Ok, so you waited until the last minute to learn Italian.  Now your trip is only a couple of weeks away and the most you can muster is “Grazie” and even that you are not sure you are pronouncing correctly. The Franklin TGA-495 12-Language Speaking Global Translator is the solution to your problem.

The Franklin TGA-495 12-Language Speaking Global Translator was selected as one of Time Magazine’s Best Travel Products. You can spend a lot on a translator but I don't think you get more for your money if you are a casual traveler. Some of the more expensive translators allow you to scan text, but unless you plan on translating Dante I am not sure that is a feature you will use.

Although 12 languages may be overkill I have not been able to find a translator that is only for Italian, so you may as well get a translator that will cover you should you find yourself in Japan on your way to Italy.

The Franklin TGA-495 12-Language Speaking Global Translator is small enough to fit in your pocket.  It is 3 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches and weighs only 0.6 ounces.

Venice, December 1, 2008 - Water in Venice, Italy has risen to its highest level in more than 20 years, leaving much of the city flooded and forcing residents and tourists to wade through knee-high water. St Mark's square was submerged under almost 3 feet (a meter) of water. The rest of the historic center was also flooded, with many pontoon bridges floating off to leave residents stranded in their homes.

The only Venetians getting about were those equipped with thigh-high boots fishermen boots.

Many elderly people had to be carried to safety, as the bottom floors of homes and shops started operating their bailout pumps. Workers have been unable to install the raised wooden walkways used during flooding because the water rose too high and too quickly under heavy rains.

City Mayor Massimo Cacciari advised local people to stay at home and asked anyone thinking of coming to Venice right now to ''think again''.