Learning English

Sorry, no pictures today.  No reason, just are none.  Very fun afternoon.  Went back to same restaurant for lunch as yesterday.  Fettucini ai funghi porcini e un insalata, and of course another pitcher of vino rosso.  Same proprietor from yesterday, and I struck up a conversation with him in Italian.  That always opens the floodgates, and when I told him I'm un avocato (lawyer from America) he quickly introduced me to a local lawyer at next table.  Then introduced me to another couple guys at another table, and they wanted my impression as an American re: Berlusconi.  A bit difficult keeping up, but they appreciated my assessment that Berlusconi was crazy.  Returned home to participate in Maria Grazie's English speaking group.  She teaches English out of this place, and every Wednesday she has a group of about 7 adults show up to talk English, and she leads them in various games and exercises to help with their English.  She asked me to join them as a native English speaker.  They were great fun.  We worked today on use of "I would" as distinguished from "I wish".  I tried not to mess up the language too badly.  First exercise was to decide on whether you'd like to go to Gobi Desert, Siberia, or cruise around world, and who you'd take with you, and why.  Before they formed their thoughts, the woman across the table said: "I would like to go to Gobi Desert because it is hot, and I would like go with Joe."  So, another trip to plan.  As always with a group of Italians, things got a bit loud and animated.  Very interesting to see one guy there struggle with the written word: "laugh", which when you look at it, it is a pretty ridiculous word to pronounce from its spelling.  They invited me to join them for next week's meeting which is at one of their places and they will make dinner.   Perhaps I'll just switch to learning English here, and then I can continue to be a real slacker. (That's for you Laura.)
Maria fixed another good dinner, of rigatoni with artichokes and a little sausage followed by salad.  Good thing I'm walking as much as I do everyday, or these two-a-day pastas may get to me.  I think I've been walking about 20-30 miles a day (give or take 20-30 miles).  After dinner, needed some air, so "ho fatto un passeggiatino."  Stopped in the local Bar-Gelateria for a grappa, and watched a bit of a football match that was on.  Now midnight, and time for sleep.  Buona notte.

Comments

  1. EmilyRoseApril 6, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Sounds heavenly. Question: Does teaching English help you with learning Italian?
    Glad to hear you are keeping up with the exercise program you set up.
    J.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RoaminForumApril 6, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Leave it to you, to charm not only your landlady, but perhaps the greater part of Rome's female population, before your month is up. I say: More power to you. And, knowing how much you like the heat, the Gobi desert sounds like the perfect next trip!
    Isn't it fun, becoming a "regular" at a neighborhood restaurant? I'll bet you have a job offer before the month is up. Sounds as if you may need to start searching for Rome real estate. Make sure you have plenty of room for visitors :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. RoaminForumApril 6, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    P.S. would love to see photos of Maria Grazie's food, and/or what you are eating at restaurants.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JimApril 6, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    Joe have you ever thought of becoming a travel comedian - your commentary is a stitch.

    ReplyDelete
  5. sharynApril 7, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Grappa makes your funny words flow much better! Agree!

    ReplyDelete

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