When in Rome . . . (or anywhere they don't speak English)

I would love to learn to speak French. Such a beautiful, romantic language.

In fact, before my trip to France, I took an adult ed class called “French for Travelers.”  

I got pretty good at saying Bonjour Madame and that was about it 

although I felt intimidated every time I said that.

The French, though, are most appreciative when we Americans at least try 

to speak their language and are gracious when we mess it up.

I’m re-reading one of my favorite books about living in France called “I’ll Never Be French.”

If you haven’t read it, it’s hysterical. One of the best parts is when the author, Mark Greenside, 

is desperately asking a French person where they bought their baguette.

“Ou est lapin?” he asks, thinking he has mastered “Where is the bread?”

 Finally, he realizes he has actually asked: “Where is the bunny?”

I laugh out loud every time I read this. 

Maybe it’s because it reminds me of traveling through the Alps. 

Here's a funny story about language challenges. 

We were in our bright yellow VW Beetle with our large German Shepherd Dog 

who we had brought to Austria with us for a two-year job assignment.

Having figured out the whole zimmer frei business (it's not a free room just waiting for you; 

it's a room available for you to pay for), we parked in front of a charming Alpine house and addressed the owner with what we thought was: “We have a dog in the car. Okay?” 

This was accompanied by lots of hand movements meaning can we bring him inside. 

I remember the look of confusion on the poor man’s face. 

Turns out our “Wir haben einen hund im auto,” was actually “Wir haben einen huhn im auto.” 

"We have a chicken in the car, okay?”

The man didn't laugh but I think I saw him hide a smile.

My point is making the effort to speak the native language is never easy or really comfortable 

but it is appreciated by the locals and funny later when you tell the story to your friends.

Bon chance!

(Good Luck!)

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