A few years ago my friend and I enjoyed a wonderful trip to Italy visiting several cities. We rented a car, after flying into Milan, and started our trip with a night's stay in Bellagio. We meandered our way to Florence, visiting several cities, the first few days, along the way. We decided to go to Rome (just for a couple of days) but did not want to drive there. Our hotel in Florence accomodated that plan by safely storing our rented car and the luggage we didn't need for this side trip to Rome by train. While on the train is where the translation book came in handy. Seated with us was a young Italian couple who didn't speak english and there we were not speaking Italian. I pulled out the book and from then on, especially because of the format and some of the funny translations, we were able to communicate just by pointing to the various phrases. We had the best time as some of our voiceless "conversation" was just hilarious. Another italian traveler, a businessman, sitting across the isle from us did speak english so he too was able to understand our fun. When we arrived in Rome, saying good bye (in italian) to our new friends, the businessman stood up, shook our hands and gave us his business card - which he had written on it the name of a lovely restaurant in Rome he suggested. We found it and it was clear this man was well known there as we were treated like royalty and the food was just amazing. Really don't know if this little story is appropriate for this forum but it was such a nice experience that I felt like I should share it - and suggest having Rick's translation book with you. on your trip. You just never know what unexpected fun awaits just from being able to communicate.
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
1012 posts
Nice story -and it just shows what wonderful things can happen when you step out a bit and are not afraid to take a chance!
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
636 posts
I just bought the book yesterday and have been practicing phrases for my upcoming trip, so your story seems like a good omen. Thanks much for posting it.
Cynthia
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Great story. I have yet to regret starting a conversation with Italians on the train.
Posted by
Orange, California
22 posts
Language learning is so much fun. I majored in German and am fluent. Since my youth I found myself learning Spanish as I taught Spanish speakers English. I'm only a beginner in Spanish, but wow, is that ever helping me learn a little Italian before our trip. First I got Rick's Italian Phrase Book and started bookmarking it and studying parts. Then I went online and tried some free sites to learn Italian. Now I paid a little for 3 months of lessons in Italian on Babble/Languages/Italian. Our trip is only a month from now, but I'm excited about having a few more phrases I know. And what fun, to be learning another language at age 66! I know from my German, it will pave the way for more fun while visiting. And laughter, and friendships. Rick's back door philosophy fits the bill. Thanks for your story, too.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
When my husband and I travel to Europe we always start our planning with Rick's phrase book. Every night at dinner we quiz each other and help each other with the pronunciation. We get into the habit of saying thank you, have a good day and goodnight, things like that on a daily basis instead of speaking English. makes the planning more fun and the travelling, too. When in Italy, if you are corrected with pronunciation by someone they usually smile when doing so. I found that they are correcting me to help me and I'm not offended at all and that's why I get the smile. I appreciate the help.
Posted by
Ballwin
833 posts
I agree, Anne - knowing Spanish on my first trip to Italy made it so easy to pick up some basic Italian. Or to fake it at least! Another website I now recommend is duolingo.com. It is free (!) and while you need more instruction to really get a handle on a language, it's a good starter. I'm using it to expand my Italian vocabulary and pick up a little French.