Quote:
Originally Posted by Ralph Sir Edward
This is why I don't tour in most foreign countries. My language skills are terrible, (not for lack of trying) and the most important thing of touring a foreign country is meeting the people (or so it seems to me). And you can't do it without learning at least some of the language. Or so this "ugly American" feels.
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I gotta say that some of my most enjoyable times I have ever spent were with people who don't understand a word I say (and neither I them - kinda like MR?). A year ago I spent half an hour in an Amsterdam cafe with a guy drinking beer. It was clear he didn't understand English and the only word he said I recognized was "volcano" (spoken after a table had been knocked over by a waiter). We had a great time using gestures, enjoying the wonderful weather, and drinking our beers. I think I learned a fair amount about him and him me. Sure, it would have been nice to have been able to converse with him, but it was a half hour I'll never forget.
Another time I was in a train station in Den Haag buying a ticket to Schipol. The lady behind the counter was trying to tell me something but couldn't figure out the words and I struggled to no avail with the very few Dutch words I knew. She grabbed a coworker who was also unable to explain. The three of us spent a few minutes laughing our heads off in the process. (I later learned they had been trying to tell me transfer to another train at the next stop.) Again, it was unforgettable. And the worst result would have been that I was lost for awhile. Maybe that's why I don't consider the need to learn the language as so crucial. Who cares if I get lost? More fun!