Costly Britain

Britain Can Be Charming…But Costly

By Arnie Greenberg
Contact Arnie at
ultours@aol.com

'England swings like a pendulum do,
Bobbies on bicycles two by two,
Westminster abbey, the tower of Big Ben,
The rosy red cheeks of the little children.'

So the song goes…and so does this remarkable country.

England is a dynamic place, and there's no need to tell you here about its exciting history and accomplishments of the past.

People have been flocking here for years, especially from North America.

The language is the same, and that makes visitors comfortable. The hotels are available…from posh country manors to tiny B&Bs. And while English cooking was always considered second rate, there have been changes. Even hotel breakfasts are more to tourist liking. Yes, you can get a good meal in England, although I found recently that it could be expensive. More about that later...

There is much to see in London and the countryside. Here, again, I don't have to make a list, but just walking around London is a treat. True, the buses crowd the narrow streets, and one has the feeling of being crowded into narrow lanes.

But even that has changed. There are broad boulevards, wide highways and enough parkland to get away from the crowds. I certainly didn't mind the masses around Piccadilly Circus or Trafalgar Square or Big Ben.

Just being there was exciting. I also enjoyed the views from both sides of Tower Bridge and my walk along Fleet Street. Buckingham Palace is a gem no matter what you think about the importance of royalty. St. Paul's is ranked among the world's best cathedrals to visit, and walking around Chelsea or Soho proves again that England is, indeed, like a 'pendulum.'

Old and New Exist Side by Side

The old and new have existed side by side. England sets trends in fashion, in music, in attitudes. There people do not sit on their tongues. They get up on soap boxes and speak their minds. They have interesting opinions, attitudes, and ideas to share. They are hardly a quaint island people.

English society is dynamic. Even its entertainment is avant garde. We copy their styles and trends. To wear a tweed Saville Row coat or drive a Jag is upscale. To eat fish and chips wrapped in paper is still trendy. To be English is to be proud, interested and interesting.
The English art is world-renowned. The museums are certainly worth visiting. I especially enjoy the British Museum with its relics, artifacts and private collections. The Tate is a wonderful place to spend a day. Add the beautiful Victoria and Albert Museum and The National Gallery, and you have art for any taste.

Drive through the city on a double-decker bus. Take 'high tea' with clotted cream and scones, stand at the bar of a pub and have a pint or two. There is not a moment to lose in this wonderful city.

But England is more than London. I suggest Windsor Castle as a place to visit, especially during the changing of the guard. It's very impressive. Visit Shakespeare's city of Stratford. Take in a play. It's magical just to be there. Visit Oxford or Cambridge or Rye with its tiny cobblestone streets.

Take time to see Stonehenge or the charming villages of The Cotswalds. These are all close to London, and it will give you the itch to want more. Yes, it can be foggy and it does rain. I suggest May or October as the best times to visit.

More to See after London

But there certainly is more from Brighton in the south to Hadrian's Wall and the Lake District. The great cities of Manchester, Bristol or Canterbury all have wonders to offer. If you have the time, visit Ireland or Wales, slowly. They are beyond charming, and of course, there's Scotland with the great city of Edinburgh and its castle and the royal mile, and Aberdeen and Inverness with the whiskey trail, not to mention Loch Ness. Include a visit to the ancient golf course at St. Andrews. Try to get a game in while you're there. The links course is fabled and unique.

Great Britain offers something for every age. It is old but with a youthful attitude. Maybe the Beatles helped make that happen.

A word of caution:

We used to go to London for a quick theatre holiday or a stop on our way to some other European destination. Now, even though we have a daughter living there, our choice of London as a holiday venue is waning. It's not because of the narrow streets or quaint accents. It's strictly because of the prices. Britain can be an expensive place for Canadians. The British pound is too high to make a trip fun.

Expensive Food

Consider the following: We went out for a pizza one night. It was one of those places where you select a topping and they give you a flat thin pizza made to order. They cut it into tiny squares, which four of us shared, and as I recall, we drank soft drinks. It ended with a sweet desert pizza with ice cream and chocolate sauce. It was in a place filled with young people, and I enjoyed the food and the ambiance until I received my bill.

Now 55 pounds may be the going price for Londoners, even though I'd say that $55 would even be high for any pizza in any country. But when I converted the amount into Canadian dollars, I realized that I was paying $132 for the food, plus a tip of 7 pounds, which was just shy of $150. Maybe I'm naïve, but I found that a little beyond my expectations.

Dinner for four in a Chinese restaurant came to $100 pounds or $240 plus tips. From then on we ate in my daughter's apartment.

Cost can be a reason for spoiling a holiday. And when you consider that I recently had goose liver pate, salad and goulash soup in Budapest for under $10 Cdn., you know there are places where one can eat well and inexpensively.

Consider, too, the meals included on a tour. Those same meals would cost an individual much more if ordered by a couple traveling alone. There is something to be said for group rates. But not everyone enjoys traveling in a group, and not everyone travels with Canadian money. I'm just saying that for Canadians, the cost takes the edge off.

Even Americans might find these prices steep when you take off the 30% for the exchange rate. That pizza would still translate into $100 American, FOR PIZZA AND COKE? And that simple Chinese meal would still be $160 plus tip for 4. Hardly a bargain.

Yet, things happen where one does save money.

One year we happened to be in London when the Wimbledon Tennis tournament was rained out a number of times. They had to carry over play into the Monday, which was not regularly scheduled. They advertised that entry would be free that day on a first-come basis.

We mounted an underground train early that morning, joined the queue (notice, I didn't say 'lines') and waited anxiously to see if we would get in. We did, and we sat at center main court in wonderful seats and saw some of the best tennis I had ever seen. And even if I had to pay to get in, I might have gone. There are times when it is worth the extra fare to do something special.

Yes, England does "Swing" and it does move like a 'pendulum" with the times. British Bobbies still ride bicycles in some places, but they have modernized and drive smart fast cars these days. Westminster Abbey and Big Ben still beckon you, and those 'rosy cheeked' little children in tailored school uniforms still complete a peaceful setting.

But there is a brusque, pub crawling, boisterous side of working class Britain. Don't let that deter you, however. It's just what makes Britain different. Britain is the queen, it's Churchill, the Beatles, cricket and 'bangers and mash.'* It's a little expensive for my taste, but it is different.

*Note: Bangers and mash is the closest thing you can get to hotdogs and mashed potatoes. And for those of you who enjoy bagels, they, too, are available in most big cities, including London.

(Click below for more travel).


	Britain Can Be Charming…But Costly *By Arnie Greenberg* Contact Arnie at ultours@aol.com 'England swings like a pendulum do, Bobbies on bicycles two by two, Westminster abbey, the tower of Big Ben, The rosy red cheeks of the little children.' So the song goes…and so does this remarkable country. England is a dynamic place, and there's no need to tell you here about its exciting history and accomplishments of the past. People have been flocking here for years, especially from North America. The language is the same, and that makes visitors comfortable. The hotels are available…from posh country manors to tiny B&Bs. And while English cooking was always considered second rate, there have been changes. Even hotel breakfasts are more to tourist liking. Yes, you can get a good meal in England, although I found recently that it could be expensive. More about that later... There is much to see in London and the countryside. Here, again, I don't have to make a list, but just walking around London is a treat. True, the buses crowd the narrow streets, and one has the feeling of being crowded into narrow lanes. But even that has changed. There are broad boulevards, wide highways and enough parkland to get away from the crowds. I certainly didn't mind the masses around Piccadilly Circus or Trafalgar Square or Big Ben. Just being there was exciting. I also enjoyed the views from both sides of Tower Bridge and my walk along Fleet Street. Buckingham Palace is a gem no matter what you think about the importance of royalty. St. Paul's is ranked among the world's best cathedrals to visit, and walking around Chelsea or Soho proves again that England is, indeed, like a 'pendulum.' Old and New Exist Side by Side The old and new have existed side by side. England sets trends in fashion, in music, in attitudes. There people do not sit on their tongues. They get up on soap boxes and speak their minds. They have interesting opinions, attitudes, and ideas to share. They are hardly a quaint island people. English society is dynamic. Even its entertainment is avant garde. We copy their styles and trends. To wear a tweed Saville Row coat or drive a Jag is upscale. To eat fish and chips wrapped in paper is still trendy. To be English is to be proud, interested and interesting. The English art is world-renowned. The museums are certainly worth visiting. I especially enjoy the British Museum with its relics, artifacts and private collections. The Tate is a wonderful place to spend a day. Add the beautiful Victoria and Albert Museum and The National Gallery, and you have art for any taste. Drive through the city on a double-decker bus. Take 'high tea' with clotted cream and scones, stand at the bar of a pub and have a pint or two. There is not a moment to lose in this wonderful city. But England is more than London. I suggest Windsor Castle as a place to visit, especially during the changing of the guard. It's very impressive. Visit Shakespeare's city of Stratford. Take in a play. It's magical just to be there. Visit Oxford or Cambridge or Rye with its tiny cobblestone streets. Take time to see Stonehenge or the charming villages of The Cotswalds. These are all close to London, and it will give you the itch to want more. Yes, it can be foggy and it does rain. I suggest May or October as the best times to visit. More to See after London But there certainly is more from Brighton in the south to Hadrian's Wall and the Lake District. The great cities of Manchester, Bristol or Canterbury all have wonders to offer. If you have the time, visit Ireland or Wales, slowly. They are beyond charming, and of course, there's Scotland with the great city of Edinburgh and its castle and the royal mile, and Aberdeen and Inverness with the whiskey trail, not to mention Loch Ness. Include a visit to the ancient golf course at St. Andrews. Try to get a game in while you're there. The links course is fabled and unique. Great Britain offers something for every age. It is old but with a youthful attitude. Maybe the Beatles helped make that happen. A word of caution: We used to go to London for a quick theatre holiday or a stop on our way to some other European destination. Now, even though we have a daughter living there, our choice of London as a holiday venue is waning. It's not because of the narrow streets or quaint accents. It's strictly because of the prices. Britain can be an expensive place for Canadians. The British pound is too high to make a trip fun. Expensive Food Consider the following: We went out for a pizza one night. It was one of those places where you select a topping and they give you a flat thin pizza made to order. They cut it into tiny squares, which four of us shared, and as I recall, we drank soft drinks. It ended with a sweet desert pizza with ice cream and chocolate sauce. It was in a place filled with young people, and I enjoyed the food and the ambiance until I received my bill. Now 55 pounds may be the going price for Londoners, even though I'd say that $55 would even be high for any pizza in any country. But when I converted the amount into Canadian dollars, I realized that I was paying $132 for the food, plus a tip of 7 pounds, which was just shy of $150. Maybe I'm naïve, but I found that a little beyond my expectations. Dinner for four in a Chinese restaurant came to $100 pounds or $240 plus tips. From then on we ate in my daughter's apartment. Cost can be a reason for spoiling a holiday. And when you consider that I recently had goose liver pate, salad and goulash soup in Budapest for under $10 Cdn., you know there are places where one can eat well and inexpensively. Consider, too, the meals included on a tour. Those same meals would cost an individual much more if ordered by a couple traveling alone. There is something to be said for group rates. But not everyone enjoys traveling in a group, and not everyone travels with Canadian money. I'm just saying that for Canadians, the cost takes the edge off. Even Americans might find these prices steep when you take off the 30% for the exchange rate. That pizza would still translate into $100 American, FOR PIZZA AND COKE? And that simple Chinese meal would still be $160 plus tip for 4. Hardly a bargain. Yet, things happen where one does save money. One year we happened to be in London when the Wimbledon Tennis tournament was rained out a number of times. They had to carry over play into the Monday, which was not regularly scheduled. They advertised that entry would be free that day on a first-come basis. We mounted an underground train early that morning, joined the queue (notice, I didn't say 'lines') and waited anxiously to see if we would get in. We did, and we sat at center main court in wonderful seats and saw some of the best tennis I had ever seen. And even if I had to pay to get in, I might have gone. There are times when it is worth the extra fare to do something special. Yes, England does "Swing" and it does move like a 'pendulum" with the times. British Bobbies still ride bicycles in some places, but they have modernized and drive smart fast cars these days. Westminster Abbey and Big Ben still beckon you, and those 'rosy cheeked' little children in tailored school uniforms still complete a peaceful setting. But there is a brusque, pub crawling, boisterous side of working class Britain. Don't let that deter you, however. It's just what makes Britain different. Britain is the queen, it's Churchill, the Beatles, cricket and 'bangers and mash.'* It's a little expensive for my taste, but it is different. Note: Bangers and mash is the closest thing you can get to hotdogs and mashed potatoes. And for those of you who enjoy bagels, they, too, are available in most big cities, including London. (Click below for more travel).*