If You Ask a Question in Italian Be Prepared to Get an Answer in Italian!

Seriously. I know I don't know a lot of Italian, but what I do know is pretty good. I spent the first 30 years of my life listening to my grandparents' accents. So, when I approach someone and ask them directions or something in Italian, they happily answer me in Italian. I then give them the blank I-have-no-idea-what-you-just-said-to-me stare, and then I have to say, "En Inglese?" And in perfect English, they give me my answer. Although, once today at The Vatican, I asked a guy a question in what I thought was Italian, and he answered me in Spanish! I have no idea how people that are fluent in 5 languages keep all of them straight. When I was in Egypt, I wanted to use Spanish. Now that I'm in Italy, I want to use Arabic. Aaaarrgh!

Anyway, so far, things are great in Italy. The weather is VERY hot and humid. Someone passed out at the Colosseum. My first day, I walked around Ancient Rome and toured the Colosseum and the Palatine. That about took all day. I learned that over 700,000 people were killed in the Colosseum over the years. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as, mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The wooden floor was covered with sand to soak up the blood so the fighters wouldn't slip on it.

On my way back to my hostel, I met two guys from Toronto at the cafe I was having dinner at. I ordered my Manicotti al Ricotta e Spinace in my best Italian, and this guy sitting next to me says, "I gave up, I don't even bother." Turns out he and his friend are doing the 2 week Europe tour. The night before they were in Paris and went to a rave in a cave (rhyme not intended). Who knew they even had caves in Paris? Anyway, I said, "I need to at least make an attempt. My grandparents would be rolling in their graves if they knew I was in Italy and didn't speak Italian!