Prior to 2022, I had not given Italy much thought. I knew it was know for wine and pasta, but other than that I didn't have a desire to go there or learn about the country.
That all changed in July of 2022, when we hosted our first exchange student from Italy. Her name was Matilde and she was from the island of Sardinia, which I had never even heard of. For the next ten months, we learned about her beloved home, ate some amazing food, and drank some fantastic wine. Mati shared photos and taught us about her Sardinian traditions. I did some research on Italy, specifically Sardinia, and watched some videos to learn more about her country. We were sad when Mati had to return home in May, but by this point, Stan and I knew we wanted to visit one day.
Then, one year later, in July of 2023, we hosted another exchange student from Italy, this time from the northern part, just outside of Milan. Her name was Francesca and she lived in a small town called Vigevano, just about a 45 minute drive from Milan. Like our time when Mati was with us, Francesca shared about her home, and we did more research. We had planned a trip to Europe for the upcoming summer, but modified our itinerary so that we could include Italy to visit both Mati and Francesca.
In the summer of 2024, Stan and I had the most wonderful time exploring Europe. We spent a month visiting Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, England, and Italy. It was the most amazing trip, and I came back longing to return one day, but knew it would be several years before I could do it again. Then, Francesca's mom, Valeria asked if I wanted to go back to Italy and spend my summer with them. I really wanted to, but Stan did not want to travel there so soon. He didn't mind if I went by myself, however, so I accepted Valeria's offer to spend some time with their family.
At the end of June, 2025, I embarked on my first international solo trip. I flew from Phoenix to Milan, with a layover in London. Everything went relatively smoothly, although it was difficult because it was like a red eye from Phoenix and I was so tired by the time I got to London. But I made it safely to Milan and was greeted at the airport by Francesca and her parents. We grabbed a slice of pizza at the airport since I hadn't eaten in awhile, and drove to her home. We arrived there at about 11 p.m. and I had to pack a smaller suitcase right away because we had to get up at 4 a.m. for a flight to Sardinia for a few days. Luckily, they had told me this beforehand, so I had my "Sardinia clothes" already in a packing cube. Unfortunately, Mati was not there. She was still studying at her university, so I did not get a chance to see her.
Headed off on my first solo International trip
Sparkling wine before taking off
My airplane meal.
Arriving in Milan and greeted by smiling faces.
My airport pizza.
We got up bright and early the next morning and headed to the airport. We had our typical Italian breakfast of a cornetto and cappuccino while we were waited to board, and took the short flight, just about 1.5 hours, to Cagliari, Sardinia. We picked up their car from storage, and headed to pick up groceries for our week there.
On our way!
Airport breakfast in Milan. They don't use paper products to serve food.
The cute town of Pula.
Just a man leading his oxen down the street.
A Sardinian restaurant
Scenes from a Sardinian grocery store:
After we picked up groceries, we went to the family's home in Sardinia, which is in a resort community called Cala Verde on the southern part of the island. The home had been in the family for decades and was originally owned by Francesca's grandfather. We spent most of our time in Sardinia enjoying the beach and the company of others.
The front garden of her house.
The food there was so fresh. This is our lunch.
The beach is just a quick walk from their home. This is on the walk to the beach.
Spent the day at the beach. The sand is so soft. The water was crystal clear and the waves were super gentle.
After several hours at the beach, we enjoyed some snacks in the garden.
First breakfast in Sardinia. A really delicious pastry.
Lunch
After lunch, we went on a boat ride.
Fabrizio, Francesca, and me.
The water was indescribable. It was an aqua color and you could see to the bottom. On the day we went out, it was a little windy, but on days when the air is still, it looks like glass.
Francesca did some snorkeling. There weren't a ton of fish, but there were a few, which I think were tang, similar to the ones found in Hawaii.
The different colors of the water.
Of course you have aperitivo while on a boat. focaccia sandwiches, salami, cheese, and bread. And of course some Prosecco.
That night, we went out to dinner. For those that don't know, Italians eat very late. Most restaurants don't even open until 7. We went to a traditional Sardinian restaurant who serves suckling pig on a spit.
It is served family style. So good.
And gelato for dessert.
Officially Sardinian, I guess.
Another sweet breakfast
Some more beach time.
Lunch, simple tomato sauce and sausage with Sardinian pasta
Fourth of July decor. The family wanted to celebrate Independence Day with me, so they proudly hung their American flag beach towel and hosted a dinner with some friends.
The table all set
They asked me to make something American for dinner, so I made potato salad.
Fabrizio, grill master
My dinner (or what was left)
Tarte Tartin
Mousse Au Chocolat
Our dinner companions. It was a lot of fun.
We spent most of our days at the beach. I couldn't get enough of the water and how crystal clear and warm it was and how soft the sand was. What a great way to spend a summer.
Views from another fabulous dinner.
When you ask for a glass of water in Italy.....
My new BFF Valeria. I love her and wish we could hang out more often.
More wine...
Sunset dinner views
Appetizer. Way too much food.
My dinner. A beef filet in wine sauce.
Another breakfast. I miss them.
On Sunday, the family wanted to go to mass. This is the old church they attended.
While they were at mass, I walked around the town of Pula. It was a quiet Sunday morning and so peaceful.
Spending our last day at the beach. Francesca and her dad are so cute.
I had to include Frieda. Probably one of the cutest dogs ever.
Sardinia has some of the most beautiful beaches and water in the world. I'm so happy I was able to spend time with the Cappai family at their beautiful beach home. I can't wait to do it again!
We flew back to Milan to spend a day in Francesca's hometown of Vigevano before embarking on our next adventure to Venice!
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