We want to visit Italy this september by ourselves. We only speak English, don't speak or understand Italian at all. But I will learn some greeting before leaving. We wouder if we could get around the places and get right things to eat without speaking Italian. Please give us any advice. Thank you.

Many people here will tell you how easily you can get around Italy with only speaking English.<BR><BR>I'll give you another perspective: 5 words a day. You can do it. Start tonight. You will enjoy your trip so much more.<BR><BR>Here's a good place to begin: www.travlang.com - - it will keep you busy until you can get to a library or bookstore.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

It depends were in Italy you will be traveleing - in the south of Italy (like Naples, Palermo) I found that there were not many people who spoke English at all. Rome, Florence, Venice,etc (Northern Italy)English is more prevalent.<BR><BR>I do not speak Italian well - just the words and phrases I need to get by and I had no problem while I was there.<BR>Just make sure you make the effort to use what little Italian you do know as it will go a long way.<BR><BR>I remember a cranky man in San Marco square who was working at a newspaper stand but when I asked him where I could get stamps in Italain he gave me a big smile and gave me directions.<BR><BR>Many people will have at least a basic knowledge of English - Just make sure you have a basic knowledge of Italian and you should be just fine!

p.s. When I was looking at a menue and I didn't know what something was I would hide my dictionary in the menu while I looked things up! (how embarrasing!)

We went off the beaten path in Venezia, and found minimal English, but the Italian waiters really worked at helping us understand what was on the menu; the staff at museums and in small shops had NO English, but got the info across with lots of hand gestures and by taking us by the arm and pointing.<BR><BR>If you learn the polite words and phrases that grease the wheels of civilization (thank you, please, you're welcome, good morning, etc.), put a smile on your face, and keep a civil tone, you'll get by just fine. There are travelers' phrase books (Berlitz has one, I'm sure there are others) so if worse comes to worst, you can point to the Italian phrase - people seem to get a real chuckle out of that. Oh, and write down the Italian words (or learn them) for open, close, today, tomorrow, days of the week, hours, numbers...all the kinds of things you find on signs at museums and shops that'll let you know when and if you can visit. Nothing like coming upon a closed shop with way cool stuff in it and needing to know when it opens.... <BR><BR>Oh, and if you have food allergies or aversions, learn or write down the Italian words for them so you can avoid them on the menu, or tell your waiter.

In tourist areas Hello, Good-bye, Thank you and Your Welcome are all you really need.<BR><BR>Of course the more the better.<BR><BR>

I think Myer just wrote a great all-purpose and concise comment. <BR><BR>While a tourist *can* get by speaking very little-to-none of a foreign language in not only parts of Italy, but many other parts of Europe, especially parts where the tourist is catered to, "Myer's Law" also applies: the more the better. <BR><BR>Also, in line with what Rex said, if you want to try to learn some Italian, don't plan to be an expert. Just do a few words/phrases each a day and by the time you leave you certainly won't be fluent, but you'll sure know a lot more than if you hadn't taken the time to learn any. <BR><BR>When it comes to menus, if the items aren't also in English, just politely ask and/or bring a phrase book for reference. You'll love the Italy; the people are wonderful and love communicating. <BR>

Lynn: I find the "Get by in ..." (in this case Italian) series is just perfect for trips like this. It's a book and tapes you play in your car starting about a month before your trip. All of the common questions and answers all played out. I nearly laughed outloud when I was in Portugal and the conversation with the hotel clerk went, VERBATIM, like the one on the tape. It's really easy and it works!

I live in Italy and i am telling you...YES! Learn a few phrases...yes/no please /thank you, "I would like"(Vorrei) and be very polite. A pocket guidebook would come in handy as well. Enjoy your trip!!

did you learn your five words today?<BR>