Advice for Americans Visiting Britain

[@Tyrannosaurus_Wrexx]

As to “using your accent to your advantage”, my boyfriend and I are from Dallas, Texas. He’s a cowboy, so on our two London trips last year, people kept asking him to say “y’all” and “howdy”. It got us a lot of free drinks

[@TanyaQueen182]

I bought a couple a drink once in Boston because they had Scottish accents and red hair like me. :)

[@vailpcs4040]

I got a lot of mileage in Wales and Northern Scotland with my 'standard American'. All you have to do is get 20+ miles from a major motorway and everyone is interested in what you are doing there...

[@Sir_Austin_T_Gee]

No I believe it. I’m not even from Texas but I have a southern accent and I do live in Texas so my wife and I get this treatment in some places in the US…

[@Timbothruster-fh3cw]

So that's how you get free refills in London huh?😂

[@williamjones7163]

But don't you know because there are about 333.3 million Americans versus 66.5 million Brits, how we speak English is more correct because there are more of us speaking American English than Brits speaking British English.

[@pjschmid2251]

Another very important thing to remember if you’re going to drive when you’re in Britain. When you reserve your car rental be very sure to specify that you want an automatic transmission. The default will be a manual transmission if you do not specify this. Even if you are familiar with driving a manual transmission, get an automatic transmission. You are already going to be driving on the left side of the (very narrow) road sitting on the right side of the car the last thing you want to have to do is try and figure out how to shift using your left hand while you’re navigating all those differences.

[@Norvaal3]

My friend and I went over last year. We went to pick up our car on the day before a rail strike, and they told us when we got there that none was available at the moment because people were hesitant to return them. So we waited roughly an hour. There were other Americans waiting for something with automatic transmission. Finally, a car with manual transmission became available. My friend had driven on the left before and thought he knew how to drive manual transmission, so we agreed to take it. The thing is, this particular car handled very differently than other stick shifts he had driven. After being scared nearly to death by that, the roundabouts, and the narrow streets that were laid down long before cars existed, I saw him gradually improve to the point where we both felt okay. Another thing I noticed: we were driving on a motorway from Bristol to Oxford, and there was some kind of traffic accident (to this day, I don't know what it was about.) In any case, instead of seeing emergency vehicles whizzing past us and traffic slowing down to a crawl as we'd expect in the States, everything just stopped. Drivers in the other cars seemed very accustomed to that happening. People turned off their engines, so that's what we did. It was quiet, but strangely refreshing. My friend actually took a nap for about 45 minutes until traffic started moving again.

[@natdatil6830]

And be prepared to pay an extra £200 for that automatic. I'll usually get the automatic when my company is paying and a manual when I'm paying.

[@McFlingleson]

That's a good point. I know how to drive a manual, but now that I think about it I could see it being difficult to deal with that and also having the gearshift be in a different place form where I'm used to it being.

[@nicolad8822]

@@Norvaal3​​⁠​⁠ They must have completely closed the road. Does that not happen in the US? Perhaps for an Air Ambulance to land, for vehicles to be cleared in the case of a wide debris field and possible road surface damage, or in the event of a fatality the collision investigation cops have to survey the scene in case of prosecution.

[@Norvaal3]

@@nicolad8822in the States, first responders come (i.e., police, paramedics, and/or fire department), but they always direct traffic to go around the accident after they check on everyone involved and clear the obstruction. Traffic may stand still for long intervals of time, but I had never seen it completely stop like that before. Accidents are never pleasant, yet everyone seemed very calm about the whole thing, which is something else we aren't used to seeing in America.

[@pamelabennett9057]

I'm glad you mentioned about the turn signals being called indicators. When I rented a car after a long overnight flight and was served by an Indian man speaking British English with a strong accent, I was totally confused when he pointed and said "There are your indicators." In the US, we use that term to mean lights on the dash that indicate something is wrong (low oil, engine trouble, etc.). After several times going back and forth with me asking "my what??", he finally reached in to the turn signal and said "What do you call this?"

[@bobunderwood803]

The lights on the dash that indicate something is wrong are called "idiot lights."

[@davew4998]

Hmm. As an American driving in the UK it might be safer if you just used the hazard lights. All the time I mean.

[@michealdrake3421]

​@@davew4998As an American who drives to work every day I agree. People here cannot drive for shit. And my state doesn't even have a reputation for bad drivers.

[@davew4998]

@@michealdrake3421 😀 I only meant that I know Americans find our roundabouts a daunting proposition. I don't know if it's still the case but back in the 80s I found Californians to be very polite and considerate drivers. Much more so than us aggressive Brits. We were always the first ones away at crossroads when four cars were stuck facing each other. When we got back to England we thought the world had gone mad, everyone driving fast and close.

[@Brightangel55]

We're tough in Australia - our electricity is 240 volts. We like our cup of tea NOW 😋

[@David-e1b3t]

I'd love to go 4x4 off roading in Australia.

[@lemming9984]

Me too - fast-boil kettles were invented by God!

[@DoctorNERO616]

Yes, you are, and we in the states got mad love for you for it.

[@danmarshctr]

Hmmm.... I think you've just hit on the American temptation to microwave tea water.

[@danz1182]

Last time we were in the UK my cousin took us to Stonehenge, which was cool, but the real unexpected treat was on the way back to London we went to Bath just because we had time and it was sort of on the way. It is a really lovely town. The Roman baths are better preserved than any I have been to in Italy. We had a really nice afternoon. I would recommend it to anyone.

[@LauraKnotek]

I'd love to have a bath in Bath. 🛁

[@deborahlosekelly1520]

Bath is so beautiful!

[@pinknylon1121]

Bath is not on the way back to London from Stonehenge

[@dstarling61]

Bath is literally the opposite direction from London, about an hour northwest of Stonehenge 😂. It is a beautiful town though.

[@teleriferchnyfain]

I love the Costume Museum there.

[@sugarplum5824]

I'm seeing lots more roundabouts here in America, even in small towns. I go through 3 of them going from my current residence in WV to visit my family in Virginia. I think they're wonderful. Traffic flows much faster when no one is waiting for the light to turn green. Everyone pays more attention, and there's usually not a problem with everyone waiting their turn if it's a busy time.

[@pikachuchujelly7628]

They are definitely becoming the norm in a lot of places. There's a neighborhood not too far from where I live in southern Mississippi with new developments being built, and they put 5 roundabouts in less than a half mile radius. One of them is just in the middle of a road with nothing connected to it, but it's there for future expansion.

[@daffers2345]

I have mixed feelings about roundabouts. We are seejng many more where I live, but by traffic-light-addled brain isn't USED to them even though Indrive through one every time I go to work. I'm not sure that it makes people pay attention more or take turns properly, at least in my area (maybe it is more so where you live). People sometimes try to treat them as regular intersections here and try to slow down and give a "courtesy" to let someone else in, which can cause a bad accident.

[@MsPeabody1231]

😂 There are two within 500 metres on the road I live in London. One medium size one at one end, where you need to signal properly, and a roundabout at the other end, where you need to signal for your exit. This is how much more common roundabouts are in the UK. Oh on the other hand I've only come across two stops signs in London. One was near where I used to live in Ealing and the other one was when I had to take a detour on my way back from IKEA in Croydon.

[@themourningstar338]

I agree, and also think they are great. Over the last 10 years, around 2 dozen roundabouts have been installed in the area where I live. When the first few were put in, there were definitely some issues with drivers who were ignorant as how to properly use them. But it didn't take long at all for people to adjust (at least where I live), and they quickly became a normalized part of driving. Even though there has been a lot of population growth in my area, the roundabouts (along with some other road/traffic improvements) have made a noticeable difference with the overall traffic flow and drive time. Traffic is much better than it was a few years ago, even though the amount of cars on the road has significantly increased during that time. I'm a big fan of the roundabouts, and am glad for the ones where I live.

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I was just going to chime in and say the same thing. I'm 40, and when I first started driving they were a big novelty to me. Now I've seen them a lot driving around the country (if not frequently, at least widespread). Though, I will also say they're great for specific circumstances, but they still don't help when there's simply _too much traffic_ , which there often is because we desperately need to get away from a car-centric lifestyle.

[@karlmann2047]

Regarding trains. First time we went to Britain. We did not know that the doors on many train cars do not automatically open. When you’re on the platform, you have to push a button to open them. Also, be careful that the open seat you see in the train car hasn’t been previously reserved by somebody who booked online.

[@BigSnipp]

Who is we? Who is you?

[@neutrino78x]

@@BigSnipp who is bigsnipp?

[@BigSnipp]

@@neutrino78x ?

[@neutrino78x]

@@BigSnipp 🤣😂🤣

[@avaggdu1]

@@neutrino78x "I'll go one better: why is Bigsnipp?" - Drax

[@crazygangrel]

I’m heading to Britain for the first time in three weeks. I needed this!

[@lunaholiday8585]

Have fun!

[@katrinabryce]

On the subject of plugs, one thing I would mention is, don't put an American hairdryer or similar in a UK socket. If you put a 120V into a 240V hairdryer, it is not going to do a good job of drying your hair. But if you put 240V into a 120V hairdryer then it will likely blow up and burn out. Same for things like hair straighteners if they are mains operated. I have a set of USB-rechargeable hair straighteners, so for them, I just need to pick up a new USB charger suitable for the country I'm visiting.

[@vtcs1963]

I think you've got it backwards, but yes. Don't put the wrong appliance into the wrong outlet without the proper converter!!

[@stargazer7644]

In general do not put ANY 120V device in a 240V socket (or adapter). A very few things like computer power supplies and some phone chargers can do it, but almost everything else you own cannot. The device will clearly say it can do 240V on it if it can - most cannot. To use 120V devices in Europe requires more than an adapter - you have to have a voltage converter which is a considerably bigger device.

[@jcortese3300]

If you go to the UK and don't visit Tyddewi/St. David's at the tip of the southernmost peninsula in Wales, you will endure a blot upon your immortal soul because it and the cathedral therein comprise the most gorgeous place on Earth.

[@Torrentialdownpurr]

Writing this down lol thanks!

[@carmend.1924]

Well that scared me a little, but I’m adding it to my list too! Thanks 😂

[@tonycasey3183]

If you visit the UK and end up in Grimsby, I feel very sorry for you.

[@gyorkshire257]

And make sure you pencil in a whole weekend there so you can enjoy the city's many attractions and wild nightlife after you've visited the cathedral.

[@Torrentialdownpurr]

@@gyorkshire257 some of us are old and don't do wild or nightlife 🤣 quiet countryside is more my route, we're quiet country Ohio folk.

[@ryanboarman5910]

When we went to England in 2017 we did 5 days in London and 2 days each in the Cotswolds and the Lake District! Totally worth it! Beautiful!

[@kittykatz4001]

I really want to go to Lake District/Bakewell and bicycle 🚴 and relax and take walks etc. Maybe visit some other nice scenic areas too maybe spend a day or two in London. But I would really like to see pretty scenery outside of urban stuff.

[@michealdrake3421]

6:25 I heard years ago that European waiters love American tourists because we tip even when we know we don't have to, either out of habit or just because it feels wrong not to.

[@jenniferrowland1339]

My last trip (2019) was with a BritRail pass. London - Birmingham - Sheffield - Liverpool - London. Seamless. Buy before you leave the US for lowest prices. Well worth the money.

[@intercity_trainspotting]

Oh my god if that’s worth the money how bad is the US rail network?

[@jenniferrowland1339]

@@intercity_trainspotting What US rail network? lol We have public transport in cities but very few across states.

[@dstarling61]

As compared to British or European rail, you wouldn’t recognize it😂

[@rainbowstarfall]

​@intercity_trainspotting Bad. Very bad.

[@MrOtistetrax]

I’m sorry you had to go to Birmingham.

[@PeterGaunt]

My local pub is two Tube stops and then two bus stops away from central London. We sometimes get Americans turning up who have either thought to explore a bit further and find how real London people live or Americans who are staying around here because the lodgings are cheaper. They're usually good company. Your advice is excellent.

[@Finvaara]

As an American who doesn't get much time to travel, I am extremely grateful that from time to time my cheese board can visit Gloucestershire. The Double-G is hands-down my favorite British food import.

[@missjenkenz]

I live in Gloucester and a few people here still make the cheese by hand locally, truly delightful if you get the chance.

[@rohan1970b]

I've been to the UK 3 times, and each time I got a Britrail pass and absolutely loved it. The only thing I would recommend against is upgrading it to 1st class. I tried that once and found it wasn't worth it, since a good percentage of trains don't even have 1st class compartments and your first class pass won't necessarily qualify you for specialty cars (like the sleeper car from Edinburgh to London and vice versa).

[@brandonhumphrey5085]

I love that the Welsh basically agree with us that it’s “yield” and not “give way” haha

[@avaggdu1]

The English do not yield; you can if you want, to match your surrender flag on the Moon. 😉

[@Deano-Dron81]

Boo hoo! 🤣 Cry baby country, wanting to be different just like this dude having living in the US.

[@apjtv2540]

Gloucestershire resident here! Glad you enjoyed the Cotswolds. And don't worry, accidentally wandering into a cow field is basically a rite of passage here.

[@kclightman]

I'm an American and I LOVE Derbyshire and the Peak district. I spend more time there than I do London, because it is so gorgeous and different than anything here. I've found the residents to be very friendly and helpful, too, when I ask for directions etc.

[@chetmanley1885]

Thank you, I live there and do appreciate how much visitors enjoy it.

[@nicolad8822]

Wait till you get to the Yorkshire Dales. 😉

[@historybarf]

My daughter drives us around like a boss every time we are in the UK.

[@amym.4823]

A very crucial thing to understand before visiting Britain is that they have the best ice cream. And the sausages are great too. So just put your diet on hold until you return home.

[@MK-dr7dx]

They also have the worst ice cream that contains no actual dairy, so check the labels and don't just buy whatever's the cheapest.

[@WilliamTurk]

Thanks to you, "Ooh, Lawrence" is part of my vernacular.

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

I do that thanks to him.

[@travis672]

"And I know what you're thinking . . ."

[@simonmeadows7961]

Two additions, both of which are to stop you from accidentally antagonising the locals: 1) When on an escalator, the right hand side is for standing still on; the left side is to be kept clear for those overtaking you. 2) Public transport is a shared space, so be considerate of others, particularly when it comes to volume of speech. If someone down the far end of the train carriage can hear your conversation, you're treating the shared space like it's your own living room.

[@avaggdu1]

A lot of things can be summed up as 'be considerate' - don't jump queues (lines), dont suddenly stop in doorways/middle of pavements, keep your opinions/criticisms to yourself, etc.

[@Gremlin2427]

Both very good points, especially the second. Usually you can hear Americans before you can see them!

[@ddlee84]

@@avaggdu1 You are very correct....Being considerate to others is a big thing in the UK....and something that I am noticing seems to be becoming a lot rarer unless you are in an age bracket of about 23 - 50. Any younger than that the rules don't apply because of immaturity....any older the rules don't apply because "I'm old" This is of course a generalisation from recent personal experiance of just walking to the shop. My personal favourite "rudeness" you have mentioned above is the stopping in the middle of the pavement...Personally if I am walking, my brain is having a hard enough time making sure I don't walk in to people or invade personal space etc....My brain cannot work for or take in to account some plonker who thinks "ooooo a Primark" and stops dead in front of me. My other favourite.....is people walking right into me....either from behind or in some cases in front....I am 6ft2 and a hefty guy I am not that easy to miss!!! Especially with the fact my hair is long and almost down to my ARSE!.

[@avaggdu1]

@@ddlee84 I dunno, I'm over 50 and can be a proper ignorant, 'orrible bastard when I want to be. I think I'm in my 'grumpy old man' phase 😀

[@haleyvanemmerik]

This is the same in D.C. metro when it comes to escalators

[@am2dan]

I found the steering wheel being on the other side of the car much more disconcerting than driving on the other side. I had no intrinsic feel for where the rest of the car was; looking into the rear view mirror felt like staring off into space. I _highly_ recommend getting a no-fault no-questions insurance policy on the rental car. I returned a slightly more dinged-up car than I took out and just walked away from it.

[@philipcaldwell3187]

Try landing an airplane from both the left and right seat. My biggest problem was getting ing to wrong side of the car for the first few days.

[@seantlewis376]

I have spent a lot of time visiting the UK, including extended time living in Wrecsam, Wales for a while. I learned just enough Welsh to read the road signs, and say "Yes", "thank you" and "you're welcome". When I am over there, I usually let my host do the driving, and when my British friends visit me in America, they let me do the driving.

[@flamingpieherman9822]

I loved getting to Britt rail pass when I went! You can get the one that lets you do non-consecutive days or consecutive days... So if you're going for a 2-week visit, you can get the one that will give you 7 or 8 days which allows you to be off going through a city, taking local transport and then hop on at your convenience. I also found the London pass exceptionally a good value for hopping on all transport for preset price for set period of time

[@johnchristmas7522]

When using a "Oyster" card (prepaid at machines in stations) ALWAYS click in to enter and click out to finalise your journey on the card.

[@flamingpieherman9822]

@@johnchristmas7522 And coupled with a London travel pass it could be really a good deal... Especially if you have a lot of sites you'd want to see in London

[@nicolad8822]

@@johnchristmas7522You don’t really need an Oyster card now if you have a contactless debit card.

[@nicolad8822]

I wish us Brits could get Britrail passes.

[@flamingpieherman9822]

@@nicolad8822 Well they are expensive... To get An 8-day pass you looking at anywhere between 375 to 550 In US dollars. But it does allow you to go anywhere for those 8 days In Britain. So they're not cheap but they are cheaper than purchasing individual tickets... Which is good for tourists because usually only going to stay a day or two in each City... So you're going to get maybe four trips out of that. They also have a flexi pass and it looks like those have increased as well but that affords you to be able to stay there longer and only use it when you absolutely need to...

[@LordRawnsley]

This is perfect. My wife and I are planning a trip to London in June. I want to head out to the Cotswolds and Devon where my ancestors were. Planning to take the train to Paris as well. So excited.

[@pinknylon1121]

Honestly I can't stand the Cotswolds, it's pretty but it's heaving with tourists and there are equally pretty villages elsewhere!

[@HedgeWitch-st3yy]

If you're coming to Devon and like train journeys, the train from Exeter to Paignton goes right along the river and then the coast to the point the tracks were washed away by the sea a few years ago and the sea wall had to be reinforced. I live in Devon and it's one of my favorite journeys. There's a video on you tube of the driver's eye view if you want to check it out. Whatever you end up doing, I hope you have a lovely trip.

[@LordRawnsley]

@@HedgeWitch-st3yy thanks so much. We’ve decided to scrap Paris because of the summer Olympics. This will give us much more time in England. Thanks again!

[@Maya-bu2rf]

​@@LordRawnsley Paris is for those who speak French. They ignore you if you don't. I really wanted to like it, but I found shopkeepers were happy to take my money but never spoke or even nodded. I was glad I had planned it as a day trip from the UK.

[@bozo6049]

We americans may not have a sign for elderly pedestrian crossing, but we do have ones for general pedestrian, children, deaf pedestrians, and deaf children.

[@toddjohnson5692]

probably because the elderly would complain that they could cross just fine like everyone else.

[@HugsXO]

Don't forget the one sign of a "man, woman and child running"...across the freeways. I'm serious about this sign, I'm in San Diego (border city) it's the illegals or the homeless, one of them is likely to be on the freeway.

[@deed5811]

Duck crossing sign is my favorite 🦆

[@webbess1]

I've seen one for blind children too.

[@Susan-cooks]

I've seen a few turtle crossing signs in local neighborhoods.

[@baerthe]

5:40 RICK STEVES MENTIONED :O!!! He is a local treasure to my city!

[@voodoochild1975az]

I love this channel because it is my experience that Brits and Americans are natural friends. People have happily moved back and forth between these nations for centuries. Set Americans and Brits down at a table with a few pints, laughter and good times follow 999 times out of a 1000. I actually believe this is the core of the 'Special Relationship'. We get along easily.

[@scottfw7169]

Would love to have the health and money to visit Britain & go see canals, and railway museums, and aircraft museums.

[@jasonmalstrom1043]

You posted this less than a week after I got back from my first trip to Britain. Sometimes playing the part of the confused tourist was quite helpful.

[@brianwhite8465]

Same here. We got home on the 3rd.

[@RAD6150]

I live in Michigan and have 3 roundabouts with a mile of my home... I love them!

[@sandywatts2078]

About street signs I have seen sign warning for Ducks, Geese, Squirrels, wild Horses, Burros and Cattle --- Oh and Big foot [Only in the US. LOL] Tipping -- depending on the restaurant in London u go to and how often they don't ignore u. I tipped way above and beyond because of excellent food and service and I was treated exceptionally well, even given extra things not on menu they came by asked if I needed anything etc. Bus tours are great too and a lot of fun

[@tereseshaw7650]

A real traffic sign seen in Idaho outside Yellowstone: Moose on Road At Night Next 13 Miles.

[@cherylmarcuri5506]

My favorite description of Brits (from a Brit): Britain conquered the world looking for spices, only to decide they didnt like any of them except curry.

[@Brightangel55]

Hilarious 😅

[@katelinnett9020]

I learned about the voltage difference the hard way during a vacation in Iceland. I had brought a tiny desk fan which I needed for sleeping, and made sure to get the correct plug adapter. I confidently plugged it in and turned it on, whereupon it revved up to jet engine speed and promptly burned out. Born in the USA and fried in Iceland...RIP, little friend!

[@kenbrown2808]

Americans visiting the UK should also be aware that the standard for switches in the UK is inverted. down is on and up is off.

[@avaggdu1]

A binary choice is not hard: Is the light on? NO - flick the switch Is the light on now? YES - Success! NO - it's broken. I haven't seen an up/down switch in donkey's years except in crappy, old-fashioned hotels and pub toilets (not much call to switch off lights in those).

[@tereseshaw7650]

Oh, of course.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@avaggdu1 funny, I installed a double plug socket Friday, and it had two up/down switches on it. and I'm not even in the UK. had to have a friend buy it and send it to me, because the only ones you can buy direct in the states, is a white single.

[@kozodoev]

@@avaggdu1 that's all true until you meet a switch that has to buttons, one is on and the other is off. Looking at you, Lutron.

[@Jeanne90275]

Bring a raincoat & umbrella, skip Brighton, visit Kent, and you can never go wrong with fish and chips or a good curry, although the latter tends to linger. While the roundabouts are a bit daunting, compared to the ones in Rome, with microscopic cars whizzing about at breakneck speed and drivers who think yielding will cost them their first born, they're rather tame.

[@susanwaters3133]

You are spot on!

[@Norvaal3]

I can't speak for Brighton because I didn't go there, but the coastal parts of West Sussex were nice (i.e., near Worthing). And yes, I agree with you about the curry; no trip to England is complete without at least one, in my humble opinion.

[@CJ4S147]

Thanks, hope to get to the UK someday soonish. Mainly hoping to see a bit of Scotland and possibly spend a day or two in London. When it comes to roundabouts I thankfully have not had to test this theory but based on signage I believe if you hit another car already in it whilst merging it’s going to be your fault.

[@lindacotton4045]

What’s wrong with Brighton? I don’t know anything and I want to visit Great Britain.

[@fizzywater432]

I live in Brighton. It’s still a nice place to go for an easy day trip out of London if you want to experience a traditional British seaside day out, though I will admit it has gone downhill significantly in the last 15/20 years. That said, the Royal Pavilion is beautiful (Google it), there’s some interesting shops in the Lanes and you’ll have fun wasting your 2ps on the pier!

[@JonReevesLA]

I don't know how common this is, but I was shocked when I visited an apparently moderately priced restaurant to find they added a fairly hefty "cover" charge to the food bill; I was told it was for the unasked for plate of small appetizers, like olives and bread sticks. (This was a sit down restaurant with no entertainment, though it was in a heavily touristed area -- Picadilly Circus, if memory serves.) Maybe it was just this one place, and this was at least 15 years ago.

[@PhilMasters]

That sounds like a bit of tourist trap chicanery. Not unknown in the UK, but not standard or popular.

[@PhantomObserver]

One thing I would add: in many UK hotels, the key card is used to activate the power in the hotel room. This is a power (and money) saving measure, but can be a concern if you’re leaving a device in your hotel room (like a laptop) to charge up while going about your business.

[@monicahamm3353]

very diplomatic of you, Lawrence! very diplomatic!

[@ailo4x4]

When I first moved the UK as a US Service Member in 1999 I was kind of adopted by my landlords. They have me a copy of Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain, 1942 as was issued by the US Army for troops during the war. It was as relevant in 1999 as it was in 1942!

[@chrisbamborough222]

That's great😅 I have seen those instructions and yes in some ways still good advice. It must have been an interesting Cultural journey in 1942. I take it you're well settled here now or it was just a service Posting I'm not sure. Where did you get stationed in the 90s. ? 👍Cheers

[@sluggo206]

What did those instructions say?

[@chrisbamborough222]

@@sluggo206It's all contained in the book that was handed to American Soldiers called. ( Instructions for American servicemen in Britain 1942) In the book is information about how to behave in what was a more reserved Country. Also instructions on how to blend in when in Pubs etc. It pointed out we had been at war before America entered and to be keep that in mind . Really just sensible advice, British troops abroad got similar advice. If you Google the title you will find several sources with extracts. If you want a copy of the book it's on UK Amazon at £4.99. It's probably on US Amazon. The Chicago Museum I think sells it by mail. Type in Imperial war Museum, this is our central records Museum they will also have extracts. This next quote was meant in mostly good humour. Said of US troops in England "Over paid,over sexed,and over here.😂. All US troops were called Yanks this was at first not liked by some troops from the South but it was explained it was our all encompassing term for all Americans. We were Limeys or the soldiers as Tommy's you might know the origin those terms if not you can look it up🤗. Despite the war England was a much better place 1939 to 1990. I think most Americans visiting now would have loved 60s England ,however like the 1950s USA ,big Cadillacs, beach boys , and at that time with things we could only dream of those good times have gone. Cheers.

[@simhedgesrex7097]

@@sluggo206 You can seem some extracts by googling "Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain". If you visit one of the Imperial War Museum locations in the UK (at the old Bedlam mental hospital in London, appropriately, but also in Salford and some other places) you can buy a copy of the full thing.

[@ailo4x4]

@@chrisbamborough222 Well settled, married a local gal and stayed. Posted to RAF Moleworth in Cambridgeshire. My sons grew up here going to British schools their whole life, back in the States now. ;-)

[@romad275]

My first trip to the UK was in 1977 while stationed in Germany. My wife & I drove and camped 30 days around Britain & Ireland. Basically it was Dover > Canterbury > Stonehenge > St. David's, Wales > Rosslare, Ireland > Cashel > Lough Derg > Tara > Dún Laoghaire > Holyhead, Wales > Edinborough, Scotland > Loch Ness > Coventry > Straford-upon=Avon > Sulgrave Manor, Northamptonshire > Oxford > London. I later had two more assignments to Germany so every 3-day weekend we would fly to London. We took day trips from there to York, Shrewsbury, Hastings, Brighton, Portsmouth, etc. Sorry, we missed Grimsby. It was only in out last couple of year in the late 1980s that we started repeating sites in London.

[@diskopartizan0850]

Sounds like a great experience, thanks for sharing.

[@nicolad8822]

Impressive! To he honest there would be no reason to go Grimsby unless you liked trawlers and fish processing.

[@pinknylon1121]

You totally missed East anglia - the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts are stunning, with empty beaches and huge skies , and Suffolk is quintessential English countryside with beautiful little towns and villages.

[@robertfoulkes1832]

It's spelled Edinburgh!!! There's no such place as "Edinborough" 😂

[@nikolthomas2544]

We don't have the elderly crossing signs, but we do have slow-down-for-kids signs, usually labelled with a running child icon in the middle , with the text "slow" on top and "children" on the bottom.

[@vtcs1963]

Whenever I hear your advice I feel really sophisticated for an American. Just FYI we have plenty of roundabouts in NJ and they’ve been there since I remember going anywhere in a car - and I’m old. They used to be called “circles” but now the Waze lady calls them roundabouts. Come to NJ if you miss them. Also, did you ever watch Chevy Chase’s National Lampoon European Vacation? Hilarious roundabout scene. You could have put it in this video!!

[@J_B_C]

Roundabouts are relatively new in my area of the US. The yield part they get. The merge part not so much.

[@thomasdjonesn]

"Look, kids! Big Ben! Parliament!"

[@avaggdu1]

Apparently, Wisconsin has a lot (relatively).

[@katrinabryce]

Traffic circles and roundabouts are different things. The US has both. UK only has roundabouts.

[@johnchristmas7522]

Used to roundabouts? Try the one in Paris (FRANCE) around the Arc deTriomphe, 12 roads in and 6 lanes wide! if you hesitate, your lost!

[@eric_the_egggremlin]

if I can add: it is a lot easier to get SOME basic, as-needed meds in the UK, but there are others that us Americans take for granted that you can't find for any price in Britain. example: my mom buys 200ct bottles of high dose ibuprofen regularly because it's the only stuff that works. my Irish friend was shocked because she can only get a blister pack of 8 doses where she lives. so research your medications before you visit, because the medical field is run SO different over there.

[@katrinabryce]

On the other hand, you can get Sudafed really easily from any grocery store, whereas in the USA it is very restricted.

[@simhedgesrex7097]

@@katrinabryce I tried buying Sudafed in San Francisco once and was given the third degree and made to feel quite guilty!

[@simhedgesrex7097]

Yes - tablets are limited to stop people committing suicide. It was brought in a decade or two ago, and has actually reduced the suicide rate. So whenever I go to the US (every few years), I buy a bottle of 100 or more Aspirin, Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen to bring back.

[@iowagreen8932]

Many years ago I visited London and was on a bus going to some tourist attraction. A middle aged woman looked at me with a bit of suspicion and announced to all and sundry, "you're Italian!". I just gave her a sweet smile and began a lengthy explanation of my U.S. heritage which does indeed include being half Italian. With the first words out of my mouth she said, oh, you're American, and thereafter seemed to wish she hadn't said anything because I was just chattering away.

[@davidwilliams8405]

I've had the immense pleasure of visiting the U.K. three times already, and this coming September I'll returning to do a nine-day hiking trek through the Cotswolds, before or after a couple of days in Oxford and a few days in London. LOVE THE U.K.! While serving in the U.S. Navy, mostly in the Pacific and Indian oceans, we did lots of joint exercises with both the Aussie and British navies...GREAT TIME! You have a really great and informative show, mister "Lost in the Pond" dude. Cheers!

[@ProtoNeoVintage]

When I was driving in GB I had no problem driving on the proper side, but I did have trouble remembering that the bulk of my vehicle was on the other side.

[@kohakuaiko]

I suspect this would be a problem for me as well

[@Sashazur]

Same thing when we visited. My partner did all the driving. He always stayed on the correct side but he always was too close to the shoulder.

[@avaggdu1]

And yet buses manage it, no problem. That appears to be "driver error" unless you travelled mainly by country back-roads.

[@ProtoNeoVintage]

@@avaggdu1 oh it absolutely was a driver error. I never claimed that it was anything else. It's cute that you feel the need to be a jackass about it though.

[@fortheloveofgrey6045]

Carmel, Indiana is a great place to practice driving roundabouts!

[@rmur4820]

Since it was one of your mentions in this video: I watch a LOT of English KZbinr's and I don't think a stone should be thrown either way with the improper use of the English language. It seems many of the people I watch cannot stand the letter "T" or the "TH" sound. I didn't fink I should mention it but I've heard it a fousand times. I probably shouldn't go any furver, a-shoe-ming (assuming) it might upset somefink. Observation only folks.

[@tereseshaw7650]

I, too, am an observer of linguistics. The "theta" sound is the hardest for a non-native English speaker to pronounce. For that matter, it's very hard for our own children to say. My then-3-year-old in a Socratic dialogue with her daddy, "I fought dat's what you'd fink, Daddy."

[@stretmediq]

My daughter lives in the UK and we have a bag of things, like plugs, we take with us whenever we visit. She lives in a small town in Devon called Dawlish not far from Exeter

[@laurabustos6560]

We do have a similar road sign in the US to the stooped elderly couple sign. But they're for " "children present" and usually only found near schools and daycare and such. I secretly think the stooped elderly couple is a really quaint sign. We also have a "running people" silhouette sign that is posted around the border w/ Mexico and along major freeways near the border, usually at freight weigh stations and customs checkpoints.

[@LindaC616]

Puerto Rico has the sign with the elderly couple on it, but I have never seen it here in the States. I enjoyed contrasting the school crossing signs in Ireland, where a boy and a girl carrying books are crossing, and Spain, where a school crossing sign is a stick figure running for its life!

[@EthanHyland]

There is also the "deaf child area" signs. One of those signs used to be by my old home.

[@moochomo133]

I've seen them for Autistic Children as well

[@Sashazur]

There’s also the unofficial plastic sign you see propped on the sidewalk in many residential areas to show playing children.

[@zebo-the-fat]

I thought that sign was to warn about elderly pickpockets in the area!

[@brucewilliams8714]

I loved the view of street traffic that you shot through the windscreen of your Roller. Yes, Lawrence, I did see the Flying Lady.

[@21_f_aus]

My ancestors came to Australia from middlesex, yorkshire, birmingham, penzance, from 1836 through to 1878 give or take, I would love to visit those parts of England, one day... I want yo visit further north up to scotland since I have ancestors from up there too and Ireland... I never been utside the country before so when I finally do take that leap it'll be my very first time...

[@simhedgesrex7097]

It's a nice 6 hour train ride from London to Penzance. Once in Cornwall, hire a car, and drive around. It's a beautiful place and a slightly different feel to much of the rest of England.

[@Ganon136]

I can’t believe you referenced Anderson, Indiana. I live 20 minutes from there now. Blowing my mind. Great video teaching me quite a bit about the UK. Always wanted to go but definitely respect firsthand experience for us Americans.

[@yaowsers77]

I finally went to London and Edinburgh and I absolutely loved them! I'm a solo traveler and I was treated well there. People were kind, helpful and friendly. I didn't run into any troubles except for the cobblestones and loose pavement trying to sprain my ankles a few times in the beginning. I even loved the ducks in St James Park 😁. I can't wait to go back. I'm already going through withdrawal from Gregg's steak bakes.

[@sarahbuchholz8767]

Gregg's, Pret and Costa were probably the highlights of my trips.

[@avaggdu1]

I should add that cobblestones are not a common thing and are usually just there for decorative puposes and to maintain the character of a place; they are not the norm and we do have tarmac/asphalt roads!

[@yaowsers77]

@@avaggdu1 lol I know. I wandered all over the place. But they were in Edinburgh too 😁

[@avaggdu1]

@@yaowsers77 Visit York if you get nostalgic, they love them some cobblestones there.

[@nicolad8822]

@@avaggdu1Edinburgh is particularly “cobbly” in the old town and steep.

[@MrSheckstr]

The weirdest thing I have encountered on british roads is parking. The habit of parking on the opposite side of the road. Here in america the only time you will see a car facing north on the southbound side of the road is when that car is jump starting another car

[@simhedgesrex7097]

Yes, I got ticketed in Boston, Massachusetts once for parking against the direction of the traffic. So annoying. And driving an American friend once in the UK I parked on the opposite side of the road, and she was horrified. I asked her to explain why it was a bad thing, but she couldn't really (it was a minor road in the middle of a small village, so I didn't have to cross lanes of traffic to get there).

[@spudskie3907]

Would love to visit the UK someday.

[@BadgerOfTheSea]

If you do, don't just do London. That is like just going to Manhatten in the US. The real England is outside the city

[@DMDN5]

It makes me so happy to see your subscriber number keep climbing higher and higher😃 Been following you since the low numbers and your humor and wit are unmatched 😂😂😂😂

[@majorasmask5523]

Considering my family and I are about to leave for a 10 day trip to Ireland and Scotland on Monday, this is fantastic timing! Are you psychic?

[@katrinabryce]

Just bear in mind that Ireland is not part of the UK. Plug sockets are the same, both drive on the left, road signs are different. Ireland uses Euros, UK uses Pounds. Northern Ireland is not part of Ireland it is part of the UK, though many people in both countries think it should be part of Ireland.

[@avaggdu1]

@@katrinabryce "Both countries" being the UK and Eire. Northern Ireland and the UK government are not so keen as a whole.

[@katrinabryce]

@@avaggdu1 The UK government doesn't care either way. It is the people in Northern Ireland who care one way or the other.

[@avaggdu1]

@@katrinabryce They've committed to keeping the status quo until NI makes up their mind. I think that qualifies as not being keen otherwise they'd ditch NI and let Ireland sort out their own problems. It's the UK (English mostly) populace that couldn't care either way.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

Fun fact: the standard voltage in a US house is 220-240 volts; it effectively uses a center-tapped transformer, giving the center tap (stupidly called "neutral") and two "hot" wires. The neutral wires also terminate at ground. Between the two hots, you get the full voltage, between a hot and a neutral, you get half that. It's not unusual to have high voltage sockets in a US home; I have ones for the dryer, the range, and my welder. Lighting circuits and ordinary outlets are the lower voltage.

[@TheEulerID]

It is not stupid that it is called a neutral. Just as in other countries with single phase, neutral is a ground referenced load carrying wire. I should, however note that the Schuko type sockets used in much of Europe are not polarised. They have a neutral and a line/hot, but it is random which way they are arranged. This is for historic reasons as, long ago, Germany used a system not unlike a US 240v receptacle with two "hots", although without a centre tap. Later on, they adopted 230 line/hot + ground referenced neutral, but never produced a polarised socket, probably because it was difficult to do and retain socket compatibility due to the round pins (in North America, the neutral pin was widened which maintained backwards compatibility for non-polarised plugs). Incidentally, neutral has a specific meaning for "star wired" 3 phase, and in some countries, like Germany and the Netherlands, 3 phase supply to households is normal, and individual single phase circuits are tapped off of a single phase given line/hot and neutral in the same way US 120V circuits are tapped off of one of the two individual phases. However, in Germany a very powerful appliance might be fed by 2 or even 3 phases. Note you will not come across 3 phase sockets in domestic properties. Most European countries aren't like that and use 230V (nominal) single phase supplies to the great majority of domestic properties.

[@misspat7555]

5:06- It’s your wife that’s good at planning, is it, Lawrence? 🤣

[@mcarp555]

If you go to the UK with a BritRail pass, get an erasable pen as well. BritRail passes are often good for something like seven days in a month, and you're expected to write the dates on the back of the pass. With an erasable ink pen, you can rub out the date at the end of the day and extend the pass for ages (hee hee). Also as an American who now lives in the UK, I get asked weekly where I'm from. They do love that accent. If I'm bored I say Canada.

[@denisem.1042]

When I visited the UK last year and rented a car, I thought the roundabouts would be the main issue to overcome. I adapted to them quite quickly (except the really complex ones). One thing I had trouble with are the extremely narrow roads in the countryside. There are no shoulders on the side of the road. Usually just a muddy ditch. I found myself gripping the steering wheel whenever I met a large vehicle going the other way. I just learned that the driver can't sightsee. Those narrow roads require 100% of your attention!

[@avaggdu1]

The driver shouldn't be 'sightseeing' anywhere. You should be paying attention to the road.

[@denisem.1042]

@@avaggdu1 Oh, I agree. But here in the states you can at least glance from side to side for a couple of seconds. Not so on those roads. I found it to be an intense experience. Like white knuckle at times. Have you driven in the UK or are you from there?

[@avaggdu1]

@@denisem.1042 From the UK and used to be a motorcyclist, so I'm very aware of car drivers not paying attention. I stopped riding precisely because of car drivers 'taking a few seconds to glance around'; got hit by several of them.

[@Croz89]

Best advice I'd give to someone unfamiliar with roundabouts is to imagine a one way road going round in a circle with every road entering having a yield sign. If you treat a roundabout like that you shouldn't go wrong (unless you're in France where some roundabouts have the priority reversed, but let's not talk about that...).

[@markperry5975]

I'm from the UK, yeh those roads do get narrow at 90mph 😂😂😂😂😂

[@stog9821]

Regarding British power plugs, or Australian and NZ for that matter. If you’re bleary eyed in the morning and hoping to get some coffee going, put a little note on the counter reminding yourself to turn the plug on. Very frustrating to come back from the bathroom and finding that the coffee hasn’t started.

[@Sashazur]

Yes, in many countries every wall outlet has a switch next to it.

[@katrinabryce]

@@Sashazur I've only ever seen it in countries that UK-style sockets. The ones I've visited are Ireland, UAE and Hong Kong; there are others.

[@dougbrowning82]

@@katrinabryce Australian sockets are switched, too. And they're nothing like the UK ones.

[@bobbabai]

Any electronic device made in the last 10 or 15 years is just fine with any plug voltage in the world. You can't use motorized devices at a voltage for which they weren't designed. So, no hair dryers. Also you can't move heaters around the world.

[@dougbrowning82]

Some portable appliances, like hair dryers, for the international market, actually have voltage switches, and have had them for years. I used to have a Phillips portable cassette recorder with four voltage options, plus that odd looking power cord connector.

[@ToastyMozart]

Yep, if it converts to DC it generally doesn't care what the source voltage is.

[@michaelspurling4376]

I didn't have much trouble driving on the other side of the road, however, remembering that the traffic in the near lane was going to be coming at me from the other direction when crossing the street after leaving the pub was often a challenge.

[@lesterstone8595]

I'll be the roundabout🎼 The words will make you out 'n' out🎶 I spend the day your way Call it morning driving thru the sound and in and out the valley🎵

[@Susan-cooks]

I sang your comment in my head 🎤

[@petuniasevan]

Yes indeed 😃

[@thomasdjonesn]

(Killer bass line throughout) I might rent a vehicle in the UK just to go around a roundabout and play that song. I'm sure I'll be subsequently deported, but, you know, for the 'gram.

[@randalmayeux8880]

Yes!

[@lesterstone8595]

@@randalmayeux8880 🤣

[@BeachPeach2010]

One of my favorite parts of visiting England was having old men in the pubs serenade me with Elvis Songs! 😄

[@danhoffses5075]

We just spent 2 weeks traveling around southern England. It was tremendous. People, food, sights, history… everything was to notch. I can’t wait to go back.

[@dpcnreactions7062]

I just can't get enough of Lawerence telling us to do something NOW! Here in Canada we have many roundabouts and we still forget how to use them. Most of them are only one lane so it's not that big of an issue.

[@caramanico1]

Visited about 10-12 years ago and loved every minute of it. A few days in London seeing/doing the sights, the same for a a couple of days in Brighton, then a few days up north in Leed (stayed with a friend's family). Being a WWII and classic rock buff, visiting places such as the Imperial War Museum, Brighton Beach, The Royal Albert Hall and Abbey Road was - am I allowed to say - "brilliant"

[@vailpcs4040]

If you get particularly good service in a UK Pub, tell the barkeep 'and one for yourself...' when you order another round. They'll usually add the price of a half pint to your order and 50/50 will join you for a drink. It's best to do this at slow times and strike up a conversation to make it feel like your very own 'local'.

[@simhedgesrex7097]

But don't be offended if they refuse. Some pubs don't like their staff to drink on duty, and of course, some bar staff may themselves not wish to drink, or just don't like beer.

[@rksnj6797]

I was stationed in England when I was in the USAF. I was in East Anglia and to visit my friend in London, all I had to do was jump on a train and then while in London, between the tube, busses, and taxis (best London guides !) you can get anywhere you want in and surrounding the city.

[@kitefan1]

British intercity/cross country rail is expensive. Local transport is very reasonable. The locals and the drivers are very nice to the clueless.

[@rksnj6797]

@@kitefan1 Luckily I was in a village that was about 60 miles from London so the train fare wasn't too bad. If I wanted to take the train to York or Edinburgh, that was a totally different story.

[@TanyaQueen182]

It's a sin that you're not at 1 million subs yet. This year! Let's do it! Big love from your fan in Florida!

[@nedludd7622]

This site is probably not most Floridians' cup of tea.

[@odintheallfather4863]

Great video. I'm American and want to visit the UK because of the numerous awesome heritage railways & railway museums

[@petuniasevan]

3:25 Laurence this may be true in a lot of states but Wisconsin is loaded with roundabouts. They are built in such a way that they're more challenging because the road crew builds a big berm in the center and loads it up with trees, shrubs, boulders, large "welcome to city" signs and the like. You can't see the traffic coming around the right of way which makes it more exciting to dart into the circle. Snow's a plus since it makes it harder to tell when you're about to end up curbing your car. I'd rather have the British style where I can see and anticipate traffic instead of "surprise, enjoy the honking".

[@Sashazur]

All the roundabouts I’ve encountered in the US so far have flat centers. As you said, filling the center up with trees and signs is less safe.

[@InvdrDana]

@@Sashazur I don't think I've come across a roundabout in Ohio that didn't have a berm filled up with stuff. I haven't had too much trouble, but it still doesn't make much sense to have such low visibility.

[@SalyLuz-hc6he]

@@InvdrDanaI’m in Ohio, and nearly all of them we have around me have just flatland in the center. I know of one that has a fountain, and another that has a statue. But neither of them obstruct Vision- we can still see that someone is coming etc.

[@darleneh608]

They add all that stuff because in the early days of building those roundabouts, drivers would ignore the roadway and just try to drive through the middle. Eventually they got smart and when adding a new roundabout, would position a traffic cop there for the first few days. They do a lot of pulling over and handling out warnings and explaining how it was supposed to be done. Eventually, everyone gets it. Well, nearly everyone.

[@LEPorter55]

OMG, you are from Grimsby???? My Grandmother came from Grimsby and moved to Michigan in about 1903. So cool!!

[@mikebauer6917]

Traveled to Exeter numerous times for work. I found that I got more interested reactions to “where are you visiting from” questions by saying New York (which was true) rather than America or the US. I mean interested in the sense people asked me follow on questions. Also, being a New Yorker I always look both ways twice before crossing a road, because New York, so I never did the classic American mistake of looking the wrong way before stepping into the street. But my fellow Americans I warn you to take care in this regard.

[@kirbyculp3449]

Churchill was almost hit by a truck in NYC because he looked the wrong way. World history could be very different.

[@carolsmith3485]

A jet-lagged American driving on the left side of the road, from the right side of the car, and encountering roundabouts was a bit frightening, as I experienced many years ago. Aside from that, the trip to the land across the pond was wonderful, and I want to go back some day.

[@NeuroPedsDad]

I took my wife to London years ago and I decided to rent a car. Sounds good so far I'm a great driver who had driven in multiple countries throughout the world. Well I go to get the car and unfortunately for me the lorry carrying my car broke down or something. The car agent is cool and upgrades me to the luxury class and I'm thinking this is going to be awesome. He then informs me that the car and well as the cars he has are all manuals. Not a problem I think. I've driven a manual car. It shouldn't be an issue. I get in the car and realize immediately that I'm screwed. I'm sitting on the right side of the car and the shifter's on the left. At least the pedals where in the same place. However I'm an American. So I say f'k it hold my beer and take off down the streets of London. I dare say that there are a number of Londoners who have PTSD after witnessing my first days driving. Especially that poor lady walking when I entered my first round-a-bout. I did get the hang of it by day two.

[@simhedgesrex7097]

Driving in London: not to be recommended. Even for most Brits.

[@Digighost_5]

Yeah, we don't recommend driving in London. Anywhere outside of London is generally lovely (Unless the motorways are CLOSED AGAIN--!) so city to city journeys are great for driving. Also, driving up here in the North is always nice. Lovely scenery and less traffic generally.

[@inconnu4961]

Fortunately they have EXCELLENT national healthcare in UK, which they are VERY proud of! Those poor people with PTSD will be well cared for! LOL

[@tracy5721]

@@inconnu4961It’ll just take along time for them to get in to be seen.

[@kitefan1]

I was told, even as a left-hander who always drove manual at the time, not to do it.

[@EebstertheGreat]

btw, US voltage is actually 112.8-127.2 V when within spec, with an average of 120 V. You can get twice that with two live wires and one neutral, e.g. for ovens. In the UK, voltage is 216.2-253.0 V with an average of 240 V. But you can get a lot more in the UK with three-phase power.

[@loganmccoy2842]

In Florida I hear more people referred to roundabouts as traffic circles. In Tampa, there is quite a few of them.

[@frankandstein8618]

rotary

[@Itsgonnabeok1325]

My area of Ohio has several. There are three within 15 min of my home, and we live in a farm county

[@stubstoo6331]

Tampa Bay area has lots of them.round about. Just yield to your left easy peasy.

[@tenshikim2013]

In southern Oregon we have a few and they are for some reason called turn abouts

[@LindaC616]

​@frankandstein8618 RI has entered the chat!

[@Bim310]

We spent two weeks in the UK last summer. We traveled by rail, bus, taxi and private car with a driver. I didn't want to have to deal with driving in the left side of the road. No problems as all of the above were plentiful and not outrageously expensive although you will pay more. But it was certainly worth the peace of mind. As someone else mentioned, order your seats for the train online to reserve your seats and your name will be on the digital screen above your seat. So it the seat has someone else's name on it, don't sit there. We made that mistake and had to move at the last minute and sit in separate areas.

[@stevehershberger2672]

At 7:13 I spit out my beer as I started laughing..you owe me a beer!

[@jeffyoder1168]

You might like to know that in parts of the American south, the trunk of cars is known as the boot, and the hood as the bonnet.

[@troys6965]

In Britain, you never want to see a train in the subway. 😂

[@RicktheCrofter]

My paternal grandmother was from England. Yorkshire to be precise. She used to go back to visit relatives occasionally and told me she would take me someday. That day never came. Not long ago a couple of salespeople visited my job. One was from Grimsby. He was astounded that I knew where Grimsby was. I told him I had ancestors from Grimsby.

[@reginakeith8187]

in 2000, I was asked if I was a celebrity (!?) when I was in London because I was using the (at that time) new Amex Blue card which was clear and nobody had ever seen one before so I was asked more than once if I was famous because I had one. I guess they thought it was an upgrade of the black card. LOL hardly.

[@avaggdu1]

But why tho'? Credit cards have been around for a long time and Amex cards were nothing special. Are you sure you weren't just asked if you were American for having an Amex card instead of a UK bank? Seems a weird flex. If (and that's a big 'if') people asked you if you were a celebrity you were probably acting like an entitled asshole.

[@kutter_ttl6786]

​@@avaggdu1they specifically mentioned the Amex Blue Card that was clear, not just a standard Amex card. Most people are used to seeing the standard green Amex, a clear one with the blue hologram sqaure in the middle would have been a novelty 20 years ago. It's amusing you mischarecterized the OP due to missing that detail.

[@penelopeshaffer5143]

It’s true that you don’t necessarily need a car in England EXCEPT when visiting the Cotswolds. For some reason, the Cotswolds do not have the public transport of the rest of England.

[@Tormekia]

Cop: Ma'am, you have to exit the roundabout. Me: ... I'm having fun. WweeEeeEeeeEeeew...

[@Touma134]

Man my urge to do that is strong. Lawmakers banning fun man for "safety" reasons.

[@sarahbuchholz8767]

In high school we were coming back from a field trip and our bus driver took us around the new round about like 4 times just for the entertainment. Midwestern fun is best fun! Lol

[@brianwhite8465]

We just got back from a two week trip through the UK and Ireland, and had an amazing time! We took your previous advice and brought plug adapters. I really liked the efficient use of roundabouts. We spent a little more time in London than I would have liked, but we did make it to Stonehenge, Bath, amd Glastonbury in the south, a couple days in and around Edinburgh, half a day in the Lake district, and three days in Ireland. We had less than a full day in Wales, unfortunately, and never got to visit anywhere else in Scotland. I'd have traded a day or two from London for one of those two regions. We would love to go back sometime!

[@charlespeterwatson9051]

Here's good advice: Get out of the cities your international flight lands in to see the better parts.

[@kristend344]

That's pretty standard anywhere.

[@neutrino78x]

nah man cities are the best 🙂

[@brontewcat]

Not totally true- ‘When a man is tired of London he’s is tired of life …’. London, Paris, Rome and many of the major cities are all worth spending time in. There is so much to see both in London and throughout the UK, the country requires much more than one visit.

[@Bozbaby103]

Oooo, I did when I visited several years ago. Hired a car and drove everywhere for four weeks. Started by flying into Mildenhall RAF Base (I’m now retired US military), drove to the SE of England*, skirted intimidating London*, then all the way into the Highlands, then into northern Wales, popped over to Dublin, to the SW of England and eventually into London for the last week. Stayed in B&Bs and hostels, ate at pubs, stayed away from most tourist attractions, talked with locals A LOT. Met a lot of great people. A different experience than my one or two night trip in the mid 90s when I first joined the military where I did the Londony touristy things. The month-long trip allowed me to feel the culture, the way of life. Loved that I shocked many Brits, Scots, Welsh and Irish when I steadfastly requested tea instead of coffee. Give me tea or water over coffee any day. Still makes me smile…with tea-stained teeth. Hmm…need to do something about that. * Oh boy…. Driving on the other side of the road, on the other side of a car that happens to have a manual gearbox in city/village centers that are effectively a maze if one is not used to them was a steep learning curve. This was before GPS/SatNav on our phones in 2008. Nearly turned around and went home, but promised to try again the next day, to stick to M roads and stay the eff away from city centres. Soooo, what’d that next morning bring me? Driving toward the largest city centre you have: London. I was heading toward Canterbury from Winchester (I think). Wooo, tested myself by sticking to the Ms, which are no different than our Interstates. Did well, then hit A roads. Lessons were learned, but eventually I gained confidence and didn’t have much problems until London. I stayed/parked yards/meters away from the city center line and walked everywhere and took the underground. Whew! And yes, I learned how to navigate roundabouts the first day of driving. Lots of circling until I could get a feel for how to navigate is a different direction that I’m used to. I should note that I have been able to drive vehicles with manual gearboxes, or sticks as we call them, since I was 12. Clutches and sticks don’t bother me. However, I was soooo thankful the shifting pattern was the same as what I was used to and not opposite. That would’ve been a problem…for a bit.

[@jacobhealy8376]

so dont go im not going to hang out in the burbs

[@jonnaosborne1832]

I am another kind of American (also from Texas), and I always want to be courteous and not put a foot wrong when I am -- well, anywhere, really, but especially in another country. I always want to respect the customs of the country I am visiting, and I try not to call attention to myself by anything I wear or any way I act. When I visited England and Scotland several years ago, I found the people lovely and welcoming. And even though I tried not to call attention to myself, in the dining rooms of the B&Bs where I stayed, people often stared at me when they heard my Texas accent. Stared and smiled. I want to go back!

[@Aussie_Sue]

When you mentioned plugs, I initially thought you meant sink plugs. 😂 But, being trilingual (I speak both England, Australia and US with a bit of New Zealand and South Africa thrown in) I was amused at how I don't notice the different terms used on each side of the pond. BTW - Love your work. Aussie Sue

[@avaggdu1]

If you speak South African you could probably get by in Nigerian too! 😊 Welsh, Scottish, Irish and Jamaican, not so much, if at all...

[@Aussie_Sue]

@@avaggdu1 Wow. I'm multilingual. Thank you for correcting me. And I can also speak some Canadian (not great with French). I can hum along to Bob Marley. Does that count?

[@avaggdu1]

@@Aussie_Sue You're a regular polyglot! Impress me and say something in Bahamian!

[@Aussie_Sue]

@@avaggdu1 of course I can, 'mon'. In my head that was said in my best Rastifarian accent, with a slight amount of Melbournian thrown in for good measure. 😅

[@avaggdu1]

@@Aussie_Sue Perfect Bahamian! And what does that mean, exactly? Can anyone translate for me? I understood the odd word, here and there, but that's only because I speak fluent Australian, Sheila!

[@ddewittfulton]

When I did a semester abroad in London in 1997, my Muswell Hill homestay family (hi Martin and Doris, if you are still with us, or if you are ghosts with wifi) had me leave an outgoing message on their answer machine as they thought I sounded glamourous! The first and only time that mistake has ever been made!

[@richardreed-eaves2148]

Dual language signs are also here in the Scottish Highlands, Gaelic roadsigns are a thing up here

[@dougmackenzie5976]

Sorry to hear trains have gotten more expensive. I used to get a rail pass, and frequently traveled between Ely and Edinburgh. I used to love pulling into Waverly Station at tea time!

[@72stones43]

Don’t trash the place, it’s not a Walmart parking lot.

[@mell0city]

Public parking spaces always has small trash. But idk if your message was pointed americans because the u.s is surprisingly clean when tourists or foreigners visit.