BLOG 2 - First Impressions

Finally in Italy! After so much anticipation we have finally made it to our destination. Even through the jetlag, we have managed to have a great start to our five weeks in Cagliari. Here is how it has been going:

Food

The first thing we did as soon as we landed was grab a quick bite to eat. Quick actually wouldn't be the right way to describe it! Italians spend quite a long time enjoying their meals with family and friends. We have had many great sit down lunches and dinners spending time getting to know each other. Every morning we go to the cafe next door and enjoy a coffee and a pastry. For lunch and dinner we have enjoyed many plates of pasta and pizza.

Beach

Something that I was really looking forward to was the beach! They are so different to those in Connecticut. When we first got to the beach the sand was so soft and warm. The water is warm but also very salty which means it is very easy to float! It is so relaxing to lay in the water and relax, especially after so much travel. We have visited the beach twice this far to bask in the sun, read books and swim. To the right of the beach there are large cliffs covered in trees that you can see in this photo. The big dip in the cliff is called the devil's saddle and we will be doing a hike there during our trip. In these pictures are some new friends that I've made. To the left is Sandy (from our first full day!) and to the right is Elliot (after our first day of class before the sunset).

Architecture

One of my favorite parts of Cagliari so far has been the architecture. The buildings color the streets so beautifully. The streets are cobblestone hills that wind up and down the city. For us this is new so we will definitely need some time getting our leg muscles acclimated! The city is filled with trees and flowers that we don't have up in Boston. There are Birds of Paradise near the restaurants and many other flowers in hues of pink, yellow and orange. Every day on our walk to class the smell of Jasmine wafts through the streets.