Once is always the first time!

The first time at the stadium, the first time at the university, the first time doing laundry... The first 6 days in Cagliari were very eventful. In addition to organizational matters, such as applying for a bus ticket in Italian and creating a schedule, I met many new Erasmus students. The steep hike up to Sella del Diavolo, a beautiful viewpoint, was the perfect opportunity for that. About 40 students from all over the world set off to climb the "mountain" in changing weather. Once we reached the top, we couldn't wait to start our packed picnic and replenish ourselves for the way back. After a photo session, we descended again, where a small but lovely sandy beach named Calamosca was waiting for us. Most of the time, we sat relaxed in the sand, drinking our Limoncello or playing volleyball.

The football match, which was to take place on the same evening, was less calm. Straight from the beach to the stadium. Who doesn't dream of that? The stadium in Cagliari is only a temporary stadium, as the old, much larger stadium is still standing next door. But it will probably take some more time until the planned new building is completed and the Sardegna Arena is dismantled. Arriving in the north curve and supplied with a beer, we look for our seats. Quickly we realize that you simply sit down wherever you want here. No matter how crowded it is, and this evening the stadium is extremely crowded. As the sun slowly disappears behind the stadium, a football match begins on the pitch that couldn't be imagined any better. AS Rome is better according to the Serie A standings, but a home game in Cagliari is never easy. And that's how the game unfolds. Cagliari fights their way to the first goal (a dream goal), but only a few minutes later they concede a goal. AS Rome plays efficiently and technically clean, so they take a 4-2 lead. But the game is not over yet. Cagliari gets a penalty shortly before the end, which is dramatically converted on the rebound and provides for a heated final phase. However, it is only enough for a 3-4 result. We were very satisfied with the game, but the fans were clearly not. During the game, the mood constantly swung between two extremes. There were constantly whistles against the own team, which was absolutely incomprehensible, and in the next moment they were celebrated like the greatest heroes. But that seems to be normal here. For us, it is clear: when Juve comes, we will be back!

And for those who are now wondering: Is Marieke actually studying there? The answer is yes, International Management. However, I am only taking two courses, so there is a lot of time for other things. The courses at my faculty are always only from Mondays to Wednesdays. That means the weekend is longer than the week of classes. But this is not as relaxed for all faculties and also has disadvantages. Many of the subjects taught in English overlap, so I had to change my plan. Unfortunately, there were not many options left. But now I have chosen Innovation Management and International Marketing and hope that I will master these two courses well. In any case, tomorrow I will go to the lecture with a good feeling at 8 am!