Flattery will get you nowhere

This month’s winner is RUSSELL GLUCK of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey:

My wife and I have observed that, during our travels abroad, the local guides generally have spoken English quite well, although they often had difficulties with idioms. An example of this occurred a few years ago while we were visiting China, where the guide’s command of English appeared to be excellent.

Our group had just gotten onto the tour bus in Beijing when one of our fellow travelers said something very complimentary to the guide. We all burst out laughing when she responded, “Oh, you’re just trying to smear me with butter!”

Tell us about something humorous that happened to you while traveling outside the United States. There are no restrictions on length. ITN staff will choose each month’s winner, who will receive a free one-year subscription to ITN. Include your full mailing or billing address. Entries not chosen cannot be acknowledged.