The old adage says a pessimist looks at a half empty glass and complains because it is only half full. The optimist looks at a half empty glass and is thankful it is half full. That doesn’t apply today’s hotel industry, because half-full hotels reflect pessimistically bad economic times and lost business. News reports say that US hotels today are having their lowest occupancy figures since the frightening months immediately following the 9/11/01 attacks on the US. Occupancy rates in 2008 were down 18% from 2007.

Friends of ours recently booked a two-week trip to Israel, one of hundreds of choices for seniors by Elderhostel. In case you’re not familiar with the organization: Elderhostel: www.elderhostel.org is just what its name implies. It offers hospitality to elders. The non-profit enterprise promotes senior travel and educational journeys and experiences throughout the world. It was started 35 years ago by university faculty members who saw the advantage of utilizing campus dorms and dining facilities in the summer when students were away.

Jogging at dawn in Germany recently, I encountered the town policeman. “Guten tag!” I called out like a local citizen, and the answer was in perfect English, “And good morning to you, too, sir!” How he knew I was an American was a mystery to me, but I’m sure he was amused by my attempt to speak a few words in his language. Just as we appreciate visitors to our country who speak at least a few words in English, people of other lands have more respect for American tourists when we make at least a basic attempt to communicate in their language. Sometimes just a simple word of thanks, a smile and a compliment in the country’s language can go a long way.