Friendly people of London
 

Having just returned from the last week in London, I would love to thank those people who gave me advice - especially those living in London. This was one of the most delightful places I have ever visited. Never have I encountered friendlier people.<BR>Everyone was so kind and helpful, and I will go back again soon. To the Londoners, you can be very proud of how your citizens treat visitors - I only hope we in the US make you feel as welcome when you come here.<BR>Thank you, Sue

Sue, this is an example of what we always say, you get back what you give.<BR>At a guess, I should say that you are pleasant and polite when you ask for directions.

I've traveled a lot to England and especially London , maybe 30 or more trips and I have always found the people to be helpful and certainly not rude!And they have amazing sense of humor!

Sue:<BR><BR>I had the same experience a long time ago. The people of London go out of there way to help you out. Even when you don't ask. If you look lost they ask where do you want to go.

I have always found Londoners to be delightful!

I'd have to second this sentiment. I only encountered one spot that I felt unwelcome. It was in a very out of the way pub that had strictly locals in it. I think we stood out as tourists and, understandably, kind of got the cold shoulder from the staff and patrons. At other pubs, theaters, eateries and stores I felt more welcome than I usually do in cities in the US.

We were definitely lost and a woman on her way home from the office stopped and asked if we needed help. Then she walked with us to start us off in the right direction.

When my husband and I were in London the first time, we stopped to check our map and a man asked us if we needed help. How nice not to have to approach a stranger and ask, help was there whenever we needed it! <BR>We do keep that in mind, when someone looks lost here in NYC and try to return the favor.

I agree with moonbeam--such great, dry, quick senses of humor!<BR><BR>My first time in London (or overseas for that matter), many years ago, my sister became ill our first night. In the morning I ventured out in search of a grocery store. I encountered a lovely lady of about 70 briskly walking and asked her where I could find the store. She motioned for me to keep up and walked me to the store--several blocks away. <BR><BR>I've been returning about twice a year ever since!

This echoes my first trip some years ago. Since that time, I have determined that it's not a fluke. Londoners are consistently approachable, friendly, charming, etc. In subsequent years, I have become so comfortable in London that it must show, as tourists ask ME for directions, and I am always obliged. Once I did my British accent to answer an inquiry, as I did not want to disappoint the yank who was asking.

I am so pleased you found Londoners welcoming.Gives me quite a glow.<BR><BR>May I return the compliment and say how friendly we found New Yorkers on our recent visit. People went out of their way to be pleasant to us.<BR><BR>hello from a windy, rainy London in the middle of a firefighters strike!<BR><BR>Anniel