Language Conundrums - Shops - internet - withdrawal
Each evening Noel studies Italian, repeating ciaos and arrevderchis in a beautiful Italian accent. It makes me smile.
Even better when out and about I can now defer to him, as he knows more Italian than me. He makes a point of doing this when we are in France – so it is my turn to sit back and smile.
But I noticed a strange phenomenon. When I was learning French, when putting my (limited) skills to practice I would listen to the conjugations, analyse them and try to respond accordingly. This took but a few seconds, by then, Noel had understood the gist of the conversation and answered for me.
I do the same thing in Italy. As I am not learning and don’t have to worry, so I don’t really think, I just pick up the key words and what’s going on – the language is similar to French and Spanish. Most Italians get the gist of what I am saying when I use my rudimentary French. Meanwhile, Noel is pondering his sentence construction and missing out on the entire conversation!
It’s amusing for me to watch shopkeepers tell me, ‘you have good Italian,’ (and I really really don’t), while Noel looks on bemused. It’s a little taste of what I feel like in France!
I’m feeling pretty smug (unjustifiably so) with my new (not really) skill! But, in fact, I feel healthier too, with my new outlook on life and how I fill my time.
Even better when out and about I can now defer to him, as he knows more Italian than me. He makes a point of doing this when we are in France – so it is my turn to sit back and smile.
But I noticed a strange phenomenon. When I was learning French, when putting my (limited) skills to practice I would listen to the conjugations, analyse them and try to respond accordingly. This took but a few seconds, by then, Noel had understood the gist of the conversation and answered for me.
I do the same thing in Italy. As I am not learning and don’t have to worry, so I don’t really think, I just pick up the key words and what’s going on – the language is similar to French and Spanish. Most Italians get the gist of what I am saying when I use my rudimentary French. Meanwhile, Noel is pondering his sentence construction and missing out on the entire conversation!
It’s amusing for me to watch shopkeepers tell me, ‘you have good Italian,’ (and I really really don’t), while Noel looks on bemused. It’s a little taste of what I feel like in France!
I’m feeling pretty smug (unjustifiably so) with my new (not really) skill! But, in fact, I feel healthier too, with my new outlook on life and how I fill my time.
Our (temporary) place of solitude!
I've been slowly withdrawing from the internet. Usually I am tapping away on social media every day. We are not connected here in Italy (these blogs are posted well after the event), and it is wonderful. I can fill my day with whatever I please (of course I write a bit each day), but suddenly I have so much time! My continually muzzy head has eased and my eyes are far happier and relaxed.
I plan to use my laptop less and less, until I am down to say, once a week. Do you think I can do it? It may take a few months, but I am committed, especially now I have felt the health and time benefits. Of course there are business matters I have to deal with on line, so I’ll always be popping into say ‘hi’ and catch up on work.
Follow me on internet/life/time journey. Italy has so much to offer - it is beautiful, calming and has taken us back in time and back to nature - it has also made me re-evaluate my life and re-confirm that my next career move - becoming a farm recluse - is the right career path for me - I wonder how I'll go...
I plan to use my laptop less and less, until I am down to say, once a week. Do you think I can do it? It may take a few months, but I am committed, especially now I have felt the health and time benefits. Of course there are business matters I have to deal with on line, so I’ll always be popping into say ‘hi’ and catch up on work.
Follow me on internet/life/time journey. Italy has so much to offer - it is beautiful, calming and has taken us back in time and back to nature - it has also made me re-evaluate my life and re-confirm that my next career move - becoming a farm recluse - is the right career path for me - I wonder how I'll go...
This is where I plan my farm-girl-recluse retirement - guess where!?
Next: Lies? And a Cat Conundrum
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