On my relatively few tours of Europe I have found it easy and very beneficial to learn just a few things in the local language. Many Europeans speak English but, for me, so many encounters go smoothly if I can start in their language.

Hello. How are you. I’m fine thank you. Do you speak English? Thank you very much. Goodbye. Good night.

French, Italian or Spanish. I seem to have wooden ears so German has been a big challenge but I found Swedish pretty easy. Well worth the time.

I recall when my wife and I visited a small deli on a back street in Milano. I started in Italian but pretty quickly the owner’s son came out and took over in English. He was very happy and helpful as he wanted to practice his English because they saw VERY few Americans there. We left as good friends.