Italian language cramming

I downloaded a few apps on my iPad 2 to help with translating and speaking Italian. A few of them speak the words for me, so that really helps. Besides the normal phrases of hello, goodbye, thank you, excuse me, etc...here are a few that I may need to know:

Thank you for the meal (because I plan to eat a lot of good meals)
Grazie per il pranzo

I would like a glass of red wine
Vorrei un biccheiere di vino rosso (I think just remembering di vino rosso will be most helpful)

Where is the nearest bathroom?
Dove il bagno piu vicino

How much is this? (while shopping)
Quanto costa questo

Let's cross over (if you've read Eat, Pray, Love, this was Julia Robert's character's favorite word)
Attraversiamo

Shoot, crap, uh oh (g-rated version)
Accidenti! (actually pronounced ah-chee-DENT-tee and sounds like fun to say)

We all know Mamma Mia is used by Italians, but a similar one that expresses surprise or annoyance is Madonna! (pronounced mah-DOHN-nah)

Shoot, crap, darn (a little less G-rated than the one above, but still ok)
Porca vacca (literally means pig cow, but also sounds fun)

My new favorite word is the word for cabbage - cavolo. It just sounds fun!

Just over 2 1/2 weeks away! Buon pomeriggio!

Blogging from iPad 2

This is my first blog from my iPad 2, I wanted to try it out for a test run. I plan to take a lot of pictures to post to the blog (even some with the camera on here) and even some videos. The video and regular camera are extremely easy to use on the iPad 2. I've also downloaded Skype for video and phone calls while I'm gone, so add me if you use Skype. I also have a few apps that will help me with learning and speaking Italian. Plus my Kindle, netflix, games, and other things that will help make the layovers and 9.5 hour flight from Chicago to Rome. Google maps may also come in handy for navigating the streets of Florence. I already found that there are a Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton boutiques all within 5 minutes walking distance from my apartment!

Buon pomeriggio (good afternoon)!

4 more weeks!

Buongiorno! (good morning)

In 4 weeks from today, I will be starting my first day of classes in Italy. I got my chef's coat, some euros, and my schedule on Saturday.

Now I'm just trying to make a packing list, but packing for 3 weeks in a foreign country is hard!

I am also trying to practice some Italian. I'm not very good at it, but I want to learn at least some main phrases. I am going to work more on that the next few weeks.

I googled the address of the apartment where we are staying and saw the street view. It looks fabulous! There are lots of little boutiques around and it's very Italian.

I will start posting more as the trip gets closer and will definitely post as often as I can while I'm there.

BI and AI

The trip is getting closer and closer. Only 5 1/2 more weeks until I leave the United States!

There are still things I need to do, including:

• getting my Ipad 2 shipped to me, which will allow me to video chat with friends/family, check email, listen to music, watch movies, read books, and I can also download an app that will allow me to text without having to use my cell phone and pay the enormous bill associated with that. I can't wait for that.
• get a new suitcase. I found a really cute and VERY reasonably priced one that I wanted from Marshalls but instead of buying it, I waited. Guess what, I went back and it was gone! I'm going to keep looking to see if they get others in.
• finalize the plans for the cats. Yes, it seems silly but I am going to worry about them. My mom is coming to check on them, Chris will go see them, but I want them to be happy while I'm gone because I know they will miss me tremendously.

It seems like I have been thinking of everything in terms of BI (Before Italy) and AI (After Italy). All of my plans are revolving around doing it before I go or when I come back. That's how I know that it's quickly approaching!

I plan to add lots of pictures and keep up with this blog while I travel, so check back often.

Ciao for now!