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Permalink Reply by Allegra Caldwell on June 4, 2010 at 14:13

Doing a great job Liana!
Keep up the good work, love your posts!

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Permalink Reply by Francesca Bate on June 4, 2010 at 22:16

Grazie Liana e Marianna - this site looks like a great idea; it's a wonder it hasn't been tried before (or perhaps it has & I just didn't know). Looking forward to many more visits!

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Permalink Reply by michael ostojic on June 10, 2011 at 2:18

Is this the same Francesca Bate that attended UNE, Armadale, NSW in 1976 and then moved to 5 Della Sprona(?), Florence in the early 80's ?

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Permalink Reply by Gary Chow on June 25, 2011 at 13:19

Ciao Liana e tutti!

I live in Brisbane and have been here for almost 10 years. I escaped from the noise and crowds of Sydney. I work for myself as a copywriter. I am divorced but now share my abode and life with my partner and her two beautiful kids (8 and 10). I have no children of my own.

I've visited Italy twice. The first time in my mid-20s as part of a very lengthy sojourn as a back backer. The second time was during my honeymoon. Both trips seem like an eternity ago; another lifetime.

I can't recall when I first became fascinated with Italy but I am sure it pre-dated my first trip. I drive an Italian car, love Italian clothes (when I can afford them which is hardly ever) and of course am very partial to Italian food.

I started learning to speak Italian a few years ago. I did 3 semesters at the Institute of Modern Languages at Uni of Qld, but have long since stopped. I now teach myself by reading books, using websites and watching Italian films and TV programs. I would dearly love to be fluent; well at least be able to hold decent conversations in Italian. The hardest part of learning a language is listening and comprehending.

I am planning to travel to Italy in March-April next year. This time focussing on Tuscany. I plan to travel slow. I'd like to go with a friend, but so far haven't been able to find anyone that shares my desire. I may end up going alone.

I joined Italian Encounters to interact with fellow lovers of all things Italian. I congratulate Liana and Marianna for creating this wonderful website and doing such sterling work.

Anyway, hopefully that fills in some blanks. 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Liana on June 26, 2011 at 9:39

Ciao Gary,

Thank you for sharing yourself with us and it does help to fill in some of the blanks of who you are and how you came to be with us.

I will be in Europe next year, so who knows we may meet up somewhere. At this stage our plans are very loose other than arrive Rome on 23rd December, Christmas in Abbruzzo with family, Skiing in early January in the dolomites and then hiring an apartment for one month in Florence. Marianna is trying to convince me to spend the month in Bologna instead but we'll see. From there, Europe will be our oyster. So if we stay in touch through Italian Encounters it may work to meet.

The interesting thing about travelling alone for me, is that I tend to meet more people than when I travel with someone else - it really pushes me in that way.

Have you ever tried the Michele Thomas series of language? I have the Italian one and I find it very good. Even though I am quite fluent, it really helps me fill some of the gaps and be more precise.

Thank you also for the compliment - it's nice to know we are appreciated.

A presto

Liana

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Marianna on June 27, 2011 at 9:53

Ciao Gary

It's great to know a little more about you and your Italian Encounters. Hope the trip you're planning for Italy next year fulfils your every dream. How amazing would it be for you to meet up with Liana?

My future plans are as yet unrealised dreams...but I'm determined to make them come true! My passion and yearning for Italy will never abate!

Ti auguro una bella giornata e a presto

Marianna

 

 

 

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