February 9, 2012

Inside the Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

I had to go to the Houses of Parliament for a meeting today.  As you do. I was early for my meeting, so I did a couple of things that a tourist probably wouldn't. Firstly, I went into St. Margaret's Church.  Never heard of it?  Well, that's probably because it stands right next door to … [Read more...]

From the Heart… of England: England in the Snow – England To Get a White Christmas

HillsideInSnow

It's below freezing here in Blighty now and according to the Met Office, we're due for snow tonight and all over the weekend.  And here's how my house will look again! When I was a kid, I used to dream of snow.  My godfather was a carpenter and he lovingly made me the best sledge anyone ever … [Read more...]

From the Heart of… England: Tea time!

[picappgallerysingle id="63022"]I probably shouldn't write this on Jonathan's own blog but, dear reader, I could not be more shocked at his behaviour in Britain. How could he DO that? Weren't you feeling a little faint reading about it, too? I really don't know if I can write a column for … [Read more...]

From the Heart… of England: What’s in a name?

[picappgallerysingle id="74425" align="center"]Hmmm...quite a lot, actually. I've read loads of articles about 'silly' English place names such as Lower Piddle, Pratt's Bottom, Doddiscombsleigh, Wigtwizzle and the like.  I love them, but then I was taught to love them by my wonderful father who … [Read more...]

From the Heart… of England: Time for an English lesson

[picappgallerysingle id="168049"]I have often travelled on work trips to the States and been asked how long I am staying.  Before I knew better, I used to answer "a fortnight", which met with rather blank looks Stateside.  So let me explain a few of our quirkier notions of time in Blighty... A … [Read more...]

Ten tips to swear like a Brit

I am unfortunately aware that we have successfully exported chef Gordon Ramsay to you.  My sincere apologies. Obviously, the man can cook (and play football) - I wouldn't want to imply that he can't.  in fact I truly admire his culinary skill.  But as an ambassador for the English language, … [Read more...]

From the Heart… of England: Remember, remember

Most Americans know perfectly well that on 5th November each year we Brits all go slightly barking mad and become pyromaniacs for the night, gathering around bonfires with an effigy atop and letting off enough fireworks to keep the villagers awake until midnight.  But just in case you're not sure … [Read more...]

The Anglotopia Guide to Tipping in Britain and London: Ten Top Brit tipping tips…

Editor's Note: In my recent guide for Americans traveling in the UK - one topic that elicited the biggest response was my take on tipping in London. Apparently, I was completely wrong on most counts in regards to tipping in Britain. Sadly, I must concede that on this point, I am but yet another … [Read more...]

From the heart… of England: In praise of the humble British Banger

Here we are, with British Sausage Week almost upon us (2nd to 8th November 2009).  It's cunningly scheduled to coincide with Guy Fawkes Night, which is a traditional time to eat sausages (for supper on Bonfire Night, British mums often stack several sausages around a pile of mashed potato and pour … [Read more...]

From the Heart… of England: Shhhhhhh! TOP SECRET How to become a London Gent

GeoTrumper

Photo from Flickr by World of Good Okay, this post is for all of you chaps who have ever fancied being a quintessential English gentleman for the day. BUT IT IS SECRET.  This stuff is normally only known by true bonafide Brits (like me) and I shouldn't really be divulging such secrets but... … [Read more...]

From the Heart… of England: A Very British Letter of Apology

P9290302

Before I can begin my journey in helping you to discover, understand and embrace true Englishness, I felt I should apologise for some of the things that we are, frankly, rubbish at. I don't mean baseball, although I am sure you will assume that anyway. I mean the things that may shock you when … [Read more...]

From the Heart… of England: Ten Tips from a True Brit to Help You Discover Real Englishness

CIMG2498

1. Don't worry too much about the weather! Yes, I know, we Brits are obsessed with the weather. We really do talk about it all the time. However, it's actually a case of politeness, rather than a deep fascination with Meteorology. The fact of the matter is, that we have a very temperate … [Read more...]

Introducing Anna: Our New English Country Lady Blogger

Exciting news for all those looking to get an inside look into what it's like to live in the English countryside. Anna, a former BBC news correspdondent who now lives with her family in Oxfordshire has agreed to write a weekly column about Britain and living life in the English countryside. She … [Read more...]

sikis izle