A long time ago, I managed to travel through Europe and do not think anyone ever pegged me as an American. I left the t-shirts and sneakers home and my language skills in French and German, while never good enough to pass as a native, were good enough so that no one ever thought I was an American. I pretty much got by on my German speaking skills, my French passive comprehension being much better than my active language ability. It was actually a handy skill to have at the time because back then, in the midst of a terrorist outbreak, Americans needed a visa to travel in Europe and having arrived before the new rules were in place I did not have one. Still I managed to criss-cross 6 borders on public transport and never be asked for my passport.
I'm still capable have having random thoughts and the occassional dream in German, although my conversational skills have decreased notably. My French has become even more passive but I can still read a bit and get the general picture - can no longer follow a conversation unless it takes place v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y and is very simple in nature. I'm thinking these skills - plus the incredible growth of English speakers on the continent will get me through the first part of the trip. Think I can find my way into Geneva and over to the little bed and breakfast before we meet the group. Should be able to find my way around Chamonix when the group all assembles - managed to do ok in Provence a few years back - even escaping my friends on one occassion to test my skills over dinner in a remote restaurant. (They wussed and ate at our hotel - and missed a great meal!)
Roughly a third of this trip is in Italy. One would think with my last name and heritage that this would be the easiest part of the trip. Ha! My Dad would tell stories of trying to speak to me in Italian (my grandparents and aunt spoke three languages: Italian, French and Arabic). My Dad, born here, spoke passable Italian and some French. He said as a toddler I had an uncanny ability to answer anything said to me in Italian with the English translation. The result is that I know nothing.
Actually, that is not exactly true - I know how to make sounds that my Dad used to say whenever he was trying to tell me "you won't be happy if your face freezes that way." There was second phrase he used when the first phase elicited a smile. I think they translate roughly as "Ugly face" and "Pretty face." I also can spit out a bit of gibberish which my childhood memories recall Dad using whenever I was fusing over my food (often). I never really got an accurate translation of that one but I'm pretty sure it went something like "Be quiet and eat what is put in front of you." I ignored those instructions as well as I ignored the Italian my Dad tried to teach me. I know on this trip he will be watching down over me as I struggle in Italy and I will be able to hear his voice reminding me that I should have paid attention to my dear old Dad.
Also, hoffentlich auf dieser Reiser, I kann mich an genug Deutcher erinnern. Grammatik zählt nicht! (There should be an umlaut over the 2nd a in this sentence but I have no clue how to type one!) Followup note - thanks Kye! No idea why you know how to make an umlaut but glad you taught me! :)
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