As you know, I tried to go native in Oporto.
I learned all sorts of phrases, and we actually went to a few local restaurants off the beaten track, and with difficulty, I made myself understood. I was having a ball, and I was all chuffed with myself. Once your out of the Tourist area, English Speakers are rare, but the Potuguese are so gracious and patient when they see your trying to converse with them in their own tongue.
The only fly in the ointment, was when i tried to explain I didn't speak Portuguese. To say this phonetically, I constantly asked..
'Non Fado Portu-gaze'
But this was only having limited success. I often found I ended up talking about Mariza, and other famous local singers. Luckily, I liked her soulful music, but couldn't understand why she had suddenly popped up in conversation.
Much to Debs amusement it transpired I should have been saying..
'Non Fallo Portu-gaze'
So I had happily been engaging Taxi drivers, Waiters and Passers-by in conversations about Fado, which is Traditional Portuguese music.
Good Fun though.
Alan