Questions for non-Brits.

I was just wondering what folk from outside the UK associate with England?, I mean what do you think of when you think of England?

Also, if coming to the UK for a holiday what kind of thing (or things) are you looking for?

And one last question, for now anyway, what do you feel is lacking in England?

Actually it would be interesting to read replies from folk living here too not just non-Brits.

Good questions, Frank.  I give them a stab.

I've wanted to go to England since the Beatles first stepped off the plane in 1964, when I was a young lass of 8.  That was the beginning of what's referred to here as the "British Invasion."  The Rock n Roll connection between the 2 countries is, of course, very strong as we all know.  When I think of England, I think of history, and now, thanks to this lovely website, scenery as well.  It's breathtaking!  I also had no idea of the diversity from county to county and region to region.  Probably because the country isn't really too much bigger than some of our western states.

When we come to the UK, we love history and scenery, so it's right up our alley.  We also like to talk to the people who live there, not just tour guides.  But I'll probably never visit England without making a side trip to Ireland or vice-versa. I have a couple of shots of Ireland on POE, and am waiting for approval on a few more. The British Isles have pretty much spoiled me from wanting to go anywhere else.  I can't wait to come back.

My impression of Yorkshire, before I ever looked into it, was from the Dickens novels, a place where the orphans from London in those days were shipped, to be, for lack of a better word, slaves.  My impression now is that I'd move there in a heartbeat if I could.

What is lacking in England?   Hmmm.  Since I have so little experience there, I'd have to think about that one for a while.  For now, I think I prefer to be blissfully ignorant. 

English people Frank, it's too much of a hotch potch here now. Go abroad and flaunt the law in another country and say goodbye to your freedom. We offer the exact opposite here.....we'll even make a very generous donation of a house, dole money, we'll give you a grant to build the religious building of your choice etc etc etc.  I travel all over this country that was once ours and it amazes me.......I sometimes forget where I am in the world. The skylines are beginning to look like Middle East cities, the shops are owned by names I can't begin to pronounce and we're becoming the 'ethnic minority'. Not a million years ago a Chinese takeaway was the only place you'd see an exotic face, now they serve us fish and chips, that well known British institution. So Frank, English people and English traditions are what's lacking in our country. Andy.