The real dilemma about traveling to non-English speaking countries has to be: to speak or not to speak. Trying to sound out the thank yous and hellos in a way that does not distinguish you as an American often produces more criticism than consideration. I make attempts so that natives know I’m making an effort, but my efforts do more than butcher the language and open me up for an undefendable attack on American arrogance and our public education. Yet, if I don’t try to speak the language that I know I will butcher, I am still open to the attack on American pride and my lack of education.

Let’s pretend that I wouldn’t get hurt. Which makes more sense? You can tell that I would just speak English, but I am not your pageboy for compassion. The underlying fear circles around becoming a poser, or, really, appearing to be a poser. I don’t know the language—should I try to make out as if I do? John and Drew disagree with me. They think that an attempt at pronouncing the unknown language will show the people of the country some deserved respect. True. Very true.

But I don’t know the language, it seems a bit deceiving to make it seem as if I did… (unfinished chapter)