Planning in Advance
I always hoped that when I retired, I could take a trip to Italy and Sicily to the hometowns of my Grandparents. Life seems to always throw something in my path when I say, “This is the year to go”. But I remain focused and determined to get there sooner or later.
Along with the small amount of Italian language I learned from my Grandparents, and the small amount I learned to speak and read in High School, I knew I needed more help.
I decided to start listening to Italian speaking podcasts, and language tutorials. Also, I thought of common phrases, places, and things that would come in handy. So, I placed labels on things around the house that will become easily recognized by my brain.
This is not likely to make me fluent in the language, just to help me “conversare con la mia famiglia”.
- The Pittock Mansion And It’s Amazing View
- Artistic Expressions: Kunle Martins’ Mural
- Oregon White Oak
I am sure you’ll get a chance to visit someday, Alice. Labeling things around the house looks like a good way to make the words more easily recognizable.
My daughter moved in September to Auckland, New Zealand, which is mostly English-speaking, though she tells me that people there use some words of Te Reo Māori in ordinary conversation, and she’s planning to take a language course. I haven’t visited yet, but plan to next year.