Hey guys,

I'm in Spain SPAM and the people here rarely speak English and even if they do, they never like doing it. I'm having a hard time remolding my tactics to a setting where I can't verbally communicate with HB's. I'm thinking of stacking certain routines that don't require (a lot of) talking, like MeHow's grouphug/handshake, Mystery's photo routine. Additionally I came up with a routine where I write down some Spanish words on cardboard memorizing cards without writing the English definition on the other side. I write down words like wiggle, wink and overbite. I then ask sets what wink means for instance, and act all weirded out when they wink at me.

Is that an acceptable routine?

I guess my real sticking point is having little material to go on, and when I'm in a loud environment I can't seem to build up the courage to approach at all, because I feel sure the sets won't understand me.

Best advice I have for you is not to come off as a native English speaker. A French guy speaking English in Spain will get father than an American/Brit.

Approaching groups may be very difficult for you. I'd learn a bit of Spanish (it's really not that hard), try to find a friend/wing who can translate (your entry into a group), and can your routines. I've had success traveling abroad with very little language skills by being patient, comfortable with silence, shameless kino (dancing is a great one), and doing the teach-me-your-language game. The last one is also a great way to frame, since you control what she teaches you/thinks about.