<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Time-Italian-All-Audio-Courses/dp/1400021839"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-7243" title="41R0-Kbxc-L._SS500_" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/41R0-Kbxc-L._SS500_-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></a>I leave for Italy in 23 days, and I don't know any Italian.

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Except for "Bella" which means "most adorable dog on the planet".

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O.k., o.k.  I also know the really important words such as latte, cappuccino, spaghetti, and gelato.

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My "plan" was to study through the Rosetta Stone or similar course and arrive in Italy as a respectful, Italian-speaking American.  I'm visiting their country, and I should speak the bloody language!

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I shared what happened with my "plans" yesterday.

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Fongool!  (I know that one from <em>Grease</em>.)

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This leads me to a crash course in Italian.  I'm listening and learning while driving.  (Please note that I am not looking at the accompanying book for "visual learners" while driving.  I have no intention of taking this crash course literally.)

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I also discovered that listening and learning during my most boring chore -- dishes.

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Next:  listening/learning during laundry.

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I already know about a dozen words.  Mr. New Male Team Member (who taught in Italy for a year) was impressed.

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I CAN do this!

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I WILL be a thoughtful world traveler in 23 days!

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I MUST!

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