Been waiting for some spare time to reply to this thread. So, my apologies if my reply runs long.

I would like to think that I do try to fit in as well as I can, consistent with stut's comments, as I pretty much agree with him. This is why I've learned as many languages as I have. My knowledge of Italian and Hebrew are directly attributable to my trips to Italy and Israel.

My experiences speaking foreign languages in foreign countries varies greatly. The French love that I speak with them in French and give me every opportunity to do so (as my French co-workers often do, as well), even though I rarely run into people who can't speak English (or so I suspect -- I think a lot of those who say they can't are just a little shy about it).

Germans, however, never seem to let me speak German with them! They're always reverting back to English on me! And, my German, although not as good as my French, is totally sufficient for conversation; they usually complement me on my competency. The only times I really get to speak German is if I meet a native German speaker who doesn't speak German (like my friend's father), which I've found to be rare, or I meet a native German speaker who is really accomodating.

Now Italian I picked up because I love Italy (as I do France, particularly southern France) and it's been my experience that one is much more likely to run into an Italian who can't speak English than most places in western Europe. Didn't know much the first time I went, but managed to learn a lot more by my second visit. Having a working knowledge of some Italian was a huge plus!

I decided to learn Hebrew out of respect for the place, it's an interesting language and not knowing any of the language leaves you at everyone's mercy. That last part is another reason why I study languages when I travel and it's something of a male, power thing of which I'm not terribly proud. Funny thing is that as I was trying to leave Israel and getting raked over the coals by the Israeli border guards (as were my two companions), I slipped up and it came out that I know some Hebrew. That made them WAY suspicious of me! And, since then I've learned much more than I knew then. I'd like to go back; the Hebrew will actually help me out. Of course, one can get by completely fine with just English when in Israel, but I love learning languages and will often take any excuse to do so.

But, beyond learning languages, learning about local customs and how they live is, in my opinion, one of the most important reasons to travel!

I nearly cried when I saw that Starbucks. I've referred to it elsewhere on FT.

Y'know, I hear y'all's points on this and can see the logic, but I simply cannot bring myself to go to McDonald's when I'm in Provence (for example). Sorry. I just can't!!!

Now, as far as all this acceptance of immigrants stuff goes, I only want to say that it is my understanding that the French are very accepting of immigrants, provided they assimilate into the culture. Sure, pockets of immigrants who don't assimilate into the broader culture exist, but it is far more looked down up than we Americans tend to do. But, that's all I'm going to say, as I think this part of the thread is deteriorating rapidly.