In the UK, they drive on the left, pass on the right. But when you're walking in a train station, everyone passes on the left and walks on the right, just like in the US. Hell, just like in the rest of the world. They even have signs that said "Walk on the Right". I suggested that every 3rd sign or so, they should have another one that says "Yes. We know. Shut Up". It's obviously because there are so many tourists around and we all walk on the right.
The escalators in the Underground are very long and angled rather steeply. Even more than those in Washington, DC, which I thought were pretty long & steep. Everyone is very organized. None of this standing all over the stairs. There is a clear line of people on the right not moving and a clear line of people on the left moving like gangbusters. And those people who are REALLY obsessed walk quickly down the escalator pitched backwards at about 20 degree angle. I was watching this evening and people were pitched back a bit. They almost looked like any minute they were going to do an imitation of Monty Python's Minister of Silly Walks (was that his title?). I imagine it helps them go down those very angled stairs a whole lot faster and prevents many a face-plant.
If you really want to meet Americans, go on an escorted tour in Europe. We went to Stonehenge today and I think we had 2/3 American, 1/3 Japanese.
We went to an Indian restaurant this evening and all we wanted was a coupla bowls of soup and a samosa appetizer to share. The restaurant insisted that we HAD TO have a main course. It was the minimum order and they even showed us the small print on the menu where it said "minimum order is one main entrée per person". I said "are you serious?" and they said "yes, we are" and I said "then bring us our check; we're leaving" and they said "since this is your first time, we will serve you, but in the future you must order a main course." No problem, buddy. I guarantee, you'll never have to worry about me not ordering enough food from you guys again. I've never heard of such a thing as being forced to order a lot of food.
Gene has taken to calling my beige raincoat "the tent" because it's big on me and bellows out a bit. It will be left behind in England when we depart for Paris, along with a couple of blouses, shirt and a sweater. Gotta make room for some hand-painted plates that our hostess creates at a local shop, all my mustard & my purchase today, which disobeys my promise of not buying anything that isn't made I the country I'm visiting -- a small Queen Elizabeth II doll that is solar-powered. She dances the twist when sun hits her energy source. She will be perfect for my kitchen window.
Forgot to mention that when you go into the room where QE I's tomb is, Jeremy Irons' beautiful voice is the one on the portable tape telling you the scoop about her crypt. Sweet and somehow fitting.
Okay, I'm beat. I'm almost looking forward to a forced rest on Saturday. Watch it be beautiful weather.
Slacked off today. ha ha. Total steps = 12,999
Total steps for the vacay = 66,097
I'll talk about Stonehenge in another post and put up some photos. I have to get ready now. Tomorrow is bike ride in Cambridge Day. Pray for me.
Carol, I think it was the Minister of Silly Walks :-). I don't understand the doll but will look forward to meeting her. WOW on the minimum food order. You were right to ask for the check. I'll bet you two pakoras that they get very little repeat business.
ReplyDeleteDid you encounter any homeless during your London visit, Carol? That was something I noticed when we were there--no homeless. Or, at least, none that I crossed paths with. The closest I came was a guy selling the local paper that goes to support the homeless. I guess, technically, that means he is homeless, but he was the only one. I have read articles that the mayor of London (Westminster) has made huge strides to reconnect homeless to their families and other programs to cut down on the number of people sleeping on the streets. And I just read an article about homeless "deterrents" (spikes) built into the nooks around certain buildings to keep people from sleeping there. What was your experience?
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