Patsy Klontz

I am about to leave for 10 days in Rome and along the Amalfi Coast. I am wildly excited, but this is my first trip to a country whose language is totally unfamiliar to me. I have tried to learn some Italian, but I can hardly remember my children's names at his mid-point in life much less learn a new language. My biggest concern is about getting from Rome to Naples, Amalfi, and back. I have read all the great sites I have found and have print-outs of several. Would someone like to reassure me that I will be able to get the right train, find my hotel, etc. Thanks for the moral support. PKlontz

Susan

Hi Patsy, <BR>You will totally be able to get around. Ok, sometimes you have to work at it, but it's well worth it. My sister and I took trains from Rome to Venice, Venice to Lake Como, Lake Como to Florence, and we had no Italian. The whole train thing is a little confusing, so leave yourself lots of time, and you'll be fine. One tip: don't do the expensive first class thing, the seating is confusing, and you'll be miserable. Go second class and chat with all the other passengers.

Heather

Taking my mother on two trips to Italy, I've learned a couple of tricks to help her feel better about not knowing any Italian. Make sure that everyone you are traveling with has a full copy of your itinerary, including hotel names, address and phone numbers (you never know when you'll be split up). Combine this sheet with a necessary list of emergency phrases and greetings in Italian. That way, should something happen, everyone will have the rudimentary tools to ask for help or directions. <BR> <BR>Susan's point about allowing additional time for the train stations is excellent. I was familiar with the rail systems and reading timetables, but mom was overwhelmed by all of the information and what she thought was chaos. I allowed extra time to walk her through the whole process. <BR> <BR>Now, for moral support ... You'll be fine! Italy is besieged by mono-ligual (is that a word?) Americans. <BR> <BR>Finally, please post your trip report. I've yet to go to the Amalfi Coast and am interested in hearing about your wonderful vacation.

Dan

Patsy: <BR> <BR>Do not worry. Where you are going there will be many who speak English to some degree, especially at the hotels, restaurants and many shops. Ticket agents at Termini and staff on the Eurostar from Rome to Naples spoke good English, cab drivers and porters speak no English. We found it helpful to write our destination to show to cab drivers and others. Some restaurants even have English menus. If you get off the beaten path though (out of downtown Rome, or the Amalfi resort towns) there's not much English spoken. Still use whatever Italian you do know and try to initiate your conversations with it, even if it's just "buon giorno". I found that most Italians seemed to appreciate the effort and that if they spoke English they repsonded in it to me, the reverse wasn't always true (my speaking English first and they responding in English). The most helpful Italian I learned was the words for all the numbers. I hope you are staying in or will at least visit Positano, it's awesome. <BR> <BR>Buon Viaggio! <BR> <BR>Dan

Pier-Mauro

Patsy, <BR>as an Italian with lots of American friends who come and visit all the time <BR>without knowing any word of Italian, I can tell you that you'll be JUST FINE. <BR>One one word of CAUTION about railway stations (especially in Rome and Naples) and Rome subway lines: be careful, <BR>these places tend to attract all sorts of petty criminals that wilaim at your wallet and bags. Do not show around too much money. Leave some 25/30 dollars in a "ready to use" wallet and keep the rest + credit cards in separate place, preferably FRONT pockets. Also never ever lose sight of your bags --beware of people DISTRACTING you with excuses/questions <BR>--at the risk of coming across as rude, just walk away briskly. <BR>Try NOT to look like the... typical "prey" (ie: US tourist that's lost and confused). I don't mean to scare you, I'm sure you 'll be fine but, again, keep both eyes open. <BR>You are going to love Rome and the Amalfi Coast --don't miss Villa Cimbrone Gardens at Ravello). <BR>Buon Viaggio! Pier-Mauro

Art

Hi Patsy, My first trip to Italy was 30 years ago and knew no Italian, but I carried a phrase book with me at all times. Very rarly had to use it. People were very friendly and we had no problems. Have a great trip.

marylou

We got back yesterday from two weeks in Italy. Rome,Florence,Sorrento,Venice and Milan. I was like you a total wreck worrying because I do not speak Italian. I bought a translator that I planned on carrying around with me. I also took a class in a local high school where i was a total waste and learned hardly nothing. well, to my surprise we never had a problem. everyone spoke english and we did not have one problem. we found all the Italians to be wonderful and very friendly with one exception in Venice. Venice was our second to last stop and we were so dissapointed by the shopkeepers attitude. one good thing, while riding on a water taxi some of the local residents helped us when we looked confused about what stop to get off. Have a great time, you will love it. for us it was a trip of a lifetime. we were with a tour group but next time we will go to one place and stay a week instead of living out of a suitcase for two weeks. I think everyone seems to go with a group the first time because they are scared to do it alone. we went with Perillo and we came home exhausted. Florence, Sorrento and Capri was our favorites, but Rome will take your breath away seeing all the sights that you have only seen in books and movies. have a ball!!!

Patsy Klontz

Thanks for all the affirmation. Your reponses are a great encouragement. PKlontz

Steph

Dear Patsy, <BR> <BR>It really is straightforward. Take the the train to Naples. You can then get the train to Sorrento and then on by ferry to Amalfi or take the ferry from Naples to Amalfi directly. There is no train station in Amalfi. <BR> <BR>As mentioned take care with valuables as there are many gipsies "working" on all types of public transport. Apologies to all honest gipsies reading this but the fact is that they do ruin many holidays for tourist in Italy and are a source of immense embarassment to all Romans. <BR> <BR>That said, you will have a great holiday especially as the place will not be overcrowded at the moment. <BR> <BR>

HM

Patsy, <BR> <BR>You shouldn't have a problem w/little knowledge of Italian. I found it helpful to learn a few phrases regarding travel - where is the bus/train? what time? etc. Recently made the Rome to Amalfi trip - took the train from Rome to Salerno and then took a SITA bus from Salerno train station to Amalfi. Strongly suggest Dramamine if you are prone to motion-sickness - the Amalfi Coast is extremely windy! Have a great time!

Lily

I am a Chinese and the only foreign language I could speak is English. I have been to Italy (Florence and Rome)early this year. No problem for English <BR>speaker to travel there. But yes, you need extra time in train station. In Rome train station, we found the correct track train just 2 minutes before it left. Have a nice trip, no problem for you.

Amanda

Patsy: You will have no problems! I was in charge of taking a group of 10 non-Italian speaking family members to Italy last year including my mother and her sister (in their 70's) plus 5 kids down to the age of 8. We never had a problem with language of any kind. Every Italian we spoke with was eager to help - often insisted on helping us rent a boat, rent a moped, find a restaurant, etc. Knowing the basics (please, thank you, hello, good morning, etc) will get you everywhere. We took the train from Rome to Naples, then the smaller train to Sorrento, then taxis to our apartment, with no problems. Note: almost everyone on the bus to Amalfi/Positano from Sorrento got sick. A boat/ferry from Sorrento may be an easier trek. Ciao.