"Learn the language. At least learn key phrases so that you can get help if you need it. I had trouble the first time I went to Europe because I didn't speak any French or British."
stares
On behalf of the people of Europe (and I venture to suspect that the people of Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Middle East will join us on this one), I have a message for your acquaintance: "Stay home. No, really."
(Could you translate it into American for her?)
Meanwhile, I have ventured out into the world, where I have purchased a book, eaten dinner at Sizzler for the first time in a year and a half, and scored Season 4 Doctor Who on DVD, along with season 4 of Numb3rs, and the recent TV adaptation of Sense and Sensibility made by Andrew "Best ever version of Pride and Prejudice, [although I have reservations about that whole Colin-Firth-in -the-lake thing, but evidently the rest of womankind loved it]" Davies.
Have watched first 2 episodes of Doctor Who (after spending the past couple of days rewatching season 3. Well, most of Season 3. I decided to give the finale a bit of a bodyswerve) and I find that I am in love with Donna Noble. She made me cry in both episodes. She is made of awesome.
Also, I want to find Steven Moffat and ply him with beer and chocolates. I'd forgotten how good the script of Blink was. I mean, it's a lovely concept, and the cast is v. good, but that's some cracking dialogue right there. Love love love. (Also, I cannot decide whether I fancy Sally Sparrow or Billy more. But there's a lot of fancying.)
And I really do want a T shirt that reads "The Angels Have The Phone Box." Very much.