Language

I never thought about Language before we moved here. It is truly fascinating. Languages can be so different and without the understanding of a language, communication can come virtually to a halt. When we were in Turkey, Greece, and Egypt - there was no hope - not even close (China too)! As much as we think that everyone in the world speaks and understands English - it is FAR from true! I am definitely one for "small talk" - I like meeting the person in the checkout line, chatting with other Moms, talking to someone on an airplane. When you can't communicate - all of that is gone! I am at the point with my German, that I can definitely get by. I can communicate what I need to get across, but that is about it. It can be so frustrating trying to strike up a conversation when you don't understand. Often, I don't even understand Mia - which is a little scary! I even have to ask her to translate. My friend and I have started taking German lessons again, and today I had a HUGE break through! For some reason so much just clicked and I am so excited. I learned to communicate in the past tense, and most importantly I will now be able to listen to other people and have a much better shot at comprehending what they are saying. If you drive 4 hours in almost any direction here, you may have a totally different language to comprehend (French, Czech, Polish, Italian etc.), and the thought is almost overwhelming - For now I will concentrate on German! I have such a new appreciation for people who are bilingual - it is definitely not an easy thing!