"THE Capital of the WORLD!!!" London by Elena_007

London Travel Guide: 26,555 reviews and 43,845 photos

A Magnificent Lion near the London Eye - London

London, England

London is probably on everyone's "must see" list, even if only in their dreams. An amazing city to
visit, I would recommend at least once in a lifetime, spend some time to experience London for
yourself. Just walking around this vibrant city will surely leave you in awe.

Around every bend, there seems to be another sensational statue demanding a photo opportunity,
such as this powerful, yet elegant lion near the London Eye.

With my travel pages here at VT, I have attempted to inform you, without actually boring you half to death. Many travel destinations here, have been done hundreds, if not thousands, of times. I hope I can bring a new perspective to anyone who visits my pages, and hopefully, you will find them interesting, and perhaps learn something new while enjoying yourself, in the comfort of your own little piece of this world. (Where ever that may be).

May I suggest for instance, My Local Customs Tips, to learn the differences in "Proper English" and "American English?"

Here are a few excerpts:

natter: to have a natter is a chat similar to gossip. Although men tend to think only women natter or gossip, and men engage in conversations, I beg to differ.

pavement: UK- (What Americans call the sidewalk)
pavement: USA-(What Brits call Tarmac)

(Confusing because Americans think of Pavement as the Tarmac, NOT the sidewalk!)

loo:the restroom, bathroom, ladie's / men's room, etc. In England, it is also known as the WC (And you will notice motorway signs and wonder possibly... WC?) It is a water closet! (funny to this American!) Please see the following for a detailed explanation of the reasons for the name "loo." (And a good laugh!)

fag: cigarette (See the following web-site for a hilarious explanation)

(Links located on Local Customs Tips page)

Curious?

Another example of the differences in our culture ...

Let's just suppose you are an American who walks into an English pub. You overhear some Englishmen talking amongst themselves. One says, " Gray, mate, check out those birds over there!"

Naturally, you look out the window thinking perhaps there is a blue tit out there. (A bird!)

Eventually, you find out, "Gray" is a shortened version of Graham, and a bird is actually a woman!

Please see my Local Customs tips below for my TransAtlantic Translations "dictionary" if you are interested in knowing more about our English Language(s).

Pros and Cons

Pros:A vivacious, diverse, multi-cultural city with something for everyone.
Cons:Everything is overpriced with the tourist in mind.
In a nutshell:London IS one of the most incredible cities in the World!

Last visit to London: May 2004
Intro Updated Dec 9, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (41)

A Treasure Hunt in England Shopping (3)

Although I didn't really do much shopping in London, apart from a few trees worth of postcards, and a souvenirs for... more travel advice

London Souvenirs Shopping (3)

Most Londoners think that souvenir stalls are tacky, and the merchandise is cheap. Although this is mostly true, there... more travel advice

Another View of an English Thatched Cottage - London

More American Observations in England Local Customs (18)

When someone says they are on the blower, it means they are on the telephone. A teller is the cashier at any shop, not... more travel advice

American Observations in England Local Customs (18)

A fortnight is the equivalent of two weeks time. Americans are fortunate IF they can accumulate a fortnight for their... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Sep 25, 2004

8 photos

London, England

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (76)

Regina1965 Apr 4, 2010 at 12:17 PM Report Abuse

The difference in English and American is ever so funny :D I am going there in 2 weeks. Thanks for very good tips.
hmackay884 Aug 1, 2008 at 11:06 AM Report Abuse

I hope it brighten your day to know that I signed up for this site just to tell you THANK YOU!! Im going there in a month and have NO idea where to even start, so again, THANK YOU!!
diosh Dec 29, 2007 at 8:48 AM Report Abuse

Re those definitions- my friend overheard an American kid at a UK Aquarium saying- "Hey dad, that fish is going to the bathroom!".He he.
AKtravelers Jun 3, 2006 at 11:18 AM Report Abuse

Geez, proper English is hard. Maybe I'll learn Chinese instead!
Suet Dec 10, 2005 at 2:50 AM Report Abuse

I was giggling reading these definitions! I too found a different language using the same words when I went to live in the states! oh what fun we had.....
keida84 Oct 17, 2005 at 7:25 PM Report Abuse

Elaine, I will be heading to London this January, I enjoyed your customs tips and I will be back for further reading...1 sentence I did not see here: "I'll knock you up in the Morning" as in wake up call. Kat
aaaarrgh Oct 7, 2005 at 6:19 PM Report Abuse

Golly gosh, Elaine, MAMMOTH tips, thoroughly entertaining reading :-) BTW a long time ago you asked me to tell you when I updated my London page - its got a few more tips now!
thecatsmeow Aug 17, 2005 at 10:04 AM Report Abuse

Elaine, I sure appreciate the detail you have put into your pages. Although I must say I love to dip my fries in a good thick chocolate shake! :) Heading to London in 5 weeks and have a lot to learn about it. Your pages are a great start! Thanks. Joyce
Djkrysa May 1, 2005 at 1:14 PM Report Abuse

Actually a butty is any kind of sandwich. It might be amusing to ask for a doggie bag but you will get very funny looks if you do. It's rare to ask to take food home from a restaurant(of the eat in kind at least). Portions are 1/2 the size of the states.
Jenniflower Mar 21, 2005 at 4:05 PM Report Abuse

I never tire of my favourite city in the world! Thanks Elaine :) ~ Jen ~