With notebook and pen in hand I went back to school this week to learn Italian. Both of my parents spoke Italian so 50 years ago I could have learned for free but NO!
Arriving at school on the first day is always the same. New students mill around, few words are exchanged as we all wait to meet the teacher. Once in the classroom we choice our seats. Don't sit too close to that person. Unlike other first class experiences no one is breaking the spine of their new notebooks or writing their IF LOST RETURN TO info on the inside cover of their books, instead everyone is on their cell phone, checking or sending messages. I would guess some of the younger students, and all were younger, were texting about the old guy in class. It is amazing how the smart phone has taken over our down time.
The teacher enters, 5 minutes late, and begins speaking in Italian. For the next 90 minutes few English words are spoken. She is very understanding and patient and the class begins to drop their defenses and interact with one another, if only in italian.
The time goes by quickly and by the end of class I have 15 amicos, even the teachers pat guy who obviously had some italian training even though this is Italian 101.
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