What language do you speak?

I think its fascinating what languages countries choose to speak. Countries with a real stick up their ass speak their native tongue for the hell of it…like China, Russia, etc. Then there are countries that speak something that few other people do, and they’re damn proud of it, like Italy and some African countries. Most of these African countries speak French b/c its their native tongue. There are countries that are cool, and like the West, and want to be their friends, so countries like the Netherlands will speak English, along with a whole slew of Asian countries…basically everyone but China. Israel of course speaks English. Wow, that was a lot less interesting on paper…it was cool for me I suppose.
Another thing about languages. I hate French. I worry sometimes that these signs that are in the bathroom stalls, and streets signs, and warning signs aren’t important, because unlike the Jewish state that has every sign in a half dozen languages to make sure no one gets too confused, I haven’t seen a sign in English yet. Another thing, and this shocked me. I can safely say that more people speak English, and better English, in Tel Aviv than Geneva. This holds up as long as you exclude the native speakers. As far as the actual Swiss and French people here, its awful.


I play this little game where I try and identify how many languages I hear in each day. Its crazy how many you can get to.

Random Notes:
The representative of the Russian Federation went to speak, and he was wearing the same tie as me…akward. I keep meeting girls named Layla. Who new Clapton had such a following here. Lastly, there is a 60 foot three-legged chair in front of the UN…its cool