Since the bulk of our European adventure this Spring is going to be spent in Italy, I thought I would be proactive and try to learn a little survival Italian. I've been told that, in Rome especially, a majority of Italians and other travelers do speak English. Still, I'm trying to embrace the mantra of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do!" (literally). Not only do I think this will likely be appreciated by locals, but I think it will help me get around a bit easier and avoid getting ripped off. I also have this unreasonable fear of really needing to use the restroom and being unable to communicate that in any other way than clinching my legs together and pointing at my lower body like a five year old... no thank you!!
So while I drive to and from work, and around town the next several weeks I'll be listening to this:
I know, I know... Italian for Dummies isn't the most sophisticated of language tools but in terms of short-term survival prep vs. really trying to learn the language, it did have the best reviews.
So, if you happened to see me driving around talking to myself and making grandiose gestures (I'm not sure why I feel the need to say everything in Italian with such emotional emphasis and big hand movements, but I do)... fear not... I haven't gone crazy. I'm just practicing.
Grazie!
Arrivederci!
