London. As iconic as the red telephone booths (with porn stars’ postcards taped next to the telephone - lovely), is the local vernacular language. For instance, “bowled them a googly”; I had to ask a local to translate. It means to surprise someone with something unexpected. Once, an equerry was an attendant to the royal family, today it means personal assistant. Bubble and squeak was another favorite; something about frying up leftover veggies and taters.
Then again, English muffins for breakfast are unheard of, but crumpets rule at tea time during the holidays. English muffins, aka crumpets, fall in the same category as Canadian bacon in the USA. In Canada, this meat cut is referred to as back bacon. Canadians have no idea what Americans are talking about when they ask for Canadian bacon. The same blank look accompanied our request for English muffins in London. Blimey, but these Americans are stupid.
And still the Brits drive on the ‘other side’ of the road. I did find, though, that the English are a thoughtful people under these most trying circumstances. The street curbs, for instance, are marked “Look Left” or “Look Right”, which marks are, obviously, not for the locals, but for the rest of the world that drives on the right side of the road. Apparently other worldly folk step off the curb only to be flattened by a car driving in the “opposite” direction -- and Splat goes the tourist.
I did notice that the cars themselves were in remarkably good shape, not a single scratch or ding to be found anywhere. This observation led me to believe that the drivers must be incredibly proficient. Only when I spoke to my much more worldly and sophisticated brother was I enlightened. Apparently drivers must take their cars for inspection once a year. The engine and body must be in perfect condition in order for the car’s license to be renewed.
Nonetheless, the British do have a remarkable sense of humor, which was borne out whenever I noticed a pub sign. Where else could one find a pub named Faggots & Gravy, or Hung, Drawn & Quartered. The Cock & Donkey likewise stirred the imagination, making me wonder if the Captain & Tenille conceived their moniker inspiration while traveling in the UK.
