Ok. @Gramps49, I'm more than happy to receive a taste of my own medicine. You just don't do it very well. Nor did you notice that at least one poster had assumed that because windows in US buses and trains apparently open wide enough for a thin person to squeeze through then it must be the same elsewhere.
Just as I had made similar assumptions in reverse, that there might be windows that open on US buses and trains.
That wasn't cross-Pond point scoring, but an observation to reinforce one that @Lamb Chopped made.
On the gearbox incident I should have made it clear that not all US visitors who hire cars here drive around without changing gear and yes, the car hire company should make provision for hirers' possible unfamiliarity with manual gear change or make vehicles with automatic gears available to them where possible.
I simply used it as an example of assumptions and should have made it clearer that it wasn't an attack on US visitors per se.
Equally, the fact that I've seen visitors from other countries not knowing how to order drinks or food in British pubs doesn't imply any value judgement on them. 'Tut! Tut! Tsk! Tsk! Why didn't they read a guidebook?'
No, it's not their 'fault' and where possible I help people out in such circumstances - as should other customers, the bar staff or the pub landlord.
Likewise British people shouldn't leave it to the oddballs to speak to strangers and visitors on trains. I've seen plenty of instances where they do, and plenty where they don't.
You are well travelled. Not everyone is. I often think that the UK must be a very confusing destination outside of the main cities and major tourist destinations. I've had a lot more help and assistance off the beaten track in Ireland, Spain, France and elsewhere than what I might reasonably expect in some parts of the UK.
It does vary though.
I've met travellers and tourists whose experiences here make me feel proud to be British. Others whose experiences make me feel the opposite.
Anyhow... on the teasing and leg-pulling thing. Yes, I over do it. No, text based media doesn't lend itself to it. I will try to amend my ways.
I know Shipmates will hold my feet to the fire if I don't but I ought to get into the habit of not doing it anyway, for all the reasons posters have cited.
Comments
Just as I had made similar assumptions in reverse, that there might be windows that open on US buses and trains.
That wasn't cross-Pond point scoring, but an observation to reinforce one that @Lamb Chopped made.
On the gearbox incident I should have made it clear that not all US visitors who hire cars here drive around without changing gear and yes, the car hire company should make provision for hirers' possible unfamiliarity with manual gear change or make vehicles with automatic gears available to them where possible.
I simply used it as an example of assumptions and should have made it clearer that it wasn't an attack on US visitors per se.
Equally, the fact that I've seen visitors from other countries not knowing how to order drinks or food in British pubs doesn't imply any value judgement on them. 'Tut! Tut! Tsk! Tsk! Why didn't they read a guidebook?'
No, it's not their 'fault' and where possible I help people out in such circumstances - as should other customers, the bar staff or the pub landlord.
Likewise British people shouldn't leave it to the oddballs to speak to strangers and visitors on trains. I've seen plenty of instances where they do, and plenty where they don't.
You are well travelled. Not everyone is. I often think that the UK must be a very confusing destination outside of the main cities and major tourist destinations. I've had a lot more help and assistance off the beaten track in Ireland, Spain, France and elsewhere than what I might reasonably expect in some parts of the UK.
It does vary though.
I've met travellers and tourists whose experiences here make me feel proud to be British. Others whose experiences make me feel the opposite.
Anyhow... on the teasing and leg-pulling thing. Yes, I over do it. No, text based media doesn't lend itself to it. I will try to amend my ways.
I know Shipmates will hold my feet to the fire if I don't but I ought to get into the habit of not doing it anyway, for all the reasons posters have cited.
Peace be to all.