About

Let’s just say I like to do things that are unexpected. On January 31 I start a year-long trip around the world. My goal is to learn three languages: Italian, Japanese, and German. In that order. By living in the respective countries. Specifically I’ll be in Florence, Italy, then Fukuoka, Japan, and then Berlin, Germany. It will be a nice change from 14 years of corporate world phone conferences and email.

How did I get to this point? I blame two bloggers: Benny the Irish Polyglot at Fluent in Three Months and Chris Gillebeau with the Art of Non-Conformity and Cards for Travel. Benny’s writing showed me why I was so frustrated with Spanish despite great success at French. Chris inspired me to act on my dream, make it quest, and ignore the critics. Mix in my Peace Corps experience, a love of photography, and a healthy dose of confidence, and now my plan is in motion.

I’ve been fascinated by foreign languages since I was 13 and I enrolled in a Spanish class. It’s strange to think that people have completely different words for the same objects and actions that I describe in English every day. The minimalist in me thinks it’s inefficient. The collector in me wants to go learn every language.

As I prepare to leave, I’ll write once per week and publish every Monday in January. (I still have that day job). Starting in February I will publish every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I will share my progress on my language mini-missions, things I find quirky about the culture, and my weekend adventures. Occasionally I’ll share my thoughts on living life.

I will also post photos of people, places, and food. You can find me on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, and Flickr.

I would appreciate all the encouragement you can offer. The accountability means a lot to me.

Keep the comments positive and no one gets blocked. 😉