Languages....one for all

   I was pleased the other day..when I noticed that my blog had been viewed, at least once by folks in S. America, Europe and Russia ( which according to Wikipedia, is also Europe ).  I have travelled all over the world and found that most countries have adopted English as the language that they conduct business and possibly most political dealings ( hence the need for translators at Summits ).  English, by and far, is probably one of the most difficult languages to learn, and use effectively....just ask me...I have been writing and speaking English for over 40 years now. 
   I was fortunate enough to have a teacher in the 5th grade, who taught ( or tried to teach us ) one Russian word every day.  He was also the teacher that took a select group of us spelunking as a treat for doing well in class, and likely being able to retain some of the words we were learning.  What was great....was when I deployed to Bosnia, nearly 30 years later, I retained enough of the language to make friends in Croatia, Bosnia and Hungary....as we bantered back in forth in Slavic ( Cyrillic ) and English.  I learned French in High School, from Mr. H....and took the course for 2 years because it was... 1) A requirement and 2) The only language offered at Tenino High School.   I studied on my own, how to speak Deutsch...which helped when I was stationed in Germany for 3 years in the mid 90's.  I took a trip to Metz France in 1998....unfortunately, even knowing the language didn't prevent the towns folk from treating me as an outsider. 
   I feel above all, out of respect for the nation you are visiting, one should know at least a little of the host language.  I am hoping to not only visit many fine people in America prior to the election, but also our friendly allies all over the world. 
   Please continue to pass this on, so we can reach many more countries.  I am hoping to have 100 countries visit my blog and over a million page views before the middle of 2012.  It is a lofty goal, yes....but we make no progress with low goals!!  Thank you every one!