How does one meet people in a foreign country?

Throughout all my trip planning, I had many comments (from people who wouldn't come with me) that "Oh, you'll meet people" and I started to believe them. Then I got here. How exactly does one go about meeting people in a foreign country? First I've found that even in the touristy cities, not as many people speak English as you would like to believe. And add to that my introverted personality, and it wasn't looking good. And I wasnt planning on joining any clubs or playing any sports here, which is how I have most of my friends...my first stop in Granada proved my point. I don't think I talked to anyone that wasn't providing me a service, and then very minimally as it is tough to overcome the language barrier just trying to order breakfast.
Fast forward to Malaga, where I was only planning on staying two nights. The first night, I found a place for dinner (around 9pm...who eats that late?!) and shortly there was a single guy at a table nearby that started checking me out. A little creapy, but hey, this is Europe! So we both finish with dinner and he motions to me to see if I would like to get a drink. I agree cause Kate would kill me if she knew I wasn't staying out past last t every night...he was a very nice guy that was in town for business, he lives in Barcelona. He is an economist and is self-employed and is 46. At least I think so...he didn't speak English very well, and some of you have experienced my grasp of the Spanish language. So about 5 minutes into the nice glass of wine, he propositions me! Um, hello, what? Not even walk me to my hotel and ask to come inside, just flat out asked to sleep with me. Uh, yeah, sorry buddy, you're way too short and you aren't coming anywhere near my hotel room. He gave me his number so I could call him when I get to Barcelona. Nice try. I've already "lost" it.
But apparently dinner is the place to meet people, and guys in particular...this evening was day #2 in Malaga and I found a place for dinner that had an English menu. I think I'm giving up trying to learn food words, I just don't get them! So, this cute waiter, who speaks English, seats me at the last open table on the patio and gives me the English menu. Then he helps me figure out what to eat as I tell him I want vegetables. Then he pours me a nice glass of white wine. And he checks on me to make sure I like it...which just doesn't happen in Spain. After I finish, I ask him if there is a place to see a flamenco performance, as I had found one on the internet, but couldn't find it in person...he said there was one at 6pm and I missed it. Guess I'll have to find one in the next city...he then proceeds to ask if I would like to go with him to a disco/club. I think about Kate again and agree. He then gives me a nice glass of red wine to try. I think he's trying to get me drunk! He gets off work in 45 minutes...we'll see where this one goes. At least he hasn't asked me to sleep with him yet...