After a few seconds, they would see the confused expression on my face and switch to English. Unlike many Americans, most Europeans are fluent in multiple languages. Traveling can be difficult with a language barrier, and I’m very lucky that practically everyone in Europe knows English. I still always try to learn the words for “Hello” or “Thank you” because speaking in someone’s first language can bring a smile to her face!
Even life within the same country can vary dramatically. During my conversation with my flatmate, Jane, I discovered how much life differs on the Isle of Lewis compared to Edinburgh. In Edinburgh, major fast food chains, like Pizza Hut, K.F.C. and Starbucks, are on every other street corner. Meanwhile, on the Isle of Lewis, the only takeout food comes from chip shops (fish and chip restaurants) and a couple of local Chinese restaurants. In Edinburgh, there is a whole street dedicated to trendy clothing stores. On the Isle of Lewis, there is only one clothing store, and people who want more modern options must take a ferry to the mainland.
Even though the Isle of Lewis doesn’t have the same conveniences as a city, there is a strong sense of culture. During the first two years of high school, for example, all students are required to take Gaelic classes. To celebrate the language and its culture, the island also hosts an annual Hebridean Celtic Festival, or “HebCelt,” as Jane calls it. The festival attracts people from around the world who are excited to listen to Celtic music. Jane volunteered at the festival, and she passed out balloons with Gaelic words on them. She once passed out a balloon that said “Leithris.” That’s the Gaelic word for toilet!
