Hi! I’m Lucy and languages are my greatest passion!
I’m originally from Somerset, England, and these days I call Germany home. Over the past decade, languages have shaped almost every part of my life – from studying in Verona to working in San Sebastián, from teaching English in Austria to teaching foreign languages to secondary school kids in England.
Having left my teaching career behind in England, these days my knowledge of languages helps me navigate daily life in Germany and beyond.
What this blog is about
The Talking Ticket is a space for anyone who loves learning languages, living abroad or discovering how culture and communication intertwine.
Here, I share my experiences learning multiple languages – Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and now German – along with the techniques, mindset shifts and small everyday habits that make language learning sustainable and enjoyable.
Whether you’re tackling your first foreign language or already juggling several, this blog is about finding practical strategies and motivation to keep going.
My language journey
Bar a bit of school French, I only properly started learning foreign languages at the age of eighteen.
- Italian was my first serious project – I took a punt and chose to study it from beginner level alongside English Literature at university, and spent my ERASMUS year in Verona.
- Spanish came next, through self-study whilst working the bar at my local pub, a three-month course in the Basque Country, and later, a Spanish-speaking job in San Sebastian.
- Portuguese followed – meeting a Brazilian partner, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to learn independently alongside a native speaker!
- French was the long game: years of trial and error that finally paid off when I passed the C1 exam in Bordeaux after an intensive course in 2022.
- German is my current adventure. I started learning independently, completed the Lingoda Sprint, and now, living in Germany, I’m putting everything into practice daily, having recently passed the B2 exam.
Starting my language journey as the worst student in my Italian class at uni, five languages later, I’ve learnt a thing or two, not just about grammar or vocabulary, but about persistence, curiosity and how to stay motivated when progress feels slow.
My approach to language learning
After years of studying and teaching, I’ve realised there’s no one-size-fits-all method to language learning. What matters most is finding what truly engages you.
My philosophy rests on four pillars:
- Mindset: language learning takes patience and playfulness.
- Compelling content: learn from materials you actually enjoy.
- Effective strategies: use techniques that fit your goals and lifestyle.
- Real practice: find ways to use the language – even if you’re not abroad.
That’s what The Talking Ticket is built on: learning that’s personal, flexible and full of curiosity.
What you’ll find here
Expect a mix of:
- Practical tips for learning languages
- Downloadable resources to aid your learning
- Honest reflections on the ups and downs of language learning
- Insights into living abroad and adapting to new cultures
German is my current focus – you’ll get updates on my successes, frustrations, and everything in between. Yet, I still post about my other languages, and sometimes I give advice that’s applicable to all languages.
How to get in touch
You can always contact me through the contact form under the about section in the menu, by commenting on a post within WordPress, on social media (I will answer, I’m just social-media shy so not mega active!).
