I'm also impressed with those of you who can speak more than one language. I never had the gift
I agree, they should start kids in kindergarten; 6th grade (the youngest that you could start learning a foreign language in my school system) is far too late.
How's this for an ugly American story:
I was in Singapore, and decided to take a day trip into Malaysia. The tour description was very clear - we were going to a fishing village, taking a tour, and having lunch. Most people, myself included, wore jeans and sneakers - good, sturdy, practical clothes.
A woman and her ~15 year old son joined the tour group (definitely American by their accent), and I almost fell over seeing how they were dressed.
The boy was wearing a
lime green jumpsuit. He was probably visible from space.
She was wearing a top, miniskirt, and
stiletto heels. Umm, real practical. Was she planning on hooking up?? We took a tour of the fishing village by boat, and while climbing a ladder to get out of the boat, she broke a heel (big shock!) - and spent the rest of the tour hobbling about and sulking.
Naturally, they complained loudly about the food.
*sigh*