Today, I mark 365 days of doing Duolingo.

Parlez vous francais?

Voce fala portugeus?

A year ago, I started some Duolingo lessons to pick up some phrases in Portuguese. We were going to Portugal in October, and I thought it would help.

I was consistent. Practicing daily.

I opted for the paid version, so I wouldn’t get kicked out after making a few mistakes.

I even got to use some of my rudimentary skills when we went to a restaurant off the beaten path. The menu was in Portuguese. And none of the wait staff spoke English.

But most of the time, I didn’t use it. Except to sprinkle a few “obrigados” (thank you’s).

When we got back from Portugal, I kept up the Portuguese for a little bit. But then I thought I should do some French.

It’s always been a thorn in my side that I don’t speak French.

Oddly enough, I seemed to remember more French than I thought.

I’m not sure I’d be comfortable speaking for a whole evening in French. But I’d like to get there eventually.

So, I keep doing the Duolingo.

Many people have been doing it for years. I’m a newbie.

But still. 365 days in a row is something to be proud of.

C’est genial!