LOL yes - reading is easier than listening, isn't it?
I cheat with Google when trying to read Cyrillic Internet comments and that generally gives an idea of what people are trying to express. And the way it's worked out is that my (adult) kids all chose different languages, so between us we can us limp through conversations in Spanish, French, German and Japanese. All we need to do now is get to one of those countries!! 
Meilleurs vœux!
Taf
That's kind if cool. I'd love to visit Japan, too. My brother went and loved it. Did you watch the Joanna Lumley in Japan series which was recently on? Always loved Joanna and her Japan doc was so well done.
I wish I had the cognition to be able to learn languages as quick as most. Definitely below average, but I think that's due to lack of practice. Glad you're also giving the Frenchies a chance. It's next door, so I feel compelled to try at least. Bloody snails, for gods sake!!!!
