Do they speak English there?
This must be the most asked travel question in the English speaking world but rarely do we ask:
How can I learn enough French to better experience my vacation in France?
My wife and I attended a free ‘Simple French for Travel’ class today at Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door headquarters in Edmond, Washington. Josette Hendrix, Northwest Language Academy, instructed us in basic pronunciation and a few simple sentences in just 90 minutes. Enough to whet our appetite to improve our language skills further or at least to pronounce the phrase book sentences correctly.
Basic language skills enhance your travel experience by bringing you into better contact with your foreign hosts. The simple act of greeting someone in their own language can open the door to a wonderful cultural exchange, and perhaps lasting friendships. As a traveller, it is these social interactions that make your trip memorable. Make the effort and obtain the knowledge that will make your trip about the people as much as the sights.
Worst food in Berlin? Embrace the local language before your trip.