I may be visiting London this spring

[Sigma1]

Hello everyone - It looks like I might be heading over to London and Oxford for my spring break this year (I'm a grad-student who will be attending a conference in Oxford a few days later).

However the primary reason for this thread is that I was hoping for a bit of advice/suggestions from people who live there or have traveled there before.

I know its hard to describe what is very British, since its hard to describe what's American (unless you count all the cheap imports from China). I don't really believe most of the icons, such as Big Ben, would be something a Brit would claim captures their culture. I am hoping to see and/or experience a few things which is really representative of their culture.

What do the Brits hold pride in for their country? Should I invest any time on television? I heard the MTV there is orders of magnitude better than what we've here. I can gander a few guesses, but I'd rather hear from some Brits what they enjoy / proud of about their country.

Also I'll be looking for souvenirs for my friends and family. I am open to suggestions.

What are some differences in etiquette? I'd prefer to avoid any faux pas. Are there any major differences in laws that I should be aware of?

Any other suggestions or comments?


p.s.

I am not really looking for any tickle buddies while I am out there seeing as I know very few British citizens and I'll only be there for about a week. Although I'd be open to making some new friends.

 

[melanie2]

lucky you..i've always wanted to visit England..have fun..

 

[QueenBeeBeeMari]

I've never been but I hear it's an awesome place.Just use all the normal manners you would use here.
this may also help you some.
http://www.oconus.com/Main/eArticle.asp?228

 

[Budweiserbob!]

hmmm... what do I hold as "British"...

Ok, here are some of my suggestions:

- Pubs. You should really take the time to go into a couple of pubs while you're over here. They're like your bars but with a unique atmosphere. It's important to visit a few pubs though because you tend to get the odd pub that isn't "that" great so visit a couple so you have a bench mark set. Remember, we serve in Pints and half Pints. 😉

- Fish & Chips. No, it's not just stereotyping, we do take pride in are Fish & Chip shops. I've tried your Fish & Chips when I visited America and there is no comparison, you'll love our Chippies. 😛

- Site-Seeing. A lot of our culture is visual. Tudor Houses, Victorian Markets, Countryside etc. There's a lot of history in the scenery especially around Oxford and London.

As you may have noticed, I've only mentioned generic things to do when in England because I live in Bristol which is the opposite side of the Country to where you're going. 😛

 

[Wayneyavfc]

i'd suggest going too a football match if possible, the atmosphere is amazing in UK, or rugby match either or...

there expensive especially in london but our whole country prides itself on football, its like a religion

 

[Budweiserbob!]

avfc... aw mate, you gotta be kiddin'! 😛

But he's right, Football is our largest religion. It's above Christianity, Muslim and Jedi.

 

[Sigma1]

Many thanks

Everybody, thanks for all the replies so far - I am making a list of these suggestions.

I also thought I'd ask this question on www.tickle-brits.co.uk. I bet I'll get a lot of useful advice from there.