Travel anecdote #1

Uncle Jim and I only spent an afternoon in Venice because, although it's a beautiful city, it's uncomfortably crowded. Still, in that small period of time, we managed to get ourselves thoroughly lost. Without a map (not a smart idea) the only option was to ask for directions back to the train station. I can understand bits of Italian and decided that I'd just try to figure out the first couple instructions someone gave me and then ask someone else, so I fake some Italian with the only person in sight.

Me: Prego, stazione Santa Lucia?

The random man responds in rapid Italian, indicating that we are indeed quite lost. I understand the basics of the beginning of his instructions ('follow that road...') but soon it becomes evident to him that I don't actually speak Italian.

Man: Ahhh, français?

Me: (Relieved and proud to be able to speak French with him.) Oui, ça marche.

He begins giving me the directions in French, but after a minute or so, pauses and asks, "Parlez-vous anglais?"

Me: Oui, je suis américaine.

Man: Comment dit-on 'bridge' en français? (How do you say 'bridge in French?)

Me: Pont.

And he proceeded to finish the directions in French.