Un’avventura Immensa!

There is a very good total immersion Italian language school in Lucca. They teach conversational Italian, as well as a course for opera singers. The best part is Lucca is a walking-city. It’s a walled city, laid out for strolling to everything. You’ll have no problem spending a few weeks there. It also has easy rail access to Firenze, Montecatini or Pisa, so you don’t need to rent a car.

I think that all those small things (ie- how will I find a laundromat) will fall into place. You’ll have a host family that will help immensely, and you’ll learn so quickly when you’re in it. I think it would be wonderful, and wish I could be packed in your suitcase!!!

I wouldn’t want to spend four to six weeks in any one vacation spot, I don’t think. Because everyplace is potentially so exciting….if I were going to travel out-of-the-country (or in it) I’d wanna spend several weeks in several places instead! :o) !! You are good at figuring out what you want, so I know whatever you decide on will please you! hugs, Weesprite

ryn: thanks for all your supportive notes, too!! They are all very much appreciated. more hugs, Weesprite

it is a big decision, I would love to go. Is there a phone # where you could get the minor information of, say; laundrymats? would the host’s have them? and stuff like that so you can get the little worries out of the way to worry about the big decision? *huggs*

I understand the “What if’s” because I do it too. But truth is, you’re worrying about something that hasn’t even happened… I think this would be a fabulous experience, if YOU want it. And I say “Go for it”. But I also understand that it has to be at YOUR comfort level. How long do you have before you have to give a final answer? Love to you! ~M

I think you’d regret not going far more than going.

Here’s what my husband always tells me. (I’m the worst worrier) he tells me it never ends up being the things you worry about that knock you flat on your ass, it’s always something that falls out of the clear blue sky that does that and so when you worry obsessively you’ve only made yourself miserable in the end and wasted a lot of good energy for nothing.

You should totally go to Italy for as long as you can! That’d be fantastic :o) You’d do fine, really. Adventures are great! :o)

I agree with some of the other noters who said that you would regret more NOT going than if you go. I think it will be a grand adventure and you will learn Italian much more quickly and isn’t that your goal? I think you should go for it! I must say though…I’m a big worrier, too. 😉

Try to consider if you would regret NOT doing it, too. I’d always think back and say…”I should have done that six week program when I had the chance…”

This is AMAZING to hear you talk about!! Now, what’s your time frame, do you have a date to go yet? I LOVE the translation for “Gung Ho” – ROFL!!! You’re SUCH a wonderful woman – I love reading what you write, english OR italian!!

I’m with many of the other noters, I think that you would regret not going in the longrun. I’m sure they don’t pick just nayone as host families and I’m sure that they will be more than willing to help you out when and if u might be having a bit of trouble. I know that this may sound silly but it appears like you are just looking for reasons, the slightest and smallest of things to keep you from going, maybe out of fear of the unknown or something?

The fact that you are even considering it impresses me.

Three words: Go. For. IT!!! If I know anyone who can undertake this adventure and make the absolute most of it – it is you!!!

ryn: I am such a dork!!!! it was tblsp!!! : P *huggs*

I’m sure you’ll weigh all the pros and cons….and make a great decision.

My daughter went to Budapest to spend 6 weeks taking a course in teaching English as a second language. Not a total immersion course such I think you’re describing, but she went by herself, stayed with a host family who didn’t speak English, and she too was very nervous about how she would get along, find the things she needed, and communicate. Well she did GREAT and she LOVED it. You can do itand I’ll bet you anything that you come back and write about it and tell us it was one of the best experiences of your life.

I agree with everyone else. I think you should throw caution to the wind and go for it. It’s not everyday that a chance like this would come along. I’m sure once you get there and settle in you will do fine! Hugs, M

I’m sorry to say you are like me in this respect…I worry and fret about details because I NEED TO KNOW and feel in control. I long to be a random/abstract person who just goes and enjoys whatever happens. That would put my anxiety through the roof, though. Good luck figuring it all out.

Good luck sorting through all of it and coming to a decision that makes you happy.

THe list works everytime, doesn’t it 🙂

I have family in Italy and they are always saying that everyone speaks English to a certain degree!!! It may not be as big a problem as you imagine. I was in France 7 years ago and I cannot speak a word of French. I did okay with the communicating thing…

I always worry about the little things too, and it tends to spoil my enjoyment of the overall experience. I find it hard to let go, but when I do it’s great – like I’m a different person. Don’t forget, you would be there with lots of other people who may have the same worries, it’s always better in a crowd!

yes it is an avventura immensa. I wouldn’t worry too much about the laundry though – most places may not have a dryer but they do have a washing machine these days. And if the family don’t have one, well they will need to use one. Plus, they must be used to having foreign guests and helping them with their difficulties. And… its an immersion course – the school will be able to help you tooand there will be other people who are feeling lost and who will want to stick with you because you are already very good at italian.

I had to laugh when I got to the bottom of this entry after reading it – your monthly quotation seems very apt here!!