(no subject)

[elainegrey]

Threw some money at Christine's frets and bought one of those travel purses that have metal cords in the straps and metal mesh in the body and little carabiners on the zips to secure the closure from being eased open. Also bought some of those vitamin, immune system boosting drink tablets. Nuun makes another type of drink tablet with chamomile for "relaxation" which could be pleasant, so i splurged on that, too. This time next week i will be in Stockholm footing it around.

I finally finished listening to the audio book of Swedish phrases. The 400 actions and activities are presented in the style of "I wake up in the morning, I argue with the kids, I get a ticket for the bus, I am stuck in a traffic jam, I call the waiter, I drop my chopsticks." My favorite is in the "hanging out" section: "I clean up my hard drive."

I have to say, the fact that the only dining utensil mentioned is a chopstick is even more peculiar than the narrative phrases.

My sister has pointed out Google Translate to me: that's so cool.

I've picked up a few more language audio books, and have finally consumed the credit i had with Audible. I'm ensuring i've downloaded audiobooks i have had for years: Gormenghast and a history of Greece. The first i can doze to, something like a fever dream, and the narrator of the Greek history has sent me to sleep many times.

Comments

[annie_r]

I have some Nuun electrolyte tablets that taste kind of bleh (although I could try adding a bit of splenda.) The Ultima ones look lower in sodium, but I have not tried them yet.

[elainegrey]

Apparently the immunity has less electrolytes (therefore less sodium). I;m curious just how potent the "rest" is: the comments seem to imply some effect. I'll be trying it out on the "redeye" flight on Thursday night.

[yourlibrarian]

My favorite is in the "hanging out" section: "I clean up my hard drive."

Huh, it's language education and general life tips all in one! I agree about the chopsticks. I was trying to figure out why one would need to advise anyone of dropping utensils but I suppose it could happen at a restaurant and thus require replacement.

The travel purse sounds like a good invention, though given what I've been reading of Sweden moving to a nearly cashless state it made me wonder if there was much reason left to steal purses.

[elainegrey]

There were some cautions about Tallinn's Old City, and even in a cashless society, cameras and electronics are presumably attractive.

I bought another Swedish phrase book (mainly just so i can get used to listening to the sounds) that claims that it will explain cultural points as well, and an Estonian phrase book that seems to think smooth jazz music bed will help. I will be entertained, at least.

[sistawendy]

I live for Google Translate.

[elainegrey]

Do tell more!

[sistawendy]

There isn't a whole lot to tell. I just wonder pretty often how to say "X" in language Y, or what phrase Z means.

[elainegrey]

I did come up with dire situations with Google Translate; thanks for putting an end to those speculations.

[zyzyly]

I used to have an app on my phone that used the camera--it would look at text in whatever language, and translate it to English. It was great for restaurant menus and such. Can't remember what it is called, but it is out there. Somewhere.

[elainegrey]

Google Translate does that now... oh wow, i just tried it. That's so cool.

[egret]

I could be wrong, but I think there are plenty of English speakers in Stockholm and your basic tourist needs will be met. I'm excited to read about your trip!

[elainegrey]

I'm sure -- my cousin (some number of times removed) has excellent English. Tallinn, too, reportedly also has plenty of English speakers. Still, my hearing skills are ... well, challenged with English speakers. And my pronunciation skills are hilarious. I can at least listen to speakers of the language for a bit before trying to pronounce what google translate tells me to say.

[warriorsavant]

Even if lots of English speakers around: (1) never assume they'll be one when you need it, and (2) people appreciate if you make ANY attempt at using their language. On the other hand, try not to drop your chop sticks, it's uncouth in any language. (I find that phrase book quirkily interesting.)

[elainegrey]

I really don't want to be one of THOSE Americans, although i fear i may come close.