The transition from English to Italian life has been an...interesting one and I wanted to share with you some of my experiences, lessons and musings I have encountered in the last 2 months...
1. Is that a UFO? No, it's an English girl driving an English Mini
No matter how many times I do it, people still give me the funniest looks when they see my little red Mini on the roads. I mean full-head swivel looks! I'm certain that back in the UK I didn't practically decapitate myself looking at a car with foreign plates, but you'd think I was riding a unicorn down the autostrade going by people's reactions! It causes me great amusement and it's nice to be that little bit different!
2. In Italian, "sorry I'm English, I don't understand" roughly translates to "keep talking at me"
One of my most used (and remembered!) phrases is "Mi dispiace io sono Inglese, non capisco". Meaning I'm English, I don't understand. But, if you think that would encourage the lovely Italians to a) give up and walk away or b) try and communicate some other way, you'd be wrong. It's almost like a thumbs up to encourage them to talk at you more, and faster in Italian! This only results on you a) feeling terrible that you can't speak more of their language and b) a little humiliated. I have now become professional at standing/sitting about listening to people have their conversations of which I contribute very little!
3. 'Angry'/'Hungry'...who's splitting hairs? Not me!
I am always honoured and flattered when any Italian talks to me in English. They are making the effort and that makes me feel awesome! As a rule, unless someone asks, or pays me to, I NEVER criticise their pronunciation of English words. I get it; it's not their native language and like Italian, some English words are hard for Italians to pronounce. However, I find that doesn't work the other way. Pronounce/spell just ONE word wrong, and they leap on you, practically making you repeat the word until you get it right! I appreciate the help, but sometimes it's kind to acknowledge that person isn't talking their native language and is in the process of learning a new language that is 10 times harder than their own. Language police back off!
=UPDATE= I found a great blog that I feel sums up how a lot of expats in Italy (and elsewhere!) feel when they are in the honeymoon period of their relocation! Read more here!
So, there you have it, a little snippet into the last few weeks here in Rome. I love this city; I love Italy and moving here was the best decision I ever made. I head home in August for a few days to see my parents, celebrate my besties 30th and have a look at some wedding dresses. I do miss the UK but Italy is where my heart is.
Ciao per ora,
Nina xx
