The English are coming!

[TheEarl]

Welcome, one and all, to my travel thread. I have landed in the States, safe and well and will be posting a little bit about what's happening here in a bit.

The Earl

 

[yui]

Mwahahahahaha! <rubs hands together>

 

[3113]

I wonder if Customs searched him thoroughly?

 

[Tom Collins]

I wonder if Customs searched him thoroughly?

Oh, I doubt they did a thorough enough job, Lucky.
I'm certain you and I could find a spot or two that they didn't check properly.

Heyla, Oil, glad to hear that you've come down safe.

 

[Guest]

I wonder if Customs searched him thoroughly?

Oh, yes.

I'd be willing to help on the searching of Earl.

Glad you're here, and I can't wait to hear of your adventures!

 

[3113]

Oh, I doubt they did a thorough enough job, Lucky.
I'm certain you and I could find a spot or two that they didn't check properly.

Gas up the gettaway car, Wheels! We gots 'ta get th' Oil outta Customs! No one roughs that Brit up but us!

 

[TheEarl]

The first impression I got of America was the sheer enthusiasm and gusto of the people. From the flight attendant serving me, who seemed to accept every request as a new delight to get enthusiastic about, to the various people of San Francisco who have struck up conversation with me. I've learned that it does not pay to even open up a guide book in public unless you want a ten minute talk with the groups of people who will launch themselves at you to try and help. It's delightful, if slightly disconcerting.

I've been here two and a bit days and am determined to experience as much Americana as possible. Crossed off the list has been Tootsie Rolls, hamburgers, hotdogs, baseball (Barry Bonds was thoroughly underwhelming) and Hooters (didn't spend any money there, but got a picture with two girls ). Have cycled over the Golden Gate bridge, visited Fisherman's Wharf, , was the public demonstration for an exercise device that strongly resembled a hula-hoop, walked the Embarcadero market and spent far too much money. Next couple of days might have to be a touch more frugal.

I can thoroughly recommend San Francisco as a city for any Englishman looking for an ego boost. I will admit to having been shallow and asked a pretty girl for directions which I already knew, just to get the cheap boost of free flirts. I don't know if it's the accent, the general openness of San Franciscans or if my looks fit the bill here. It's fun though. <smiles>

I'm currently staying with Perdita, who is even better in real life than she is on Lit. I've met her once before in my home city, but she's nothing short of perfect on home ground. Her house is full of books, statuettes, clippings, paintings, old calendars and photos. It's warm and friendly, full of memoranda from time well spent.

Off for a pint in a local 'Irish' bar.

The Earl

 

[3113]

I've been here two and a bit days and am determined to experience as much Americana as possible. Crossed off the list has been Tootsie Rolls, hamburgers, hotdogs, baseball (Barry Bonds was thoroughly underwhelming) and Hooters (didn't spend any money there, but got a picture with two girls

You're so darn cute! Though I have to say it thinking of the U.S. as being known for...Hooters

Why, God? Why?

I will admit to having been shallow and asked a pretty girl for directions which I already knew, just to get the cheap boost of free flirts. I don't know if it's the accent, the general openness of San Franciscans or if my looks fit the bill here. It's fun though. <smiles>

See? No one ever believes me. Americans find that accent irresistable. No one may give you a second look there in England, but here in the U.S. that accent is pure gold. Especially with the girls. Make the most of it Earl. All you have to do is open your mouth and they'll fall right into your arms.

 

[matriarch]

Welcome to across the pond, Earl. Ain't it wonderfully........different?

I've spent 6 months out of the last 9 here, and I'm still getting used to it.

And still getting the piss taken out of my accent. Bless 'em all.

 

[English Lady]

Glad you're enjoying yourself Earl, love. Keep us voyeurs updated, okay?

 

[JustaJerk]

Welcome to the U.S., Earl.
But I must admit, having someone gauge the U.S. based on San Francisco can be a little disconcerting. California is a state of the union. San Francisco as a state of mind(less).

But, I'm sure Perdita will keep it all straight for you.

 

[scheherazade_79]

Hey, Earl!

Glad you're having a ball! Keep us all updated. I'm envious

 

[Guest]

smiling hugely. verra glad you've made the leap...even glad-er that you're with P and are having a blast! *getting the love shack ready for yas*

 

[rgraham666]

Glad you're having a good time, Earl.

Say Hi to P for me.

 

[Guest]

Off for a pint in a local 'Irish' bar.

I know approximately where P lives, and you could spend weeks alone in the Irish Bars nearby. There's also a some great Chinese restaurants on Clement street.

I'll agree slightly with JustAJerk and say that San Francisco isn't what the US is. But I'll part with him and say it is what the US ought to be. As you've seen it is friendly, it also tolerant, willing to try new things and not trying to be the Shopping Mall sameness the rest of the US seems rushing towards.

You're going to have a fabulous time! Riding over the bridge on a bike is the one thing I'd have told you to do! Bike out to the Cliff House and along the ocean there too.

Have fun--you are in one of the World's Great Cities.

And give love to Perdita!

 

[MaeveoSliabh]

... San Francisco as a state of mind(less).

But, I'm sure Perdita will keep it all straight for you.

*snicker*

*ahem*

Don't forget chinatown, the botanical gardens, and the museum of the arts. There's one particular painting in there (i think it's still there, been 10 or so years since i've been to California) that's absolutely stunning. Don't recall the title, but it's huge, full of rich colors, and the expressions on the faces of the bride and groom are wonderful.

 

[Aurora Black]

Very nice, Earl. Keep the descriptions coming so I can live vicariously through you! Lucky bastard.

 

[LLs Man]

Glad to here you're having a good time over there We'll be hitting Atlanta at the end of the month, but unless any Lit peeps are going to be at Dragon*Con it's unlikely we'll be meeting any.

Love to Perdita

 

[Elsie Grey]

So... What have you been upto today? C'mon Earl spill!

Elsie

xxx

P.S. The purple peril is roadworthy and Flame says hi!

 

[sophia jane]

So glad you're enjoying your travels, Earl. And I agree completely about the accent doing you wonders over here.
Hope your trip continues to be wonderful. So wish I could meet you while you're here, but I know I can count on V. to give you lots of hugs for me.

 

[Guest]

And I agree completely about the accent doing you wonders over here.

"I say, hello lass."

 

[Liar]

Sounds like you're having a blast. SanF is a great place with friendly, gererous people. Could be said about almost anywhere on the continent though.

Give Dita my best.

 

[3113]

I've been here two and a bit days and am determined to experience as much Americana as possible.

Have you had a big, American breakfast yet? All the Brits I've known who've visited the states seem to fall in love with America's idea of a big breakfast. I remember one fellow raving about *Denny's* of all places (that's a chain restaurant, cheap, big of breakfast).

I think it has something to do with the fact that such places give you so many choices. What kind of meat you want with those eggs (ham, sausage, bacon), what kind of toast, waffles or pancakes, what kind of juice....

Apparently, the English are less into offering choices when it comes to meals. You get what you get and that's that.

 

[Tom Collins]

Have you had a big, American breakfast yet? All the Brits I've known who've visited the states seem to fall in love with America's idea of a big breakfast. I remember one fellow raving about *Denny's* of all places (that's a chain restaurant, cheap, big of breakfast).

I think it has something to do with the fact that such places give you so many choices. What kind of meat you want with those eggs (ham, sausage, bacon), what kind of toast, waffles or pancakes, what kind of juice....

Apparently, the English are less into offering choices when it comes to meals. You get what you get and that's that.

This is true. My mum's husband is Scotish and he bloody well loves Denny's...LMAO He loved the fact that you could get this HUGE late of fries with chilie, onions, bacon and cheese piled on top of them.

 

[Guest]

So glad you're enjoying your travels, Earl. And I agree completely about the accent doing you wonders over here.
Hope your trip continues to be wonderful. So wish I could meet you while you're here, but I know I can count on V. to give you lots of hugs for me.

bummed that you wont be here. it was supposed to be a conglomeration of birthday peeps.