Saying this after visiting a few non-English speaking countries. I think while there is definitely frustrations and uncertainty when you can’t even read street signs or a menu, it truly makes it feel like you are somewhere new in the world. Some of my best memories are getting lost in Taipei or in the middle of Czech Republic. I couldn’t really communicate with the locals and even ordering food, i just pointed at the menu. I was always excited to see what i got.
I am posting this as i know alot of people sometimes rule out visiting a country just because of the language barrier. I think sometimes its truly worth traveling because of that.
If you’re truly lost, most cases you can use google maps and translate.
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Honestly, pointing to something you don’t understand on a menu and seeing what you get sounds super fun. As for the language thing, I understand it feels like an adventure, but I’d feel bad for the locals who have to interact with me, the ignorant white American who doesn’t understand anything around him.
I’ve travelled to a lot of places where I don’t speak the language. Travelling with someone that speaks the language is far superior. It just means less likelihood of total F-ups of the dangerous / non-fun kinds, and a lot more access to authentic local experiences. It can always be an adventure if you make it one.
I remember my german teacher telling me how he ended up sleeping on a bench overnight in the city and the police had to wake him up when he went to germany. This was due to a mistranslation he did. In germany they dont say half past but half to. So he read it as half past 7(7:30) and not half to 7(6:30)
So i disagree
Edit- this was the time for the last train that day
Never been to a non-speaking country
I love not speaking the local language. My brain can rest easier without overhearing and picking up on conversations around me. It’s a simple luxury but I savor every moment of it when im in a foreign place.
I don’t see this as unpopular at all. Best time I had was in Singapore we went to a neighborhood shopping area everyone spoke only Chinese and we ate and had drinks and watched who wants to be a millionaire in Chinese with the locals who were confused as to why a couple white sailors are there. After 30 minutes they were treating us as locals. It was awesome. Best time of my life that night.