Blog #1: Pre-Departure Expectations

Since Sardinia is an island that is isolated from the mainland by the Mediterranean Sea, I expect that Cagliari and the other towns on the island are close-knit communities. I believe that everything about the culture in Sardinia, whether it be art or music or dance or food, will be very beautiful and specific to the island. I also think that the people there will be very welcoming because they probably receive many visitors from boats that are sailing in the Mediterranean Sea.  The only assumptions that I have about Italy or Italians is that it is very hot and sunny there (which I prepared for by packing 6 bottles of sunscreen that are 45 spf or higher) and that their food is very important to them. I am very much looking forward to trying the local food; especially the seafood. 

I think that being in a country where I do not know the customs or the language will be confusing and surprising at first. I remember the first time I travelled to Italy I went out for dinner at 6:00pm, and I did not know why there were no restaurants open. I later found out that Italians eat dinner much later than Americans do, so none of the restaurants open until around 8:00pm. I was also very surprised when I was served a limoncello at a restaurant one time even though I was only 17. I'm sure that the people who live in Sardinia have customs like this that are normal to them but will seem unusual to us. However, I do have a book about Sardinia that I am planning to read on the plane that will give me some information about the culture so I will be a little prepared! As for the language barrier, I have a translator app that will hopefully help me read some Italian, since I do not know any.

I think that it will be eye-opening to immerse myself into another culture. It can be easy to forget that the way people live in various places around the world is completely different than our own lifestyle. Since we will be living in the city and taking classes at the University of Cagliari, I expect that we will meet Sardinians and learn what they typically like to do everyday. I am excited that we are staying in one place for 5 weeks because we will have enough time to become familiar with the area. I am going to try to be outside whenever I can, and take walks when I have free time so that I can see as much of the city as possible. I am also going to be adventurous and try eating the local Sardinian food.

Overall, I'm extremely grateful that I have this opportunity to take classes and spend time in Sardinia, and I plan on taking full advantage of the time that I have to see and participate in their culture!