I've been stupid and ran away

[RileyG]

2 minutes ago, poppyfields said:

That every nation has its share of "not so bright" people.  Americans, Brits, Italians, Spanish, etc there are stupid people all over the world. 

Oh right

 

So poppyfields, what is your favorite part of the UK?

[poppyfields]

10 minutes ago, RileyG said:

Oh right

 

So poppyfields, what is your favorite part of the UK?

London no question!   My fav city in the whole world!  

[RileyG]

4 minutes ago, poppyfields said:

London no question!   My fav city in the whole world!  

I remember seeing it in a book at School. I would love to ride on a red bus. 

 

Do you have any other UK tips?

[poppyfields]

9 minutes ago, RileyG said:

I remember seeing it in a book at School. I would love to ride on a red bus. 

Do you have any other UK tips?

Not really Riley other than try to not view yourself as a "foreigner" or an "American" even though technically you are.  

I lived in the UK for a while, Greece and Italy and I never viewed myself as a tourist or foreigner; I blended in with the locals best I could, experienced the city from their eyes.  I was able to relate to people much better that way.  

Embrace and enjoy!  

Edited November 6, 2020 by poppyfields

[RileyG]

12 minutes ago, poppyfields said:

Not really Riley other than try to not view yourself as a "foreigner" or an "American" even though technically you are.  

I lived in the UK for a while, Greece and Italy and I never viewed myself as a tourist or foreigner; I blended in with the locals best I could, experienced the city from their eyes.  I was able to relate to people much better that way.  

Embrace and enjoy!  

So just be me and radiate?

[poppyfields]

8 minutes ago, RileyG said:

So just be me and radiate?

You got this down girl!

[Trail Blazer]

1 hour ago, poppyfields said:

That every nation has its share of "not so bright" people.  Americans, Brits, Italians, Spanish, etc there are stupid people all over the world. 

Exactly.  Humans are humans anywhere on the planet.  I've traveled the world and everywhere I've gone, I've undoubtedly passed by morons and geniuses.

I've spent time in Australia and they love to call Americans "Seppos".  I'd honestly never heard that term before it was uttered from the mouth of an Aussie. 

Apparently seppo is an abbreviation originally derived from another term to describe an American which is "septic tank".  Tank rhymes with Yank, so borne from the word septic come seppo!  Go figure...

[basil67]

3 minutes ago, Trail Blazer said:

I've spent time in Australia and they love to call Americans "Seppos". 

Wow.  I thought that term went out decades ago.  Makes me wonder where in Aus you were.

[Trail Blazer]

Just now, basil67 said:

Wow.  I thought that term went out decades ago.  Makes me wonder where in Aus you were.

I've travelled everywhere in the eastern half of the country.  From north Queensland to Port Lincoln in South Australia. I just haven't been to Darwin, Perth or Tasmania.

Admittedly I never heard a random person say Seppo.  Yank was still the more common term.  Seppo came from my buddy's dad who explained what it meant.  My buddy lives in Melbourne. 

Maybe his old man is stuck in a bygone era or something?  In any case, he said it in jest with no malice.  But the guy did have a confusing sense of humor which took me some time to read.

[basil67]

Definitely stuck in a bygone era.  Seppo is straight from WWII when American soldiers were "over paid, over sexed and over here"    (The locals were jealous because the Yanks could afford spoil the girls and were better at wooing)

I'm capital city urban and the most common term I hear is "American"   Anyway, getting seriously off topic so will leave it here.  

[Trail Blazer]

6 minutes ago, basil67 said:

Definitely stuck in a bygone era.  Seppo is straight from WWII when American soldiers were "over paid, over sexed and over here"    (The locals were jealous because the Yanks could afford spoil the girls and were better at wooing)

I'm capital city urban and the most common term I hear is "American"   Anyway, getting seriously off topic so will leave it here.  

I think having an accent has a lot to do with it!  American girls dig guys with an accent. 

When my buddy visited the states he may or may not have bedded more than one girl just by uttering the term "G'day mate". 

But hey, that's another sorry, and I agree we've deviated off-topic now.  So I'll leave it there, too...

Edited November 6, 2020 by Trail Blazer

[poppyfields]

Before we go, just a word (or three) on Australian accents - no thank you. Not sure why, but they actually turn me off!  Lol, yes I'm actually that particular and that weird.  

Now the British accent, entirely different!   When I was over there, could fall for a guy simply based on the accent!  

I recall one funny story using the word "cuddle" which I had a rant about before I left, but after returning had a new affection for. 

Had met this cool British guy, gone out with him a few times, totally casual, and right before I left to return to states, he asked me in that alluring Welsh Britsh accent of his if I would be up for a "glass of wine and a cuddle?" at his flat.  I'm quoting him verbatim.

Now normally I might interpret that as code for "you up for sex?" but no, this gent was so polite and proper, I never thought that for even one second!   

So I went and we had a lovely evening drinking wine and cuddling on the sofa watching a movie!  Gawd, he was dreamy.

And now the word "cuddle" doesn't bother me as much. True story!  

Edited November 7, 2020 by poppyfields

[Ellener]

1 hour ago, Trail Blazer said:

Exactly.  Humans are humans anywhere on the planet.  I've traveled the world and everywhere I've gone, I've undoubtedly passed by morons and geniuses.

I've spent time in Australia and they love to call Americans "Seppos".  I'd honestly never heard that term before it was uttered from the mouth of an Aussie. 

Apparently seppo is an abbreviation originally derived from another term to describe an American which is "septic tank".  Tank rhymes with Yank, so borne from the word septic come seppo!  Go figure...

Never heard that before!

 

[spiderowl]

I’m really baffled about the unkind people you have met, Riley, both in the US and in the U.K. There is an element of jealous, rude people everywhere but you seem to have met more than your fair share.

I am from (and in) the U.K. Most people I know are decent and not at all like how you describe, but I know there is always that element wherever you go.

I am familiar with the north west and have extended family in Manchester. They are lovely people who would be sympathetic and loving. It is important of course to be kind to people yourself so that they realise you are friendly too. I cannot imagine you being rude but maybe due to shyness your warmth is not coming across.

Language varies depending on where you live. People in the north tend to be warmer and more friendly to strangers than those in the area I live in. It sounds like you have met some very snooty social climbers. 

Regarding ‘chips’, they are hot fries made from potatoes. Some restaurants will serve French Fries (thin chips); some would serve heavier and thicker chips, depending on what their cooks make. People here do not usually distinguish between the two, unless asked. For example, you might get asked in a restaurant if you prefer chips or French Fries, but most places only have one type or the other. Chip shops are common here and sell Fish and Chips. The chips are thicker and cut from fresh potato and fried. I would recommend finding a good fish and chip shop (sometimes called a ‘Chippy’) because fish and chips is a great meal.

A nonce is a prison slang term for a paedophile. Most people would not use that word but people can be blunt. 

You are fortunate to be near Manchester. To the east and north of the city, you can find beautiful countryside - the Lancashire and Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District. Ask your fiancé to take you there - well maybe when lockdown has ended.

Sometimes local humour can be in the form of teasing, especially amongst men. It is a form of familiarity which facilitates bonding - banter. After all, you can tease those you know and trust because you know they will take it in the spirit is intended.

I do not know about the rich people in the  area or how they treat each other. I do know that many Mancunians are good, solid, decent people who would be warm and friendly, given a chance.

Edited November 8, 2020 by spiderowl

[RileyG]

Hey Spiderowl

 

The people I have met when I have gone on the tram or a bus have been lovely. They found my accent to be a good conversation starter, especially on the tram. The times I have took a bus. I asked the driver for help of where I wanted to go to, in the States they wouldn't. One driver even helped me with what route to take after his bus (and it was a different company). Another driver I didn't know what stop I wanted, I told him where I wanted to end up. He charged me  fare then shouted that it was my stop. I've met some fantastic people when the stores were open. I have met some rude people. It has been positive so far!  I have been to a large vegetable market in our town. I asked for zucchini, they didn't know what I meant, they looked it up on google and explained Brits call it a courgette.  It is upsetting to see it all closed though. I imagine the market would be really busy! 

 

I have discovered the error of my ways asking for chips! Although it was a nice surprise! I have had fish and chips from a chip shop and they were lush! I have also tried battered sausage, potato scallops and "scraps" all yum! The chip shop we ordered from wasn't the best in our area apparently.

 

The social climbers all see me as some outsider. they ask what I used to do. I'm not ashamed of working as a waitress but they seem to have an issue. My fiance doesn't. I don't My fiance has told me I should be proud of who I am and where I am from. He told me the social climbers are annoying, I've heard them tell my fiance that he should be more like his brother. He told them that he is completely different to him, He isn't anything like these social climbers.

 

I broke a wall socket. Told my boyfriend and I was expecting him to be upset at me, but no he just told me not to worry,  He had a look, He just got down to fixing it. He told me that I didn't break it and something inside must has broke. I offered to go to the hardware store. I took a picture and thought I'd try and explain, the guy was really nice (its a small place) and he figured out what I wanted. I shown him the picture he said it was the same bit but I should get a handyman to do it. 

 

I live in a small town in the north and I get to see the hills and would love to explore them, Yesterday afternoon we went to a place called Hollingworth Lake, it was lovely there! I live close to a massive park called Heaton? I love exploring there!

 

Then I stepped on a plug. ow ow ow!

[Wiseman2]

Why would you seek out a me vs them situation and complain about the people whose county you are now in an the people who are the same as your BF?

You seem to keep scripting a cinderella story in your head about unfair treatment and what snobs all your BFs people are.

He's already done so much, accepted and embraced so much according to you.

Yet,  you're calling his people and the people where he lives the snobs? When you are the one who is complaining about everything and everyone?

Isn't it Your turn to step up and start accepting people?

[Libby1]

As a Brit I'm tempted to contribute..  However the pragmatist in me is thinking "FFS Libby, don't try to strangle the goose that lays the golden eggs.  Just pipe down and think of the  British tourist industry."  Notting Hill, Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Meghan and Harry.  Whatever nostalgia, period drama and fairy dust gets you guys over here and spending a bit of coin.

 

Edited November 28, 2020 by Libby1

[Calmandfocused]

I’m English. 
 

Avoid any British human being that says “Innit!” 

[Trail Blazer]

9 hours ago, Calmandfocused said:

I’m English. 
 

Avoid any British human being that says “Innit!” 

I've noticed a propensity for people (men) with "cockney" accents to drop the letters 'h' and 't' and substitute 'f' in place of 'th'.

I've spent a lot of time in London (my mom's friend lives in Wimbledon, close to the tennis center) and whilst she has anything but a cockney accent, I met many who did.  It's such a departure from that highbrow posh accent of say, the royals, or even Hugh Grant.

I worked with a dude from London and his accent was almost comical.  I genuinely don't know if he was accentuating it, or that's how he legitimately spoke. 

When he'd talk dates, pronouncing the thirtieth day of the month he'd say "fur-e-eff".  Come to think of it, I believe this fellow may have said "innit" on one or two occasions!

[Calmandfocused]

3 hours ago, Trail Blazer said:

I've noticed a propensity for people (men) with "cockney" accents to drop the letters 'h' and 't' and substitute 'f' in place of 'th'.

I've spent a lot of time in London (my mom's friend lives in Wimbledon, close to the tennis center) and whilst she has anything but a cockney accent, I met many who did.  It's such a departure from that highbrow posh accent of say, the royals, or even Hugh Grant.

I worked with a dude from London and his accent was almost comical.  I genuinely don't know if he was accentuating it, or that's how he legitimately spoke. 

When he'd talk dates, pronouncing the thirtieth day of the month he'd say "fur-e-eff".  Come to think of it, I believe this fellow may have said "innit" on one or two occasions!

Great post TB. Very funny. 
 

Yes where I’m from in England some folk  do not pronounce “th” and  substitute with “f”.  Y is also mis pronounced and the combination sounds ghastly in my opinion. However I’ve no doubt it may sound interesting to others. 
 

Admittedly I’ve said “innit” a few times. It feels quite liberating but it again it sounds dreadful. NB “innit” is said In substitute to “isn’t it?”  But generally “innit” is not a question, it’s a lifestyle .
 

Now if someone refers to a “Hospical” then please run away immediately, if this person is not a child. A child can be forgiven for such a pronunciation, an adult cannot

[Wiseman2]

5 hours ago, Trail Blazer said:

I worked with a dude from London and his accent was almost comical.  

The various dialects in english speaking countries from Australia to India to South Africa to North America,etc.  makes it hard to comprehend just about any of it.

 

Edited November 29, 2020 by Wiseman2

[basil67]

On 11/28/2020 at 7:12 PM, Libby1 said:

As a Brit I'm tempted to contribute..  However the pragmatist in me is thinking "FFS Libby, don't try to strangle the goose that lays the golden eggs.  Just pipe down and think of the  British tourist industry."  Notting Hill, Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Meghan and Harry.  Whatever nostalgia, period drama and fairy dust gets you guys over here and spending a bit of coin.

 

Libby, I'm wanting to go there for the V&A museum and Highgate cemetery.   And to see where my ancestors came from.

[Libby1]

26 minutes ago, basil67 said:

Libby, I'm wanting to go there for the V&A museum and Highgate cemetery.   And to see where my ancestors came from.

If you're going to Highgate Cemetery, be sure to take a trip to see Holly Village - which is nearby.  It's difficult to see, since it's well protected by trees, gates and bushes...but it's quite enchanting.  

https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/fascinating-history-of-unique-village-within-a-village-1-628284

[basil67]

@Libby1 bucket list 

Edited November 29, 2020 by basil67

[Timshel]

On 11/28/2020 at 3:12 AM, Libby1 said:

As a Brit I'm tempted to contribute..  However the pragmatist in me is thinking "FFS Libby, don't try to strangle the goose that lays the golden eggs.  Just pipe down and think of the  British tourist industry."  Notting Hill, Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Meghan and Harry.  Whatever nostalgia, period drama and fairy dust gets you guys over here and spending a bit of coin.

 

Really? Are Americans the golden egged geese? Of course you are aware that Harry and Meghan live in California.  The monarchy, which by your words do not seek power because they are born to it and simply must only do their duty, as a weary burden, of course...have historically colonized half the world.  Toryism is probably the American equivalent of far right politics.

How simple and condescending to suggest that tourism in the UK would revolve around television shows. No thank you.