Success!

I am brimming with pride as I write this - I bought lunch! I got directions to an exchange building (not a bank, because they apparently charge too much). It took about three tries before I found it, but once I did I was happy to see people in line in front of me. This meant I could watch what they do and mimic! The man did not speak English, but luckily all I needed was to give him money, say Swiss francs, and he got the idea. Walking out, money in hand, I was feeling pretty confident. There are plenty of people selling food on the street, and I decided this would be my best option. How hard could it be? Point to what you want and hand over the money. I was wrong. Apparently the man working the counter had a question I couldn't answer and when I shrugged my shoulders in a pathetic attempt to say - I have no idea what you're talking about - he looked at me and did the same. Panic set in. Was he making fun? Could I not have the sandwich? Would I really walk away with no lunch, the people behind me in line witnesses to my failure? Then he says (and forgive me for the punctuation - I cannot find the quote key) - if I ask questions in English, you'll have to answer in Italian, deal? SWEET RELIEF!

I took my sandwich and my water (with gas), and swaggered all the way to the lake. I took a bench like I owned the place. The world is my oyster!

PS - Thanks for the comments! I just realized there were some posted. It's great to hear your thoughts.