As one of the stars of Real Housewives: Ultimate Girl's Trip, Alexia Nepola had the unique opportunity to mix and mingle with Housewives across the franchise.
Just one question: going in, was there anyone in particular she was looking forward to spending 13 whole days with?
We sat down with the Real Housewives of Miami star to find out who she was eager to vacation with, and who lived up to all her expectations.
Alexia Was Looking Forward To Meeting Everyone
Given the drama the Real Housewives franchise is known for, in general, one would be forgiven for thinking there might be some nerves, going into a nearly two-week bonding sesh.
However, if anyone knows how to handle a Housewife ... it's a fellow Housewife.
"I really wasn't nervous, because I feel like they're like me. You know, we have this special bond, being Housewives and going on this journey, with the same job, so I knew I was going to feel comfortable with them - and I did!"
For Alexia, one of the highlights of the trip was being able to meet and hang out with the ladies from across the franchise.
And, she adds, she made a point of avoiding getting caught up in any drama in the build up to the show.
"I didn't really watch them on their shows, which gave me an opportunity to just know them, outside of that."
Granted, it's almost impossible to avoid hearing about storylines via both friends and social media - but even then, Alexia did what she could to drown out the noise.
"I went in there with an open heart and mind," she smiles.
But There Were A Few Ladies She Was Particularly Excited To See
Alexia previously told TheThings that she was thrilled to have had the opportunity to film RHUGT with her best friend and RHOM co-star, Marysol Patton.
However, outside of her existing friends, who was she most excited to film with?
The RHOM OG starts off by pointing out that she was genuinely excited to meet and shoot with everyone involved.
"I think it was a great cast," she gushes.
It's pretty clear she's serious about that.
Pushed for names, she's quick to shout out ... just about everyone.
"I think Heather and Whitney. They were both fun, happy girls, so I was looking forward to hanging out with them. I've met Giselle before, and Portia's so much fun, so I was excited about all of them. I was also really looking forward to meeting Candiace."
Alexia Shares Where She Stands With Leah, Today
One RHUGT star who didn't crack a mention?
Real Housewives of New York alum, Leah McSweeney.
That's not exactly surprising, though.
After all, Alexia previously revealed on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that Leah was the one Housewife she'd least like to vacation with, in future.
Asked to embellish on that, Alexia shrugs that it all came down to what she saw as a lack of interest on Leah's part.
"I just feel like she went into the trip with a different vibe and energy to everyone else," she explains.
"I thought she would want to get there and be friends with all of us, and just, like have fun. But, I didn't get that from her. The day she got there, I felt like she didn't want to be there, and I didn't think that was fair. There are so many girls that would die to be there and want to join the trip, so if you don't want to be here, what are you doing here?"
As for where they stand today, Alexia shares that there's no beef - but there's also not really a relationship.
"I really haven't seen or spoken to her," she muses.
"RHUGT" Was A Learning Experience For Alexia
Other than that, Alexia doubles down on her love for all the ladies of RHUGT Season 3.
She also points out that she's learned a lot from each of the ladies.
From Giselle, she laughs, "I actually learned what 'shady' was. I mean, I've always known what it was, but I didn't know what it really was ... and it's kind of like, 'Okay, I may be a little shady, too!'"
As for Portia, Alexia chuckles, "She did not disappoint me."
"I was very happy to reconnect with Portia and everything she had to say, and she brought a lot of laughter, and fun, and wisdom."
"Honestly," she reiterates, "I've learned a little bit from each and every one of the ladies."
"I think every Real Housewives franchise is great," she adds, wrapping up our conversation.
"We all bring something different, and I think that's what makes it so colorful."
We couldn't agree more - and we can't wait to see more of RHUGT Season 3!
Fans can catch all-new episodes of Real Housewives: Ultimate Girl's Trip Season 3 anytime, anywhere on Hayu.
