[ninty]

I totally agree that if your going to go somewhere, it is YOUR responsibility to learn the basics of the language if its foreign, and their customs. Its pretty ignorant to go someplace and expect people to understand you because you speak english.

Whenever a European comes to North America, from France, or Germany or Italy, I doubt they'll get very far if they go around asking directions and other things in their native tounge. They learn English, we should learn their languages and their customs. Especially for places in Asia and the Middle East, since customs are very different there. For example shoes might not be allowed in some places. Do your research before you go away.