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I won't ever set a foot in The Vatican again. One day was more than enough to see all it's riches. Another one -albeit not as popular- would be Liechtenstein. Lovely tiny country that got me one more stamp in my passport.
Last edited by Aztecgoddess; 04-13-2014 at 04:58 PM..
I really enjoyed Montreal and found that the people there had no problem speaking English. I heard that in Quebec City, people got snooty if you didn't speak French.
As Canada is an English speaking nation, I suspect that most people in Montreal are able to speak English. Certainly, everyone at the conference was able to speak English.
Every other session was in French and they provided translation headphones for people who did not speak French. During the English speaking sessions, not a single soul used the translation headphones.
Glad to hear you enjoyed Montreal. Are you planning to return for another visit?
About ten years ago, I was part of a group invited to present at a conference at McGill University. People were rude to us everywhere we went. I've been to France several times and never been treated quite like this.
At lunch, people at the conference would speak French, leaving us out of the conversation. They could all speak English. In fact, sometimes would ask us in English how it felt to not be able to understand what was being said.
It was the darndest thing I've ever experienced.
If tourism is a major part of their economy, I'm not surprised that Montreal's economy lags behind that of other Canadian cities. It was one of the most unwelcoming places I've ever been.
My brother echoed your experience. He was hired as a US sales rep for a company based in Montreal. He had to go there for his initial 2 week training, and then returned often over the years. He liked the company, hated the office, because nobody would speak English to him, nor did they encourage his attempts to polish his French with them. He found it very uncomfortable.
My brother echoed your experience. He was hired as a US sales rep for a company based in Montreal. He had to go there for his initial 2 week training, and then returned often over the years. He liked the company, hated the office, because nobody would speak English to him, nor did they encourage his attempts to polish his French with them. He found it very uncomfortable.
Thanks for posting this. I was beginning to wonder if our group's experience was out of the norm. Perhaps everyone else was welcomed with open arms.
Their disdain for those who did not speak French like a native made interactions awkward, like we had crashed a private party.
^^ My ex-FIL had a similar experience when his employer was bought out by Total and he had to travel to Paris for business frequently. His French colleagues would only speak English with him when absolutely necessary and would do nothing to help him improve his French, basically sneering at him whenever he tried. It didn't take him long to develop a profound loathing for the French.
I'm not American but i'm going to assume [Panama City Panama] is the same kind of place as Spain is to British people i.e full of drunk Americans.
Uhm..... no. If I had to guess at how many Americans have ever even been to Panama City, I'd take a stab at less than 1%. I'd bet less than half have even heard of it; when you say "Panama City" to the average American they're going to think of the city in Florida.
Because you expect them to speak English and don't even bother to learn a few French phrases or greetings.
I could care less what they speak. I do not disrespect them and expect the same. I know a lot of French phrases but not the ones they called me.. Defend the French if you wish and spend your money there I won't
I could care less what they speak. I do not disrespect them and expect the same. I know a lot of French phrases but not the ones they called me.. Defend the French if you wish and spend your money there I won't
Your loss.
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