Ciao and Grazie

Fortunately both Rome and Venice are huge tourist cities, so I haven’t really had a hard time adjusting to the different language. Almost all the shops and restaurants and other places that I have visited have people who speak at least enough English to communicate effectively. It has been pretty easy to pick up simple, everyday words such as “hello” (ciao) and “thank you” (grazie). One word that I have found used quite often is “prego.” When I was trying to learn some Italian before coming on the dialogue, I had thought prego simply meant “you’re welcome,” but it is used far more often here, and I have found the practical translation to be “for you.” It is used not only as acknowledgment of thanks (as in you’re welcome) but is also used when placing an order at a restaurant or coffee counter. There hasn’t been any moments where I personally haven’t been able to communicate, but some other people on the dialogue have had a “lost in translation” moment. Three of the guys were trying to order a pitcher of beer to have with dinner, but the waiter misunderstood and they ended up with three pitchers instead of one! They were able to send two back once they realized what they mistakenly ordered, but it definitely made a funny story.