Expectations: May 13

 I do not have a lot of preconceived notions about Italian culture (or Sardinian culture within it, as from what I've heard, Sardinia is not the same as the mainland). My only exposure outside of history textbooks to Italy has been from Where to Invade Next, a Michael Moore film, and a couple of food documentaries. I do expect more of an emphasis on leisure time, a lot of wine and excellent food, and people that are, if not friendly, laid-back.

 From my previous experiences on a Dialogue and from personal travel, it can be initially disorienting but ultimately very rewarding to spend time in a place where I do not yet know the customs or the language beyond a few words. It pays off to be cautious at first to avoid treading on customs you don't yet know well, but even just from walking down the street and observing, there is plenty that can be learned about a new place. Staying in an apartment that is more connected to the surrounding area than a hostel or a hotel will help, I think, with staying immersed in the new culture despite unfamiliarity.

 In addition to the planned activities, there are some other ways that I would like to immerse myself and learn more about the culture through both study and experience. I would like to practice the language independently while I am there and a read a book on Italian culture if I can find one. Additionally, simply by shopping at an Italian grocery, there is a lot to learn about Sardinia - and trying to find Italian recipes to cook in the apartment instead of what I normally do will help create a more rich immersion. Besides that, in the unstructured time we have to explore, I would like to spend some time at historical sites or museums in Cagliari since I find that the history of places can be a good way to understand the present too.

 I am not looking forward to the inconveniences of an intercontinental flight tonight (funny to complain about something that my forefathers would have been amazed at) but I will be sitting with Meg and Danielle, which is better than strangers, and I am excited to land tomorrow and take my first step on Sardinian soil!

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