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If you can maintain a high standard of living in one economically deprived region of Europe, you can do so in another one as well...
I just thought it's funny that a guy from Northern Ireland doesn't like to travel to Spain and Southern France, because those regions are not up to his standards
I chose somewhat important but that was before I finished reading the OP. I will go in a restaurant that doesn't have a menu in English or pictures if I have to (I always check before going somewhere how to ask for something gluten free and write it down on some paper to show at the restaurant as that's the most important thing I need clear - what the actual meal is isn't so important)
But travelling in general, I'd prefer it if there is some level of English but if not then so be it, there are other ways to communicate.
It depends where you are going. In Europe, they have other languages not just English. When my husband and I went to Spain, we both tried to speak Spanish. When we went to France, my husband spoke French, so it depends where you are going. It is good with Europeans because they are usually multilingual so they can usually use the European languages they know when they are travelling just within Europe without having to speak English.
I chose Important. When traveling within my country, not important at all. When in the US it's very important, and even there you can go by with Spanish in many places where the Hispanic community is big or growing. As for Europe, English it's definitely the lingua franca to be used in most countries. In my experience the only country where I was able to go by without English, Spanish or my broken French, was Italy. They'd speak to me in Italian, I'd answer in Spanish and everyone understood one another just fine.
I wouldn't choose a place to visit, based on how much English they speak. But being honest, English is a plus when traveling.
I chose Important. When traveling within my country, not important at all. When in the US it's very important, and even there you can go by with Spanish in many places where the Hispanic community is big or growing. As for Europe, English it's definitely the lingua franca to be used in most countries. In my experience the only country where I was able to go by without English, Spanish or my broken French, was Italy. They'd speak to me in Italian, I'd answer in Spanish and everyone understood one another just fine.
I wouldn't choose a place to visit, based on how much English they speak. But being honest, English is a plus when traveling.
You reminded me when I met some Catalan girls in the UK, I used to speak to them in my dialect and they answered in Catalan and we perfectly understood each other.
You reminded me when I met some Catalan girls in the UK, I used to speak to them in my dialect and they answered in Catalan and we perfectly understood each other.
You know what surprised me the most about Italians? There love for conversation. Prety much any question - ej. Where's the nearest train station?- it's a good excuse for a 10 minute talk with a stranger in the street. Even policemen, business people, or anyone you'd think are too busy to assist you with directions, would stop doing wherever they where doing to assist you and to get to know you. Boy did I had a great time in Italy.
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