You mean English is not the universal language?

As we've traveled just a bit in Europe, we've had a lesson or two in who does and does not speak English as a second or third or fourth language. We've come to immensely appreciate the Belgians who are able and willing to speak it. And speak it well!

Not true everywhere. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't expect it, but it is amazing how difficult - nearly impossible - it is to communicate when you literally don't know a word of . . . say French or German.

Like Steve Martin said . . . "Boy, those French. They have a different word for EVERYTHING!"

While the speaking part has certainly been a challenge for us, just everyday things present their own set of challenges and it goes way beyond the washer/dryer manual too :)

Here's a frozen pizza box. There are 15 different flags, but I'm not sure how many languages. What I do know for sure is that not ONE of them is English!

So just for the record, if you haven't traveled abroad much - or like us, not any 'til now - you will want to make sure you have a handy translator with you because not only the French, but the Germans, the Italians . . . they have a different word for EVERYTHING!