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-   -   Dressing like A Local (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/dressing-like-a-local-613204/)

SallyCanuck May 8th, 2006 10:27 AM

Here's a site for England www.visitbritain.com

DavidBailey May 8th, 2006 10:53 AM

As a Brit I would say that you'll be just another tourist on the streets of London. i would guess that 30% of the people in town will be tourists, including Brits.
The give away for folks from the States is the stetson hat and the loud check trousers - seriously though we all look alike. Oxford Street is apparently where most of the dippers (pickpockets) work, and some Underground stations. Keep your bags zipped up and in your sight or keep money in inside clothing, zipped if possible. It seems that a rising proportion of the dippers are Eastern Europeans and very young (10-14). Just be careful, like the rest of us and beware of being bumped. But don't worry about it.
You cousins across the Ditch refer to a device known to you as a "Fanny Bag". A fanny in this country is the female genitalia so refer to that bag as a BumBag instead - saves the embarrassing glances.
Try not to buy soft drinks from street peddlars - they'll often charge ridiculous prices. Our prices are high enough anyway. Don't miss out on a ride in the London Eye. It's right by the Houses Of Parliament (and Big Ben isn't the tower at that site, it's the bass bell within the tower. The tower is actually called St Stephens Tower.)The views are spectacular (since we don't have a Seattle Needle or a Stratosphere the Eye's the best we've got).

bcnuineurope May 8th, 2006 12:25 PM

Hey, DavidBailey,
Thank you so much for the info! I'll be sure to keep away from Oxford Street, even though I could be missing something important, and I will definitely take a ride in the London eye! Thanks again!

~~~~~~~bcnuineurope~~~~~~~

Heimdall May 8th, 2006 11:24 PM

Bcnuineurope, I don't think David was suggesting you stay away from Oxford Street, just be careful when there. Oxford Street is the prime shopping area of London, with many of the big department stores, including Selfridges. Locals are more likely to do their shopping there than in Harrods, Fortnums, et al.

david_west May 9th, 2006 03:13 AM

If ypou're an american the following things will give you away as an american tourist:

The teeth

The Hair

The Canadian flag stitched to your backpack.

jmw44 May 9th, 2006 03:30 AM

When I read these threads (believe it or not, I always find something of interest), I find myself wondering if there is a webcam somewhere in Italy that allows folks to see passers-by.

Kate May 9th, 2006 04:12 AM

Of course! This is a webcam I watch often as it's near my second home in Puglia (The south of Italy) - I watch it when I'm sick of England. The great advantage for clothing watchers is that it's about 99% italian - even the summer tourists are 99%italian, so you can be sure of genuine italianess of the attire on display. The square's a bit empty at the moment as everyone's gone to lunch. Down south, the streets are deserted between 1 and 5pm.

http://www.carovigno.com/webcam.htm

CubFanAlways May 11th, 2006 08:31 PM

I’ve been to the UK many times, along with several other European countries. I’m not sure of bcnuineurope’s specific reason for wanting to blend in, but I do agree that I try to blend in as well. The main reason for me is, if I looked like a tourist, I am saying “I am a greater than average (though not necessarily likely) target for crime.” I guess I pass it off well because I have been asked for directions every time!

Bcnuineurope, they definitely do seem to wear dark shoes and socks in favor of white. I suggest a nice pair a dark walking shoes, such as Rockport. Wear the dark shoes and socks and you’re 90% there.

David refers to the meaning of “fanny”. It is my understanding - correct me if I’m wrong, David – that it is considered the * worst * word to use. (Think of another equivalent. That’s what “fanny” is.) Therefore, don’t let your ignorance embarrass you. Use the term Bum Bag.

Wear a Canadian flag? Who said that?Never! Nothing against my pals to the north; I’m just not one of them.

Robespierre May 12th, 2006 06:47 AM

I think it unfortunate that popular usage has made a perfectly innocuous word taboo. If "Pussy Galore" is permitted, why not "Fanny Pack?"

http://www.nyise.org/fanny/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083922/
http://eserver.org/fiction/fanny-hill/
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/...phy/brice.html
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...nce&n=5174
...and my personal favorite:
http://womenshistory.about.com/libra...biofarmerf.htm


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