Maybe you're just easily entertained. You know, like how a kid is with something shiny. :D

Wonder how the person who is subsidizing this adventure feels upon learning that England is nothing special? And no, the real travelers amongst us are not easily entertained, just more mature and able to focus on the wonders of other cultures and climes. And maturity is not an age - my 3 teens saw England at 18, 16 and 13 and were bitten with the travel bug. I think so many of here were waiting for some of those stories from you, and nothing, nada, zip, just a commentary on weird people, tax problems, and food different from what you buy at home. Too bad.

Dobby is not 18.

Well, that's how old he says he is, though he comes across as about 12.

Dave_Ohio: :) Brilliant idea!

As for all this "tough love" stuff - stay away, Dobby! You're perfectly well entitled to your own views, no matter how much others want to change you to THEIR pollyanna views of England.

All this "I feel so sorry for you" is just a way for some to affirm to themselves that they're superior to others. They've been doing this on Fodors for years.

Carry on, Dobby! What other unpleasantness have you met in GB? How's the food? Isn't it just ghastly?

The weather, we haven't gone there yet have we?

There's a reason this is in the Lounge. I find it very entertaining, mainly for the reactions of those taking it so seriously.

Carry on, Dobby.

So now the question is - what is Dobby's real nationality? The more posts I read the more wording slips in that makes it apparent that he's not American (the non-american usages are starting to pile up - or perhaps he's not trying so hard to disguise it).

As for the ridiculous stories - why is it that somehow everyone he comes in contact with is mistreating him - and he seriously considers having them all fired from their jobs? Is this a sign of delusions of grandeur?

Or - dare I say it - is this just CLARA syndrome?

<Life is what you make it anywhere you go.>

Then why shell out all the cash to travel? Might as well stay home.

The one thing I am having the hardest time with is this... I can't believe an 18 year old would hang around for 200 posts-worth yaking with a bunch of old people on Fodor's. That to me is the most "unbelieveable" part of this story.

I have this feeling that Dobby is actually English. No matter that he is trashing England. He probably hopes that throws us off to his real nationality. Anyway, it doesn't matter since I am almost 100% sure all of his posts are a bunch of BS. It is rather funny though, and others' reactions are entertaining.

Well, it looks like you tried England (or just that one part of England) and maybe it's not for you. There is nothing wrong with that because you at least tried. There are places that I don't care for and we all don't like the same things. I have been to Scotland many times and can't recall or didn't notice anyone being rude, etc. Maybe you might want try there next time.

Yes, more and more British usages are slipping into the stories. And given the incredibly limited interaction that Dobby has with anyone anywhere - how would be pick up random British usages?

Perhaps this is a prisoner with a lot of time on his hands?

Or someone in another sort of institution?

"because you at least tried"

I must have missed that part.

And I agree with nyt, though most of the "odd" language bits could be something other than British, and I don't see the usual spellings.

Dobby, you're getting sloppy. Your "voice" is slipping -- in and out, in and out. Many here at Fodors are writers and editors. You've stumbled into the "CSI: Linguists" den. Be more careful if you want to keep it up :)

I am not defending only saying that yes Dobby tried by going on a plane and actually leaving the airport in England. To me that is some kind of attempt and more than some people out there have done. Now as with the rest of the things Dobby has written, I can only assume and suggestions. To me, England and Dobby don't mix well which we all know very well.

I wonder why so many people think Dobby is a "he". I had assumed a she and also probably one that lives under a bridge.

I should add: I like these threads and think DTT is the best username on Fodors. I don't really care whether he or she is real or not.

I love the screen name too kit!

I agree that Dobby the Turtle is a great screen name. The only better one I've heard was suggested by immimi for Aduchamp if he comes back: Bermuda Schwartz.

I don't see any Brit speak in Dobby's language it looks North American to me