Norway might not be accurately described in this map. While walking through the airport, every airport worker kept trying to speak to me in Norwegian. I don’t know any words in their language. It would be cool if I did, but I don’t. Anyway, they always looked confused, repeated themselves more slowly, and waited for a response from me. Eventually, I realized one of them was asking me about my backpack.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 month ago

Also I feel like the French really appreciate it if you try. Or at least hate you a little less. In my experience, after showing off my best (still bad) bonjours and mercis all of the people I talked to turned a lot friendlier and were even willing to speak a little English.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

This doesn't reflect my housemate's experience in Italy at all. Evidently if they detect an American accent in your "buongiorno" they'll just spend the rest of the day mocking you in Italian and occasionally just yelling "DONALD TRUMP HAMBURGER TRANSGENDER" at you.

[–] MadBigote 2 points 1 month ago

Not all Germany is like that. I was in Freiburg last winter and the can't/don't want to speak English. Only the most tourist places would speak English, I guess.