Mind The Gap

Things Observed While In The UK * The people love their dogs and take them everywhere. * The term subway is not the same thing as our subway. Know the difference. * People were reserved only until spoken too and then quite friendly. * Yield signs are labeled Give Way but use the same symbol. * Hand pumped ales and bitters are not cold nor are they warm. * English hand pumped ales and bitters taste fantastic. * Indian food is huge in the UK. * Chips (french fries) are served or offered with practically everything. * Contrary to what you may have heard, English food can be excellent. * Prior to tube stops you are reminded to "mind the gap" when exiting. * Back roads are often narrow, winding and hilly with sharp curves. * Locals, hikers, bicycles, sheep & parked cars share the back roads with you. * The theater district in London's West End is an absolute must do. * The London Eye is big, slow moving and surprisingly roomy. * After exiting the London Eye each "pod" is security swept. * Try a prepared lamb dish. * The lamb was wonderful. * If you want to see castles go to Wales. * I believe Scots stay up all night singing loudly, stopping around 5 AM. * The price of gas, parking & narrow roads all make for small cars. * Jogger type strollers were most often used. * Expect it to rain at some point and time while out and about in London. * US news is limited in coverage. Actually, it was a welcomed break. * Football (soccer) is THE sport and absolutely rules pub TV. * There are sheep everywhere. Everywhere. * The countryside is hilly and green with very little soil erosion. * You order drinks at the bar and take them to your seat. * You pay for food orders at a pub upfront. * If you hike, go to the Yorkshire dales region. * English gardens are beautiful. * Did I mention there are sheep everywhere? Everywhere. * Bacon is not crispy strips but more like Canadian bacon or thin slices of ham. * The "Green" movement is much more evident and promoted. * Appliance (& light) outlets each have their own on/off switch. * In Scotland our room key was used to keep lights from powering off. * Electric flush toilets (they seldom use the term bathroom) are most common. * Faucet water pressures are set higher than what we experience in the States. * Black still dominates the fashion color scheme. * The fall of the Dollar against the British Pound and Euro is depressing. * Sheep. Everywhere. * For all the dogs; you very seldom see "fouling". * Cheers is often expressed as a thank you and a greeting. * Children in school uniforms are most common. * Pea's are a favorite green veggie. * UK babies bundled in strollers are beautiful. * The centuries old architecture is mind numbing. * Train service makes you wish we had something other than more cars. * Driving on the opposite side of the road IS a strange feeling. * When startled, baby lambs will squat and pee. * English accents differ in similar ways we experience accents across the States. * Crisps are potato chips. * Exit signs are labeled "Way Out". * Most of the sheep appeared to have twins with the occasional triplets. * In fields, mother sheep will allow short pauses to photograph their little ones. * To experience Europe, the younger the better. Do not wait until you retire. * At the changing of the Buckingham Palace guard, they played a Beatle's tune. * On major highways, road signs are marked well and often. * Dinner reservations are encouraged. (Does not apply to Pub Crawls) * You do not need American cash; Use your ATM card or a credit card. * Credit cards are scanned at your table, never taken away, always in sight. * Most places will provide you with a power converter. * Take your laptops. WiFi internet connections are everywhere. Everywhere. * Speaking of everywhere. Sheep. * We were never asked about our politics or the Iraq conflict. * We were told one Bush joke. By a cab driver. Quite funny. * No, not sharing. Go to York if you want to hear the joke. * Upon learning we were from Florida, "counting" jokes would begin. * The US is often referred to as the "Continent". * Beautiful country and people... So much to see. So much to do. So want to go back.