By the time this blog is posted, John and I will be in ‘Merry Old England’ unless, of course, my recurring nightmare involving parachutes and inky ocean waters comes true. It’s 
our first trip across the ‘pond’ (as they say,) so we’ve been watching Public Television to learn the language and customs.
Thanks to Hyacinth Bucket, (that’s Bou-quet’,) I know that English women are obsessed with ‘keeping up appearances.’ I’ve learned from Basil Fawlty to avoid the food in British hotels and to keep my door locked. And thanks to Dibley’s Vicar, Geraldine Granger, I’ll be attending church in England’s countryside.
As for the English language, I’ve been easing some new words into my vocabulary. If there’s an unpleasant odor, I might say, “It smells like a soiled ‘nappy.’” When we were out the other day, I reminded John that he was tailgating the ‘lorry.’ He reminded me who was driving the car, so I said he was being ‘stroppy.’ I’ve been trying to work ‘brilliant’ into my conversation; the English love that one. And I’d like to give ‘bugger’ a try, but I need to do a little more research first.
Expressions are trickier. If a hotel clerk offers to come to my room in the morning to ‘knock me up,’ for instance, I won’t be offended (or flattered.) And wild horses couldn’t make me advise someone to ‘keep their pecker up,’ no matter how depressed or miserable they are.
I can’t wait to get there, despite ominous advice from friends: “Don’t take your curling iron — It’ll fry your hair clear down to the roots. Pack an umbrella, and a raincoat, and water-proof shoes. Order fish and chips — it’s the only decent food over there!” One friend advised me to carry toilet paper in my purse at all times. I told her there wasn’t room for one more thing.
Time to go. Must practice my curtsey, just in case… Brilliant!
12 Comments
You got a chuckle out of me with the toliet paper and what getting “knocked up”? I would request tall,dark and handsome. Hope the trip is great and a must with pictures. Enjoy! Pat from Auburn,AL
Hard to imagine it has been almost a year since Mom and I had the pleasure of meeting you both on our CRP adventure last summer. How the time flies… I hope you enjoy this newest escapade as much and perhaps once the dust settles from our impending move I will be a good girl and deliver on my long-ago promise to get you some pictures I took of the two of you on that trip. And having lived in England for a year back in the dark ages I can say that there is some lovely food – especially in the pubs where it is often home-cooked and original – and that English and American are two totally different languages. I spent about the first week asking everyone to repeat themselves until I learned the basics. It was a wonderous adventure though – I hope the same for you. Bon Voyage and Cheerio!
I hope you had a fabulous time on your trip. Glad you brushed up on some of the “verbiage”…I landed a job in Watford UK and was left speechless at some of the “sayings”. Once I realized a “scheme” was not a bad thing and that you don’t need clotted cream on your food, I was OK during my stay. It was an experience to say the least. Traveling is fun, but there is no place like the good old USA…HOME!! Cheers!
Dear Peggy and John, I am sorry to hear about the nightmares involving being tangeled by tentacles. I myself have never ventured out of the states so any advice from me would be mute. Although if a hotel clerk came into my room and offered to knock me up, secretly, I might be flattered. On a more serious note, attending church in the english country side sounds lovely. Now, I have to go, I am very busy and important…
Hope you have a great time! Be sure to ride the ‘EYE’ in London. We saw a lot, just by riding the red buses! Go on as many tours as you can. Understanding the people, was harder than knowing how to say things. Have fun!
They “knock” on the door to get you up. Knocked up. It’s Brilliant! Hope you have a great time.
One of my dreams is to visit Europe one day.
I love the part about the hotel clark asking people if they want to be “knocked up.” I wonder what they really mean by that phrase…
I like fish and chips.
Great blog as always! Have a great time Mr. & Mrs. Rowe!
Have a wonderful trip! As Hyacinth says…mind the pedestrian.
Have a wonderful time. I always get a kick out of hearing the word “Rubbish”. Can’t wait to read your blog when you get back.
Enjoy your trip. England is a beautiful place, especially the country side. Visiting Windsor Castle is a must! Also the shores of Brighton down south. And if you get a chance to view the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham, you certainly won’t regret it. Happy travels!
Oh, and your friend isn’t kidding about the toilet paper either…
I learned British English originally, so for years that’s what my ears were used to. For a long time American English sounded to me as if everyone was chewing gum at all times. So I guess the best way to blend in across the pond is to try to speak as though you have the least number of chewing gums in your mouth. Is this helpful at all?
I hope you get lucky with the weather. Have a merry old time!
My only trip so far to Europe (I’m going to Italy in June!) was back in 1983, but even then I was advised to take along tp, and it was the best tip I got! The stuff they used in Austria was like sandpaper, so be sure to find room in your suitcase for a roll or two! Two other hints…you already know about some of the phrases they use in England, but you might also want to study up on hand gestures. Some perfectly normal ones we use here could get you in big trouble over there! Oh, and if someone advises you where to get “bangers and mash” don’t be offended. It’s their version of sausage and mashed potatoes! Have a great trip!