Comments on SO LET'S OFFER THEM A HELPING HAND.

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Meringue
You're too kind. More to come - and that's a promise.

posted by Limey on May 11, 2005 at 12:48 PM | link to this | reply

Very interesting blog,Limey,and some very witty posts:))))

Happy blogging:)

posted by Meringue on May 11, 2005 at 1:47 AM | link to this | reply

Damon
How apt. And reasonably priced, too.

posted by Limey on May 9, 2005 at 4:54 AM | link to this | reply

You Might...
...also consider some 'safety wear' while you're in England.

This t-shirt should help - providing you don't actually speak to anyone!

Check it out!!

D

posted by DamonLeigh on May 9, 2005 at 4:47 AM | link to this | reply

tigerprincess
Sorry, I almost forgot - for pudding I recommend spotted dick (no comment) and custard or treacle tart, cheese and biscuits, coffee, and a few glasses of port.

posted by Limey on May 9, 2005 at 2:49 AM | link to this | reply

Wow. That last tip about food - I don't know how I could move after eating so much. Now I can't wait to visit England someday. My husband and I were actually talking about that this afternoon.

posted by tigerprincess on May 8, 2005 at 9:31 PM | link to this | reply

MayB
Please don't misunderstant me. I'm not advocating anything at all - just explaining what is customary among ourselves.

Some Britons, of course, are more forthcoming than others.

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 3:31 PM | link to this | reply

Limey, you surprise me. You want Americans to learn something but you suggest not discussing current affairs. I did when I was in Britain (and anywhere I go) but then again news was my thing and in my experience people there like intelligent conversation. It's the only way to get away from the stereotypes that are perpetuated for and by visitors.

posted by Azur on May 8, 2005 at 3:19 PM | link to this | reply

Ann
That is a useful piece of advice.

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 3:17 PM | link to this | reply

Dylan
Well spotted. In this country we usually call soccer football. But to help you and other American readers differentiate between your version of the game and ours I used soccer. But, of course, you were ahead of me.

You're right - we're moving towards a smoking-in-public-places ban: Ireland introduced one last year.

When you're next in London don't forget to visit the new British Library See my note to Ms N Dependence).

Limey

PS If you speak anything like the late James Steward you'll be loved!

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 3:16 PM | link to this | reply

LE Gant
You've obviously tried black pudding - and lived! Haggis for breakfast? You'd need a very strong stomach, unless you're Scottish.

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 3:00 PM | link to this | reply

TimmyTales
I have to admit it: the British abroad frequently adopt the shouting approach, or else begin speaking in peculiar ways to help the natives understand. Most embarrassing.

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 2:57 PM | link to this | reply

A&B
Not that is a useful piece of advice.

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 2:54 PM | link to this | reply

MayB
There is an unwritten rule that we British live by - on no account bring up religion, politics and other subjects during conversation. It's almostin our mother's milk.

The reason, I imagine, is a good one. With almost 60 million of us living cheek-by-jowl, keeping the peace and a little privacy are of paramount importance.

Of course, we are used to people from overseas prying. However, because they are mostly unaware of the various sensitivities their behaviour is excused.

How do we get to know Johnny foreigner? Being reserved, with some great difficulty!



posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 2:53 PM | link to this | reply

Interesting post for travellers. If I were to visit the UK, I would pack along a brolly.

Ann.

posted by A-and-B on May 8, 2005 at 2:23 PM | link to this | reply

People shouldn't avoid the "touchy" topics. The best part of traveling is to find out how other people think and people are generally quite open to a free exchange of views. If people don't talk how will the divides ever b e reduced?

posted by Azur on May 8, 2005 at 2:02 PM | link to this | reply

LIMEY

Number 3......At least they speak english there, you should see Americans in countries where they do not......we try to adopt the accent thinking it will make us understood.

In France.....to a taxi driver...."I would like to go to ze hotel" spoken ala THE PINK PANTHER.

posted by TIMMYTALES on May 8, 2005 at 1:57 PM | link to this | reply

Great, except for 12 - skip the black pudding! Try haggis instead!

posted by L.E.Gant on May 8, 2005 at 1:48 PM | link to this | reply

So do you really call it "soccer" or do you call what we call soccer "football"?

Also, your point is well-taken as to WWII.  Indeed, I observe that many thoughtful Americans credit Winston Churchill as much or more than Franklin Roosevelt; although, in fairness to the latter, Mr. Roosevelt did want the U.S. fighting the Axis but could not get the country behind it until Pearl Harbor.

Finally, and I am being more sincere than you know, your advice to American tourists in Britain makes me want so badly to go there this summer!  As I wrote before, I went there in '99 and enjoyed it a lot; although I understand the U.K. may be moving closer toward American-style puritanical restrictions on public smoking.  Even if this is true, I could live with it. 

London was just intoxicating (not just in the alcoholic sense) and thoroughly enjoyable, and the people very, very friendly overall.  I would be rather self-conscious about my obnoxious American voice, but I imagine that if anything I would overcompensate and talk too quietly and studiously avoid American shibboleths. 

Your post brightened my day so much. 

posted by Dylan24 on May 8, 2005 at 11:43 AM | link to this | reply

Dark Dreamer
You really ought to visit Neath for faggots and peas.

I understand people from across the world travel to the Welsh town just to savour the flavour of yesteryear - expats especially.

(I can assure you Neath is far from touristy).

A non-touristy part of Suffolk is the area which includes Aldeburgh, Dunwich (where the original old town is beneath the North Sea and, it's said, when the wind's in the right direction the church bells can still be heard!)and Southwold.

Do try a pint of Adnams at Southwold's Swan Hotel: this real ale is brewed in the town). And, of course, don't forget to enjoy fish and chips straight from their paper wrapping: absolutely nothing goes better with fresh sea air.

Must dash.

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 8:35 AM | link to this | reply

Ms N Dependence
I'm pleased you found my little list useful.

Now here's a tip especially for you: if you're in London visit the new British Libary in Euston Road next to St Pancras Station.

I think you'll find it impressive.

Meanwhile, go to www.bl.uk

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 8:07 AM | link to this | reply

LOL
LOL - yes of course heehee... I meant hot toddy - and I did want to sample some faggots and peas but I have no idea where to go yet ... I don't want to visit too many touristy places. ...

posted by Dark_Dreamer on May 8, 2005 at 7:56 AM | link to this | reply

Dark Dreamer
I've got it, you're Canadian!

You ask about hot totties. Do you actually mean that? Because totty is British slang for a young woman - and often with an implication of promiscuity. So hot totty, well ...

Of course it could well be you mean hot toddy, a drink of spirits with hot water, sugar, spices and/or lemon.

As you'll appreciate, there are endless possibilities for misunderstanding.

However, enjoy your stay.

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 7:49 AM | link to this | reply

Dark Dream

posted by Limey on May 8, 2005 at 7:36 AM | link to this | reply

Thank you kindly for the tips eh ....

One correction - I am Canadian ... not french Canadian, just Canadian ...heehee ... What about your hot totties?

posted by Dark_Dreamer on May 8, 2005 at 6:49 AM | link to this | reply

Limey
I will use this wonderful list for my own trip - of course being a teacher of British Literature - I am aware of a weeee bit more than the average Joet.

posted by Transcendental_Child on May 8, 2005 at 6:22 AM | link to this | reply

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