Today was a big day. It was the day I had to speak to someone in Italian for the very first time; someone who does not speak any English. I was terrified.
Right now Stephen is in Assisi taking language classes. He’s in a hotel where he does not have a direct phone line and where the staff does not speak English. In order to talk to him, I need to ask the switchboard operator to connect me to his room. I had the sentence written down because I haven’t memorized it yet: Voglio parlare con Stephen. The person answered, saying, “Buona notte.” I understood that - good night. I repeated it back and then went into my one sentence, asking to speak to Steve.
So far everything was going fine. But then the man said something back to me. I have no idea what he said. He could have said Steve wasn’t there or I had the wrong number or Assisi exploded. I stammered. He said something else and then I heard music so I knew I was on hold. A few minutes later, Steve answered.
I really need to start learning more Italian. I’m working on it but apparently 1 hour a day isn’t going to cut it.
July 30th, 2008 at 1:09 pm Quote
Ack! Having your sentence prepared sounded like a great plan to me. It never occurred to me that they might say something back. Oops!
July 30th, 2008 at 7:38 pm Quote
At least you got to talk to him….the man probably said something about your voice sounding sexy or something (hey you never know.)
I’m patching sheetrock so I can paint my family room. My exciting life knows no bounds.
July 31st, 2008 at 9:34 pm Quote
Bahahahaha!!! I can assure you, no one in their right minds would ever say I have a sexy voice! That reminds me of something that I think I will have to post about tomorrow, regarding the whole voice thing.
August 3rd, 2008 at 10:57 am Quote
What happened to that sexy voice post? And besides, you know those Italian men…BWAHAHAHA!
I love your New York voice!!!