But this month I have started two structured educational exercises -- not writing-related, and not because I woke up one morning thinking "I need to expand my knowledge" -- but because of opportunity. The first is a basic Italian For Travellers course, eight lessons one per week, at our local community college. The fact they're offering Italian this semester is a happy coincidence as I'm going to Italy this year. My first time and I will, hopefully, know enough basic phrases to be polite to the locals...or to at least locate the appropriate words in my phrase book.
No sooner had I signed up for Italian than my sister-in-law asked if I was interested in Ancient History. Our local high school offers HSC-based subjects to the community and they needed one more student for this course to go ahead. Some arm-twisting ensued but after one lesson I'm so glad I signed up. Not just because it will inform my Italy trip but because I'm enjoying the classroom, the reading, the subject matter. I even enjoy organising my notes into a folder (there will be colour coding.) And I've downloaded an audiobook on the History of Ancient Rome which is my listening while I walk.
So, that's what I'll be up to for the next few months (Italian) and the rest of the year (Ancient History.) Is anyone else busy with learning at the moment? Have you taken any classes recently? Do you make a conscious effort to further your education or do you prefer to learn by living?
