In a message dated 12/14/2004 8:04:51 PM Eastern Standard Time, skzb at dreamcafe.com writes: I have long believed that the one phrase an American needs to learn when visiting a foreign country is, "I do not speak your language. I am Canadian." It would be even better if you said those words in perfect "Canadian" French and the native language. Either that or take the time to learn a second language. Even if *that* particular language is not the primary language spoken, (ie: Speaking spanish in France) at least you don't look like a dumb american who can't ( or even worse, won't) learn a second language. French, Italian, Portugese and Spanish are similar enough that you can at least get by if you speak one of them. John D. Barbato, OD