To be annoyed that PILs want us to go to a holiday destination just because I can 'speak' the local language?

[Vixxxen]

PIL are obsessed that this year we must all go on holiday to a country that is a reasonable famous holiday destination in the summer. All good a part that the only reason why they want to go there in the first place is because I can speak the language. I am a native of other country who has the same language however a very different accent and dialect. Depending on the region where they book the place it can be very difficult for me to understand the locals.

I am telling them that the language doesn't matter, every member of the staff in these places will speak English and they should focus on the best value for money instead of just the language.

There are many nicer places out there IMO but they are obsessed in going to this country just so I can speak with the locals in their language and get "better deals" whatever it is.

There are other countries that are much more interesting to me tbh but I wouldn't mind going there where PILs want to, but the language pressure is putting me off.

The fact they decided on it and won't open their mind is putting me off too.

MIL just sent me a ling on FB and I wrote up a reply but didn't hit the send button as I don't want to be rude, but I am basically explaining the same things I am saying here, yet again.

And yes we will pay our share, so I want to have some say on the country not only location but they are not listening.

And yes they have been to a few different countries before and never had problems with people NOT speaking English, so why this now?

Bogey I saw that thread, just wanted To say that in general when people come here To Chile from other countries in the región they can struggle to understand the local Spanish. And Chileans definitely know if an Argentinian person is ordering a sandwich in front of them, or a Mexican person, Venezuela, etc etc.

So yes, Spanish as it's written doesn't change, but it is used differently. Did you Get the help you were looking for?

Sorry for the derail OP

tiny Can you please post on the other thread you had seen so maybe we can get it going so I can print off and show her all the amazing MNetters travel adivice. I have 2 other holiday threads going on at the moment.

But it's a silly reason for choosing to go there Vixxxen, totally agree. You being where you're from won't make much difference.

Having said that you should really reconsider - it's lovely there. I'm just searching for a place to stay as the one we usually rent is no longer available. We love it, specially the eastern part, and go there every year.

I visited in September.... compared to London some restaurants are so cheap... but I go to tascas and cheapo places

Agree, everyone has a new car and drive to work. but they like the outwardly shows of wealth and inside are poor... i have friends struggling to get jobs and finding it really hard...

But i was saying i know they are in difficulties... not a visitor., so disagree with the MIL wanting to haggle...

So many words I use from my grandmother, in the Algarve there are very specific words for some things...

And Sintra is the best place to visit. I love it... but no touristy resorts to stay there...

I know - I think we're responsible for keeping the German economy in good shape by buying all the Mercedes and BMWs

tugamommy I have never been to that country but I know some people from there and I can understand some of them better than others. I always thought it was to do with different accents (maybe that what I meant by dialect) however I never carried a research about where is the region they come from X my ability to understanding them.

Sorry if I wrote something wrong, it is totally due to my ignorance in relation to the country and personal experience.

Could you please go to the other thread and give your opinion?
TIA

Where in the Algarve is your family from Tiny?

hahahah tuga
My dad used to be a VW man

Between Olhao and Tavira... If you end up going there we stay at this hotel

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g312714-d1738252-Reviews-Real_Marina_Hotel_Spa-Olhao_Faro_District_Algarve.html

As there isn't room in my grandmother's house for me + DH + DD

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g312714-d1738252-Reviews-Real_Marina_Hotel_Spa-Olhao_Faro_District_Algarve.html

now with a proper link

Well Vixxxen, time to visit then!
And I know you can struggle to understand us, it's not an easy accent! I'll have a look at your other threads although I'd guess you're asking about places in the western part which I don't know so well.

Thanks! It's such a beautiful region. We usually stay in Cabanas but we need a villa or an apartment for a 2 week stay.

We've stayed in Sto Estêvão before - that must be close to your grandparents?

Obrigada tiny e tuga
Talvez mude de ideia mas apenas se o local for aprovado por MNetters

Sant Estevao is close-ish but i don't know it that well.

The closest little village is Moncarapacho.

I usually stay in the hotel as we go to the Algarve for just a couple of nights then on to Lisbon for the rest of friends/family

I've been to Moncarapacho - has a nice feira de artesanato

Feira de artesanato! My favourite.

See! You're gonna love it there!
Ask your MIL to have a look at the Eastern part, between Olhão and Spain. It's less crowded and touristy and a lit prettier.

But you will need a car to get anywhere there though!

Yes, agree you'd need a car.

I've been on holiday with family where I spoke the language and I ended up doing everything - I was the only one who could possibly go to the bar ( where everyone spoke English anyway) or do anything else whatsoever.
Don't do it!!!!!!!

If I end up going to MILs country of choice - Portugal - I will just repeat, repeat and repeat that the locals can speak English and refuse to help if I can see they can clearly help themselves.

Oh and we need somewhere where driving is not a necessity.