I can't help that much other to say I speak no Italian and have not had a problem. Rex actually had a good suggestion on getting train tickets that I followed a couple of years ago. Before you leave, print off the point-to-point schedules from Trenitalia's web site for the days and trains you plan to take, take them with you, and hand them out to the person at the counter -- circling the one you want to catch since there are several leaving each day. The person at the counter may well laugh because he or she will probably understand and speak English. But if they don't, and you want a first class, non-smoking seat, just ask for "prima classe, non-fumar." It worked for me.

Okay.. it's bee five days now. Have you learned 50 words yet? And if not, were you serious about wanting an answer to the question you asked?

a good thing to keep in handy on the trip would be a book Fodor's has called Italian for Travelers. it's a phrase book that helps you with any situation you may run into in Italy. Pimsleur Italian Quick and easy is also great. it's an eight lesson set (smaller than the actual 32 lesson set) that helps you with pronounciation and understanding Italian. It's also alot cheaper than the larger set. With both of these combined you shouldn't have too many problems understanding. Hope you have fun, Rome's my second home!

Thanks for all your comments. I've been learning a bit from Fodor's Italian for Travellers and Berlitz Learning Italian. The Fodor's is so much more helpful.

Until lately, I've learned Italian by listening to the CD while driving to work--I have a 1.5 hr commute. But, I haven't had a chance lately. I guess between now and Wed. I'll read the Fodor's phrasebook that came with the CD.

I know several phrases, but I haven't figured out how to say I have a reservation for a triple for 4 nights on such a such a date (at least not from the CD). I'll probably figure it out from the phrasebook or dictionary...

I know how to ask for the WC, ask for help, a nonsmoking compartment on a train, and for a one way and roundtrip ticket among others....

I am getting a bit worried--I have never made a reservation with Travelocity for a hotel--I have not heard from the hotel in Bologna or Rome. If it turned out that there was a problem (I don't anticipate any because I'll be carrying the proof that I booked the hotels on-line), what are the odds that I'll be able to scramble for a room at the last minute?

Thanks again, everyone!

Lil

It is important to know the Italian city names. One man I know, typical blowhard type who collects cities by reputation and loves to drop names of big wigs he knows, set out from Rome in a rental car to find Florence. He failed. There were quite a few road signs for Firenze, but he wanted to go to Florence -- those Firenze signs did not help much.

I wonder what he would have done had his goal been Leghorn? Why don't we just use the Italian names -- Livorno, Milano, Turino, etc??