Having toured Rome and Venice at a sprint these last few days, one realization that has really struck me is how easy it can initially seem to overcome the language barrier here. Now, if one needed to have a complex conversation, was experiencing an emergency, or dealing with anything of the like then the language barrier seems to grow as tall of The Great Wall of China; however, when simply asking for a directions, buying food, or reserving a room in a hostel, the language barrier felt permeable and flexible. They spoke in Italian, and I in English or (poor) French. Nevertheless the gist of the conversation was followable despite our different languages. I got my food, and they received their money. Somehow, everyone was content. Perhaps a few confused or blank glances were shared, but
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