I was determined to give my schoolgirl French and airing when I went but found that so many people there spoke beautiful English, it was much easier communicating in my own language. I do feel though that as a visitor in someone else's country I should give it a try - it's only polite.
Having said that, I was purchasing something from the Disney Art Gallery in the village one evening when I was there and chatting to the CM who was really sweet and friendly. Without thinking, I said that I hadn't had so much fun in 'Donkey's Years' and she suddenly went very puzzled on me for a few seconds, then light dawned 'Ahh! Idiom!' she cried. It amused me no end - and made me feel very ashamed - I couldn 't tell you what the word 'idiom' was in French and this kid half my age was really showing me up.