> ~ Even before I landed, I could see how pretty the English countryside was. I've seen a lot of the States from above, and it's mostly large barren rectangular brown fields. England has fields too, but they're green and lined with trees.

Ah, the countryside, enjoy it while it lasts. Before too long there may well be houses built on it or a new motorway going through it.

> ~ I got handed a Flake by Matthew almost as soon as I stepped out of Passport Services. It took a second to get used to the flavor, but I wound up bringing an obscene amount home.

As has been mentioned in the forum before, a flake is probably the most female-targeted choccy bar in this country. The adverts are all aimed at informing women what a sensual experience eating one can be. Never mind that the bath may be overflowing at the time!

> ~ London is probably a lot easier to see when one is not dragging a heavy suitcase behind one.

Oops, Sorry. We really should have thought about that.

> the place where Sosiqui met Beasty.

Remember that. It may be famous one day!

> ~ Even though it was warm (and sunny!) enough to have ice cream when I arrived, it became noticeably colder and wetter as the week went on. For the most part it was a rather refreshing change from California, but it did get to be too cold for me by the end of the week. (You Brits may all laugh at me now for being a wimp.)

You Yanks! A little spot of rain or cloud and you go to pieces!

>At one point, we saw a fish 'n' chips shop, walked on for about 20 minutes, then decided we wanted fish 'n' chips. We crossed over a few streets, and bam... there was that same shop.

Ah, fish and chips... Best fast food there is.

> It was awesome to see a REAL CASTLE.

Yep, we have lots of 'em. Legacy of the middle ages. Barons and the feudal system and all that stuff.

> ~ Spotted dick is pretty good. I have a hard time not laughing whenever I say or type it, though.

Very fattening though. Basically suet pudding full of currants.

> It's difficult not to grow fond of the one-pound coin.

Hah! I used to do a paper round, collecting the money at the door. Soon, my pocket was full of thirty pound coins instead of notes. They were a pain to carry around as I remember.

> I think I could be quite happy living in England. Now to look up those study abroad programs...
>
> Maryam

Yeah, you'll be back, count on it. And us Brit Rinkies will be waiting.

Bea"So who's next? Anyone?"sty