When you go to a country where you do not speak the language..

I try to make a effort to speak a few words of the local language. The most important of these is 'thank you' and I find that this is appreciated. I can speak French and so I try to speak in that language when I was in France and French Polynesia. When I was in Germany and Austria I found it easy to try to speak some German. I tried to say a few words in Romania and I could read their writing. However in Bulgaria I learned just a few words and because of the alphabet they use there I could not read their writing. I had language difficulties there when I tried to buy a train ticket. I had a challenging time in Slovakia when I had much confusion at a bus station. Luckily I found a teenager that spoke English. I often point to things I want to buy in a shop and use the dictionary at the back of my guide book.

A few years ago, I went to Japan for a Homestay program. My hosts are a retired couple. The purpose of the Homestay was mainly for cultural exchange. They are no good in their English but they are learning. I did not and still do not know Japanese language. I only know simple greetings. Before I set off for my trip, I bought a small guide book and tried to learn as much Japanese terms as I can. When I was at my hosts' place, they also teach me more Japanese words and phrases. They also ask me to teach them simple English words and phrases. =)

Yes I do. I took Spanish in school so when I went to Mexico I could already speak and read a lot of Spanish but it wasn't necessary because I went to a major tourist spot and a lot of people there speak English. I went to Brazil and learned some Portuguese before I left. I had a coworker who was from Brazil so he taught me some words and told be about what to expect. I went to the library and got a Portuguese book to learn also. I learned the basics like hello, thank you. Again it really wasn't needed because a lot of the staff spoke English. Portuguese is similar to Spanish so it was a little easier. I went to Thailand and learned the basics before I left like hello, thank you but again it wasn't necessary because a lot of people there spoke English. I lived in Taiwan for a few years and before I left I got a Mandarin cd so I could learn. I learned the basics at first as well. I was lucky that my roommate spoke Mandarin and I made Taiwanese friends who spoke English so that was a big help. I also has a tutor so I could learn. In Taipei it's very easy to get around without knowing Mandarin but I wanted to learn to make it a little easier. Everywhere else I traveled, Bermuda, Bahamas, Canada, Australia Philippines, they speak English so I didn't have to learn anything else. I do know a few words in Tagalog though but I didn't use them in the Philippines.

When you come to China ,what kind of language would you say? Can you speak chinese?

I usually just have one of those small pocket guides ready with phrases and words. 95% of the time I will use English as most people know that.