting his journey from Cagliari to Nora, and then back to his place in the Church of his name in Cagliari.

We were there all morning and until about 3:30pm - there were grandstands of people and all the roads were thronged with virtually the whole Sardinian population and a good many tourists too - a cruise ship had timed its arrival to coincide with this festival. The atmosphere was extraordinary, and even the carabinieri were cheerful, smiling and jovial despite having the big guns out.

A wonderful spectacle. And tomorrow we get launched. We hope.