Speaking Italian...

You really only need one language in Sorrento - English. Every bar, shop, restaurant and cafe has at least one (usually more) person who speaks English - probably better than most us, too.

But if you do know a few words of Italian, you'll love the reaction that you get.

On this years holiday, the head waiter in our hotel asked why I spoke in Italian - yet all he'd heard me say was the name of the wine we wanted, and to ask for a bottle of still mineral water (aqua minerale naturale).

When the barman heard me speak in Italian his reaction was the same, so when I said that the biggest problem in Sorrento was that most of the people that we spoke to found it easier for them to speak English he told me (in a very good humour) that he would only let me speak Italian in the bar - it made for some entertaining nights when I spent five minutes at a time trying to understand him.

Last year, Marion and I took our twin 12 year old granddaughters with us, and after seeing them get so excited about chocolate flavoured pasta, I laughed and said to the shopkeeper that the grandchildren would 'ha chocolata con tutti' - chocolate with everything. Her reaction at hearing a tourist speaking Italian was great, but it took ages trying to get out of the shop!

Whether you choose to buy a phrase book, buy an Italian language course or decide to take lessons during your holiday (there's an Italian language school in Sorrento), learning another language can give you a sense of achievement, and also add a lot of fun to your visit to Italy.

So here are a few basic words and phrases that will help you start your own conversations with new Italian friends (the Italian pronunciations are in brackets);

There are millions of language courses and phrase books around, and although you don't need it in Sorrento, I like to try different languages - it makes me feel like I'm doing my part.

Hope they help,

Buona fortuna (Good luck)!