Most of my American friends can't speak any other language than English, so you're still good. I think that once you get the grasp of one of the Romance languages, the rest just come along. Sort of. *says the person who pretends to speak Italian and French but can't, really.*

Vikings? That would be so interesting to research. I've been told my ancestors are from the Ottoman Empire.

GREAT! Now excuse me while I read that.
I'm looking forward to Water for Elephants, at least. (Mainly because of Christoph, of course, but I really hope Pattinson won't disappoint and I'll get to see how Reese does, finally.)