tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post3993031147562147682..comments2023-11-05T06:24:01.428-05:00Comments on Stuff from Sherry Stanfa-Stanley: Why I Need to Learn Italian, Presto!sherry stanfa-stanleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-41444436367370094802012-05-31T02:17:39.376-04:002012-05-31T02:17:39.376-04:00What a great post Sherry and hilarious comments. I...What a great post Sherry and hilarious comments. I will try and give you the language lowdown when we meet up but Bobbi's right, Italian is much easier than French. You'll be fine! Ti divertirai tanto! (Youll have a lot of fun!) Ciao catThe Divorced Lady's Companion to Living in Italyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15202093107784073194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-73416239392858659002012-02-27T18:32:08.951-05:002012-02-27T18:32:08.951-05:00Teri: Excellent suggestions! Now I will know exact...Teri: Excellent suggestions! Now I will know exactly how to respond when someone makes rude commentary about my yoga pants.sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-7189656079916690802012-02-27T18:29:14.678-05:002012-02-27T18:29:14.678-05:00Mom: I'm saving all the really juicy stories f...Mom: I'm saving all the really juicy stories for when you're 98 and living in the Sunset House--without a computer.sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-36589713461438379152012-02-27T18:23:50.661-05:002012-02-27T18:23:50.661-05:00Mainstreet Lisa: I hope you didn't get that su...Mainstreet Lisa: I hope you didn't get that surprise at 8 a.m., when you were ordering breakfast!sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-26350526060092585062012-02-26T11:26:36.276-05:002012-02-26T11:26:36.276-05:00If you lift your hand up as if you are screwing in...If you lift your hand up as if you are screwing in a lightbulb and give it a quick twist, I believe it is the F.U. hand gesture. Not a word, but may be useful. You will love Italy. I was there years ago. Take some pants a full size bigger or wear yoga pants. The food is amazing. Leave your food journal at home.Terri Spilmanhttp://www.thelaughingmom.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-39559696411723641422012-02-26T10:32:06.973-05:002012-02-26T10:32:06.973-05:00You can tell whatever stories you want to about me...You can tell whatever stories you want to about me as long as you ask my approval first and as long as I think they are funny. I believe I inherited Grandma Stoll's ability to laugh at myself, at least most of the time! <br /><br />As far as travel advice, of the maybe six times I was across the Atlantic, it was usually part of a GOOD tour which was helpful with so many things. Language barriers were most difficult in the smaller towns, little shops, some cafes, also the times I was in France, since the French are more reserved (and the language more difficult than Italian.) If you "try a bit" in Italy, the Italians will love you. I obviously "tried" incorrectly in the elevator incident. "Your Gloria"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-81340502143815082862012-02-26T07:13:12.483-05:002012-02-26T07:13:12.483-05:00I can tell you what Fruta del mar DOESN'T mean...I can tell you what Fruta del mar DOESN'T mean--a plate of fruit. If you order it expecting that, like I once did in Italy, you'll be disappointed to receive a platter of squid tentacles!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-75812171545492215132012-02-25T22:00:26.641-05:002012-02-25T22:00:26.641-05:00Teri: Do you think they have English menus in Ital...Teri: Do you think they have English menus in Italy, too? I feel better already. And does "Diet Coke" have the same name everywhere? If so, I'm fairly golden.sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-42320626732094913602012-02-25T21:55:18.884-05:002012-02-25T21:55:18.884-05:00Laura: OMG, I'll need to order train tickets a...Laura: OMG, I'll need to order train tickets and ask for directions and everything, won't I? So I really can't just sit at a bar for ten days, ordering vino and pizza? I promise you, "Do you speak English" will be the very next phrase I learn. Or better yet, I'll have to find a boyfriend who speaks fluent Italian.sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-46246730917914935192012-02-25T21:47:49.931-05:002012-02-25T21:47:49.931-05:00Ashlee: The dialects in parts of the U.S. are almo...Ashlee: The dialects in parts of the U.S. are almost like different languages, too--especially from the north to the south. Even a few states away, I get confused knowing whether I should order a "pop" or a "soda." To be safe, I always just order a beer.sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-15547969234622788582012-02-25T21:39:37.778-05:002012-02-25T21:39:37.778-05:00MSB: Are you serious? You are definitely my new he...MSB: Are you serious? You are definitely my new hero!! I have absolutely no issue with "letting go," but it might be a tad easier at my age with an adventurous and experienced companion. Can you let your husband know he needs to hold down the fort for ten days this summer?sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-35934841353368466672012-02-25T21:35:57.389-05:002012-02-25T21:35:57.389-05:00Jessica: As an elementary school student, I never ...Jessica: As an elementary school student, I never did learn how to speak properly to a nun, even in English. God forbid I have to do it in Italian. So, "Io, io io." Good thing I know how to say that now, because I may be 50, but this trip is all about me. Thanks for stopping by!sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-30679756811630945012012-02-25T21:31:33.717-05:002012-02-25T21:31:33.717-05:00Downith: "The True Adventures of Gloria"...Downith: "The True Adventures of Gloria"... yes! Oh, the stories I have yet to tell. Mom, will you disown me?sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-67668203090275358882012-02-25T21:29:59.713-05:002012-02-25T21:29:59.713-05:00Julie: Yes, knowing numbers would seem to be impor...Julie: Yes, knowing numbers would seem to be importante. (Did you see what I just did there??) But I hope I can do better than saying "Two Sherrys" in Italian. That concept didn't work out so well for my mother... Maybe I need to see if Anne will come along.sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-69949312524997414072012-02-25T21:22:44.665-05:002012-02-25T21:22:44.665-05:00Bobbi: You're within driving distance? I proba...Bobbi: You're within driving distance? I probably will get as far north as Venice. Is that road-trippable enough for you??sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-82312227306021562292012-02-25T21:20:06.073-05:002012-02-25T21:20:06.073-05:00Amy: Have added the Doran book to the top of my to...Amy: Have added the Doran book to the top of my towering to-be-read pile. When I consider my family stories, "mass chaos" comes to mind, but I'll keep in mind your nice words about publishing them for "mass production."sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-40240877692960076052012-02-25T21:13:15.288-05:002012-02-25T21:13:15.288-05:00Sarah: You just need to swear in German, and your ...Sarah: You just need to swear in German, and your girls would be none the wiser... And I've never even considered the possible differences in foreign "facilities." I am now more paranoid than ever. *sigh*sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-55239828920149727612012-02-25T21:10:29.514-05:002012-02-25T21:10:29.514-05:00Paul: Oh, my! And of course, only Meryl Streep wou...Paul: Oh, my! And of course, only Meryl Streep would show that kind of class! I would have tried to defend myself, in pathetic Italian, and made the situation even more humiliating. Can you imagine how he probably kicked himself later?sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-24009126501881894862012-02-25T21:07:25.176-05:002012-02-25T21:07:25.176-05:00Lyra: I always guessed we might be long-lost siste...Lyra: I always guessed we might be long-lost sisters. These two confirm it. Thanks for the return laughter!sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-44953843052139129792012-02-25T21:04:44.688-05:002012-02-25T21:04:44.688-05:00Bluz: Yes, I have no doubt we were set up. BUT. IT...Bluz: Yes, I have no doubt we were set up. BUT. IT. DOESN'T. MEAN. IT. WON'T. HAPPEN. AGAIN. IN. ITALY.sherry stanfa-stanleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00680055033925659511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-86517972842545512592012-02-24T18:58:36.165-05:002012-02-24T18:58:36.165-05:00I wish I had something to add, but alas ... no. I...I wish I had something to add, but alas ... no. I'm going to say Gloria is right in that knowing a little will get you far. I speak pretty passing French, but every time I try to order something in France, they pat me on the head and keep shoving an English menu at me, begging to order in English.<br /><br />Besides, if you can order coffee, pizza and wine in Italian, I think you'll be just fine, just fine...Terihttp://tericarter.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-65565436556365036552012-02-24T12:32:23.282-05:002012-02-24T12:32:23.282-05:00Oh my god, that story is hilarious.
When I studie...Oh my god, that story is hilarious.<br /><br />When I studied abroad and traveled around Europe, my boyfriend relied on me to do most of the talking in Germany. I had studied German in college and high school, but let's face it, I knew next to nothing. I did impress myself by correctly saying a few phrases, but I'll never forget the day at the train station, when my boyfriend asked if I'd go up to the counter and buy the tickets. Exhausted and in no mood to struggle through a German conversation, I dragged myself to the counter and promptly said, "Sprechen sie English?" Of course, the employee nodded and we conducted our transaction in perfect English. I turned around to see my boyfriend shaking his head. "I could have done that!" he said. He half-jokingly acted like I had cheated the system, but I thought it was a sensible thing to do.<br /><br />In conclusion: Learn how to say "Do you speak English?" in Italian and you'll probably be fine as long as you are in big cities. <br /><br />Signed,<br />Lazy American who today would take your route and learn some of the damn language before leaving.Laura Maylenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18058744860709615256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-74859488833619206182012-02-24T12:15:54.387-05:002012-02-24T12:15:54.387-05:00The only actual non-English speaking country I'...The only actual non-English speaking country I've spent much time in was France, and I promptly learnt how to order their delicious crêpes (seriously, I could live on those), and tell the various knick-knack street vendors non merci; NO THANK YOU.<br /><br />Being in some parts of Scotland was largely like being in a non-English speaking country, but there's no way of learning any local dialect while making a dash through the place. <br /><br />~Ashlee<br />http://ashleesch.com<br />http://theDragonsHoard.bigcartel.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-84497527695845606772012-02-24T09:20:05.327-05:002012-02-24T09:20:05.327-05:00Years ago, when I was unattached and carefree, I t...Years ago, when I was unattached and carefree, I traveled throughout Europe. I never carried a guide book or a got ruffled with language barriers. I found the nearest bar, ordered a drink, and let things just happen. It takes a little bit of letting go but I always found it to be highly successful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899607747956861132.post-78837301334123562412012-02-24T09:10:49.507-05:002012-02-24T09:10:49.507-05:00O mio dio, ora mi uccide. The problem with my Ital...O mio dio, ora mi uccide. The problem with my Italian is that I learned to speak it when I was a self-obsessed 21-year-old, so I know how to use the first person and the informal third person, and that's about it. God forbid I have to speak to a nun or expound on how someone else might be feeling about something. It was all io, io, io. <br /><br />I really do have to become fluent in grown-up Italian.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12503110737663642101noreply@blogger.com