Ok, I've gotten a hold of a couple of self-learning courses for Spanish and Dutch, and, although I'll use them very little, I want to know some of both - it's a personal policy of mine, to know the languages of the countries I visit.

'Course, I realize this is totally insane, but I love love LOVE languages. So.. should I start taking bets? :)

I think you'll learn Spanish... It's not that difficult... But Dutch... belive me... I'm trying to learn since a long time and I can't pronounce anything! Good luck!!! :thumbup: (And if you need help... hehehehhe I can try to help ya!)

Thanks for your faith, Bgirl.. hahah.. I figured Spanish would be easier for me, so I've taken on Dutch first.

So as an update, I've finished with my first day of Dutch! I can now do the basics like introduce myself and where I'm from ("Ik heet Omid... Ik kom uit San Francisco") and ask for a beer ("Ik wel een biertje") so at least the fundamentals are covered! Uitstekend!

Alright - the next most important lines have been mastered:

Heb je een vriend? (Do you have a boyfriend?)

Ja, ik heb een vriend. (Yes, I have a boyfriend.)

--insert sad, puppydog look--

Maar ik woon alleen... Komt bij mij (But I live alone... Come to my place.)


Har har, like any of that would ever play out, but it's fun putting together what you've learned into the Ultimate Dutch Gigolo™ Fantasy. Muahahahaha.

you forgot the next one, [insert spanish here] (do you wanna come with me any way?)

Alright, I'm done with my Dutch lessons. To be honest, the last 4 (of 16) confused the hell out of me, but somehow I don't think I'll be studying insurance forms or giving a presentation on the state of news media in the Netherlands anytime soon, so I think I'm good to go!

At the very least, I'll be able to answer the folks at passport control so they can have a good laugh. "Ik blijf vier dagen in Amsterdam. Daan, ik zal naar Barcelona voor zes dagen geen. Ik zal aan Amsterdam terugken, maar ik ga onmiddelijk naar England."

Now on to Spanish!

Alright.. four days into Spanish. And I rapidly feel my Dutch deteriorating. I'm gonna be such a mess when I get to Europe. (One week & counting!)

Bonjour! Ik heeb Omid. Zwei Bieren, bitte. ¿Donde esta el baño? :unsure:

Er... "Ik heet" - see, I'm already fooked.

Yeah I heard Dutch is pretty hard to learn


"I don't speak Freak Deaky Dutch!!"

you'll be fine, :kisscheek:
u will probably have my luck and have little kids run up to u so they can practice their english :)
but as long as u can make an effort it will be appreciated, and u will find it will all come flooing back to u. :greenguy:
also good practice is to watch foreign films (go check out L'auberge espagnol) its a really cool movie and has heaps of language in it.
:thumbup:
and enjoy your trip
:kisscheek:

Thanks! I'm back, and yeah, I did end up using a decent amount of both Spanish and Dutch... I'm glad I bothered to learn them.

And ya know what? L'Auberge Espagnole is part of what inspired me to choose Barcelona! Although the London leg of my trip was probably most similar to that flick, all compressed into a few days.