They probably enjoyed the chance to use their english with a native english speaker while appreciating that you initiated the interaction with consideration to

They probably enjoyed the chance to use their english with a native english speaker while appreciating that you initiated the interaction with consideration to them. Here in Canada we have a french region, and if you walk into a mechanic's shop and say: “Hi! Does anybody speak english here? Can you fix my car?” They will help you, but if you make an attempt like: “Bon Jur. Can you fixé le car for moi?” They will be a lot more happy to accommodate you in English because you tried to bridge the gap. Maybe it's similar!