Although I majored in French at university, I also fell in love with the neighbouring country of Italy. At that time though, few people understood English or French in smaller Italian cities. In many cases, I had to depend on my gestures. Even when I merely asked for ‘one single room for two nights’ at a hotel, it could be a challenge for both parties.
So, to explore this beautiful country, I had no choice but to learn Italian! Indeed, while I was still at university, I studied Italian to the intermediate level and acquired the communication skills needed for my travels: Buon giorno, Piacere, Sono giapponese, etc.