It was so hot during our trip to Lago Maggiore that we left the hotel windows open before going out to dinner. Returning hours later, we opened a bottle of wine to toast Papà’s 80th birthday.
After clinking our glasses and settling in, the Italian chatter began. I did my best to parse the conversation but between a cool cross breeze and the wine flowing, fatigue began to set in.
Wanting to stay sharp I stood up and moved to the window. Pushing aside the long white curtains to breathe in the cool night air, suddenly startled I jumped back and gasped. Not one, not two, not three, not even four, but five enormous spiders had made their way in the open window and had been hanging just inches above my head.
My gasp drew Paolo and his parents’ attention. Embarrassed I tried to explain.
“Cinque anatre. Cinque anatre nella finestra!”
Now, if you speak Italian, you’ll be about as confused as Paolo and his parents where.
“What are you talking about?” asked Paolo looking perplexed.
“Cinque grandi anatre, Amore Vedi?!” I insisted pointing to the window.
Slowly Paolo stood and walked next to me, stopping at the window he looked towards my outstretched hand and said “Ragni Piccola, Ragni. Anatre is Duck, Ragno is Spider. You mean Ragni.”
Hearing Paolo’s explanation Paolo’s parents started howling with good-natured laughter. Before long we were all doubled over in laughter at my mistake.
A moment of learning through immersion that permanently cemented how to properly pluralize and properly pronounce both anatra (duck) and ragno (spider) in Italian.
How to Properly Pronounce Ragno in Italian
Now, every once in a while the entire family likes to help me remember.
“Ti ricordi? Cinque Anatre!”
How about you? Have you tried to learn a second language late in life? Any tips on how to battle the embarrassment and just keep trying?
Next up! On tomorrow’s post, I’ll share my 10 favorite photos from our trip to Lago Maggiore (Lake Maggiore). Till then, here are a few family photos from our trip to Lago Maggiore & Lago d’Orta.
Family Photos | Lago Maggiore & Lago d’Orta Italy
Happy 80th Trip for Papà. Public Gardens Villa Bossi, Lago d’Orta, Italy 
Paolo Finally Letting me Take his Picture! 
Isola San Giulio, Lago d’Orta 
Paolo with his Parents 
Papà, Mamma & I 
Mamma & I on Isola Bella 
Borromean Islands, Lago Maggiore, Italy Isola Bella Garden 
Isola Bella Garden Fountain Statues, Borromean Islands, Lago Maggiore, Italy 
View from Isola Bella Garden of Lago Maggiore, Italy 
Paolo Sneaks Photos! Brandy Shearer in Lago Maggiore, Italy 
Museum – Isola Bella, Palazzo Borromeo 
Museum – Isola Bella, Palazzo Borromeo
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LOL good one sweetheart and love the pictures!!!
Chuck’s IPad Air
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Thank you! Such a beautiful place these Northern Italian lakes are. You would LOVE them.
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