Britishisms

Pubs. A queen. Extra u's flying about. There are plenty of famous differences between the U.S. and it's motherland, so I thought I'd record some of the not-so-famous variations I found amusing on our recent trip to London...

I've already had my jab, have you?

Half those we passed on the street were wearing a poppy lapel pin in honor of the veterans who've died in action since WW1 (when poppies grew among the dead in the trenches). It was really very touching and impressive.

All the British archetypes are alive and well and walking about London, but men's fashion seems so static, that it was particularly funny to note men wearing fitted suits, bright colors, and long flat shoes. I wonder how many heterosexual men could get away with that back home? International travelers, on the other hand, wear only black or denim. My red coat was...noticeable.

Christmas decorations were everywhere - which made even more sense when we realized it's their next holiday. They're not breaking any rules by decorating in November. ;)

Our credit cards were so 1990s. Everyone there has a chip in their card and uses a pin to verify. They also bring the card machine to the table every time so no one's disappearing with your card. We were the neanderthals who had to scribble on a dinky little piece of paper.

By law in England, a town can only be called a "city" if it has a cathedral in it. By that measure, I'm pretty sure the U.S. would have about 3.5 cities.

A sign on the front doors of the famous Selfridge's department store said:"Get them the ultimate Christmas gift: A Selfridge's Hamper." Turns out, they're not really worried we have nowhere to put our dirty laundry. They just like associating gift baskets with menial household tasks.

An ad in the Underground. A little bit of TN across the pond. Too bad it's not a bit I particularly like...

Gotta love a city that never sleeps - even this chain cafe is open till 1 or 2am every night - and for good reason. The central streets are crowded all the time.

A "Hit U.S. Drama" I've never heard of.

Chim chiminey
Chim chiminey
Chim chim cher-ee!

A hot dog truck that sports lanterns and sells CREPES. I've died and gone to heaven.

Yeah, I have no idea.

Look carefully.

Not our usual theater environ. Which was good, since the play ("The Wizard of Oz") was terrible.

The U.S. has lighthouses, but most weren't standing when Christ was walking.

Starbucks can sell pancakes? Our local retailer is totally holding out on us.

Nice windowsill. (about 18 feet deep, in Dover castle)

I'd forgotten how commonplace buildings like this are throughout the city. Paris is known for it's architecture, but I fell in love with London's. I could sympathize with the Londoners who rue the fact that WW2 destruction was followed by 1950-1970s design...

i.e. The National Theater.

Now that's what I call a lectern. Clearly not post-WW2.