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Some good advice here. In terms of British hostility towards Americans I doubt you'll find any. As a frequent visitor to the states I like Americans, and from those who have never encountered many Americans the only negative stereo types are that Americans are loud and eat too much lol but the same can be said for a lot of Brits. Am sure you'll have a great time and hopefully it'll be the first of many trips.
If you're like your posts you won't have any problems. You sound interested in things, with background knowledge and respect for their culture. What people object to is the sort of person who'd barge in, comment derisively on things in a loud voice, and display appalling ignorance. Displaying interest and enthusiasm without condescention are the key to anyone's heart!
Just next to V&A Museum are Natural History Museum and Science Museum. They are worth visiting. I visited UK from Texas and the first thing which struck me was that roads were so narrow in UK as compared to Texas. also weather is much cooler there. But public transportation is fantastic (bus/train) everywhere in UK. avoid renting a car, using trains/bus will be fine. also people walk more there, unlike texas where banks, fast food is all drive-thru. one small advice I give to every american visiting UK-keep bank of america debit card with them. they can use it for cash withdrawl at Barclays bank ATM. that gives the best wholesale rates for money exchange between dollars and pounds. in other means exchange rate is poor. try to use cash rather then american credit cards.
On the whole Brits hating Americans thing.. I'd say it's about 90% 'oh you're from the america? that's so cool! I went there one time and went to New York and Florida and LOVED it!' (every brit that's been to the USA has been to New York and Florida). and about 10% 'you're a stupid republican gun loving idiot.' In my experience, we are welcomed pretty well!
If you're like your posts you won't have any problems. You sound interested in things, with background knowledge and respect for their culture. What people object to is the sort of person who'd barge in, comment derisively on things in a loud voice, and display appalling ignorance. Displaying interest and enthusiasm without condescention are the key to anyone's heart!
Well, thank you - I don't really expect any significant problems. I truly AM interested in and have a deep respect for UK culture and history. In fact, my husband would tell you that I'm a bit obsessive about it. I much prefer British comedy to American comedy. The majority of my reading is on topics British - I don't mean to be that way, but the history and culture just keeps dragging me in! Right now, I'm reading "London: A Biography" by Peter Ackroyd. I just got done watching "The Tudors" for the second time - that's right, all 38 episodes TWICE! (And yes, I know it's fictionalized, and I sat there with my laptop googling people and places the entire time!). My favorite author of all time is CS Lewis.
My favorite Britcoms are "Vicar of Dibley," "Father Ted," "Black Adder," and "Coupling," though there are many, many more (oops, forgot AbFab and Keeping Up Appearances!) that I enjoy tremendously. I have a feeling that I am going to get a really big kick out of the real life snarky humor of the British people. I just hope they find me just as endearing! We'll see!
Well, thank you - I don't really expect any significant problems. I truly AM interested in and have a deep respect for UK culture and history. In fact, my husband would tell you that I'm a bit obsessive about it. I much prefer British comedy to American comedy. The majority of my reading is on topics British - I don't mean to be that way, but the history and culture just keeps dragging me in! Right now, I'm reading "London: A Biography" by Peter Ackroyd. I just got done watching "The Tudors" for the second time - that's right, all 38 episodes TWICE! (And yes, I know it's fictionalized, and I sat there with my laptop googling people and places the entire time!). My favorite author of all time is CS Lewis.
You'll be absolutely fine. I wholeheartedly agree with Wild Colonial Girl. As a former British resident with many American family and friends, I can't think of any American visitors to the UK that weren't received with a big friendly welcome. But I have experienced the "stereotypical" Americans in London, that didn't take the time to learn a little about their surroundings, that were treated with contempt and disdain. It's all in your attitude.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KathrynAragon
My favorite Britcoms are "Vicar of Dibley," "Father Ted," "Black Adder," and "Coupling," though there are many, many more (oops, forgot AbFab and Keeping Up Appearances!) that I enjoy tremendously. I have a feeling that I am going to get a really big kick out of the real life snarky humor of the British people. I just hope they find me just as endearing! We'll see!
With the exception of Dibley, you listed all my favourite shows!
munna21977 gave good advice. Some UK locals might be able to provide more info on this, but if you do intend to use a credit card, you'll need one with a chip for many places. I learned that the hard way last year!
munna21977 gave good advice. Some UK locals might be able to provide more info on this, but if you do intend to use a credit card, you'll need one with a chip for many places. I learned that the hard way last year!
We were able to use our unchipped card everywhere but that involved another step in the process. We used cash whenever we could as the fees do add up. My debit card worked in most ATM's, except in Helensborough, and we think that was a data glitch.
I was a bit amused when I got some cash from an RBS ATM and it gave me Scottish RBS money-I was wondering if the banks in the UK printed there own money, and if so, I was ready to start up a bank and fire up some ATM's. Sadly for me, only in Scotland and they won't let just anybody do it.
It is going to be so different from where you come from so go with an open mind and try not to compare, that sort of thing really gets the locals going, so have fun, i'm sure you will be fine.
The strange thing is that it will be silly little things that will cause minor confusions. Different words for the same thing is one example.
Your pavement is our road. Your sidewalk is our pavement!
Please please please make sure you check both ways when crossing the road by foot or car, and that vehicles are likely to be coming from your immediate right. The sooner they close that road that runs immediately along the side of Stonehenge the better.
Drivers over here have far less regard for pedestrians in car parks and plazas than they do in Texas! Do not assume that they will give way to you, unless you are on a marked crossing where they are generally pretty good.
If you are going to drive check out the Highway Code.
Your pavement is our road. Your sidewalk is our pavement!
Please please please make sure you check both ways when crossing the road by foot or car, and that vehicles are likely to be coming from your immediate right. The sooner they close that road that runs immediately along the side of Stonehenge the better.
Drivers over here have far less regard for pedestrians in car parks and plazas than they do in Texas! Do not assume that they will give way to you, unless you are on a marked crossing where they are generally pretty good.
.
In the US we're used to pedestrians being a protected species and in the UK (and Paris) they are lawful prey. As jezer said look both ways and step lively. I had a couple of close calls before realizing cars begrudge you their space.
One other thing I thought of-keep your pocket change for parking. It's pay and park virtually everywhere in little villages and big cities, and the machines won't take our unchipped credit cards. Buy a cup of coffee with your first 20 and keep that jingly stuff. And, on the subject of coffee, creamer is hard to come by in the UK. Milk and some sugar should do the trick.
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I wholeheartedly agree with Wild Colonial Girl. As a former British resident with many American family and friends, I can't think of any American visitors to the UK that weren't received with a big friendly welcome. But I have experienced the "stereotypical" Americans in London, that didn't take the time to learn a little about their surroundings, that were treated with contempt and disdain. It's all in your attitude.
