World Hum’s Most Read: May 3-9

What We Loved This Week: L.A. Mariachis, Taybeh Beer, Owen’s First Road Trip

So Long, Virtual Magic Kingdom

Paris Is ‘Still Paris’

In Patagonia, In Patagonia

Tim Patterson packs his fleece and long underwear, and enters the Twilight Zone where corporate branding meets the multilayered reality of place. 

Should I Quit Law School so I can Travel the World?

Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

‘The Worst Guidebook Writer Ever’?

Lonely Planet author Robert Reid reviews Thomas Kohnstamm’s “Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?” and weighs in on the controversy surrounding it

Thomas Kohnstamm’s Lonely Planet: The Firestorm Around ‘Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?’

The author of a new book that purports to explore the underside of travel writing is taking a lot of hits. Frank Bures asks him about the controversy he’s stirred up and his take on the guidebook industry.

Have a Hockey Night in Canada

From Montreal to Sault Ste. Marie, the sport is the country’s greatest passion. Eva Holland explains where to go to indulge—and who you need to know.

Promised Land Closed

And other odd and unlikely signs from around the world. Aficionado Doug Lansky, editor of the book “Signspotting,” recounts his 10 favorites.

10 Sizzling Hot Travel Tips From Sir Francis Bacon

Rolf Potts repackages the 17th century philosopher’s ‘Of Travel’ essay in the manner of a 21st century magazine feature

The Problem With ‘Do you Speak English?’ (And an Easy Solution)

Learning a few basic words and expressions is fun, and aside from experimenting with unfamiliar food and using exotic currency, it’s one of my favorite things about travel. I usually can reasonably say ‘hello’, ‘thank you’, and ‘a beer, please’. For a brief visit in a totally foreign country, it’s hard to master much more than the basic formalities, unfortunately.

I find a combo of smiling, miming, and pointing to be a good way of communicating. Check out the books on http://www.menospeak.com, which use pictures to help you over the language barrier.

I agree with Cheryn on the smiling, miming and pointing part.  I’ve become somewhat of an expert at that in Tokyo!

I know a few phrases and a number of Japanese words which get me by but whenever I start to ask a question in Japan I always start with “Excuse me, my Japanese is bad...I’m sorry” and I find that people are usually very kind and try very hard to help. 

I’ve always been a believer in what Samantha said in her article (when in Rome...) and am often embarrassed when friends or visitors act like people should speak English to them.

Shane Sakata
The Tokyo Traveler
http://www.thetokyotraveler.com

Thanks for including the menospeak link, Cheryn—a good reminder that speaking is not the only way to communicate.

I’m sure you get plenty of practice in Tokyo, Shane.

Well, you could always try just saying wht you wnt in English, and if you’re met by a blank stare, then you have your answer…

This might be cheating, but when in France, I ask my tween son (who speaks some French) do the talking for our family.  We have found the French people to be very kind and open to speaking to a young man who is obviously putting forth a great effort to communicate with them in their own language.  Smiles are given freely and my son gains valuable experience as a young traveler! Bon Jour!
FamilyTravelGirl http://www.familytravelgirl.com