BTilke

Sorry, AllyPally, I stand by my statement. I lived for a while in Hampstead in the 80s and have visited it over the years and it has definitely changed for the worse. I did NOT spend all my time on High Street and there ARE chain places around. Yo Sushi, Bar None (or One, I forget which), McDonald's etc. etc. The traffic there on not only High Street but also on side streets was exponentially worse than it was in past years. I also saw a lot of litter in the streets.
You may disagree, but don't assume what I did or did not do. Compared to my previous visits, I still maintain that the Hampstead of *today* has been infected by modern London's brash, cash and flash.

BTilke

FYI, where did I call Hampstead a "tourist trap?" I don't see that anywhere in my posts.

ThinGorjus

I couldn't agree more about horrible English teeth. The first time my ex-husband met my Aunt Pat ten years ago, he remarked, "My god, don't they have dentists in England? If I didn't know any better I would think her a homeless person." Later on, he mentioned this to her (obliquely, of course) and she replied, "You Yanks can't stand the sight of a stained tooth, yet you don't seem to mind an enormous belly hanging over a belt or a bottom as wide as a grocer's counter." Touche Aunt Pat.

However, I have travelled all over the world, from China to Greece to Argentina to Nepal, and the majority of the world's population does not have the kind of dental care we have in the States. The last time I was in Naples, I couldn't believe the teenagers I saw with black, rotting teeth--teeth that looked 60 years old. We can all thank flouride, can't we, here in the US?

Even though I haven't lived in England for 24 years, I still visit at least once a year, so I think I am well studied about what goes on in London. My other aunt, Judith, keeps a townhouse in Kensington. I think it is very presumptive of some people here to tell me my idiom. If I wan't to say "fancy goods vehicle," I shall. What if I said, "Oh, you left South Carolina years ago. Why do you keep saying "ya'll?"

abbynoxious

Oh a Fodor's soap opera! Is Thin a man or a woman??????? My head hurts from trying to keep up with Thin's posts and counterposts, and now I'm so confused.

And yes, thank God for flouride, I hate talking to a bad set of teeth. Should I expect to see alot of that in London?

violagirl

um... no. Some people have bad teeth. some people don't. pretty much the same all over the world - it just depends on people's priorities and financial situations.

... but I might perhaps advise you not to go to the Museum of Dentistry (If there is such a thing) ;-)

MizzEve

Abbynoxious ~ Yes

jsmith

There might not be a Museum of Dentristy but the 5th floor of the Museum of Science is dedicated to the Science and Art of Medicine (Wellcome Galleries).

LolaLasagne

Hampstead is very nice......amongst other things you'll see many gorgeous Victorian villas and townhouses.

Calamari

I recently made the trek on a Sunday up to Hampstead from Kensington. The Gloucester tube station was having a problem so we took a taxi. It was 15 GBP! I went up there to see some old flat mates and to enjoy a nice lunch at the much improved, Kenwood House. Lumch was very good and well priced. We sat in the garden while we ate. After lunch, we strolled around the Heath and listened to the outdoor concerts. It was great to watch all of our children run around and play on our old stomping grounds. It is worth the journey to enjoy some fresh air and wide open spaces. Afterwards, we walked down to our old, favorite pub, The Spainards Inn. I too was surprised at how the village has changed. It is still, dare I say it..charming, but not in the same fashion of years gone by. It was a bitter pill, but for someone who has never spent any time there, it is a great way to pass an afternoon.

EnglishOne

I imagine that Thingorjus wouldnt look out of place in the Blue Oyster Club (Police Academy films, if anyone remembers that)! Do you get my meaning? Only joshing with you, thin boy. That famous dry English wit, remember

Tinder

RE: "You Yanks can't stand the sight of a stained tooth, yet you don't seem to mind an enormous belly hanging over a belt or a bottom as wide as a grocer's counter." Touche Aunt Pat.

I see she's as classy as her nephew. My, what a loverly family you must have, Thin What's-it. Your last name isn't Doolittle, is it?

Marilyn

Last time I checked, ThinGorjus was a gay man named John. I believe his reference to his "ex-wife", confusing to some, is simply gay vernacular.

KT

Somebody should tell Aunt Pat that in 2001, according to British government figures (DOH and NHS) roughly 20% of Britons were obese (not just overweight) as compared with 25% of Americans. And the prevalence is repidly increasing, just like in the US.

Perhaps it's time for Aunt Pat to leave Britain, too. By the way, how did she feel about that fatty Churchill leading the war effort?

Biscuit

In defense of the Tate, we loved it. Go just for the giant tube thing in the lobby and the cafe overlooking the Thames if nothing else.

If you like modern art at all, you'll love it!

Marilyn

Thanks, Biscuit, I was afraid to say that after everyone here seemed to hate it so much. I enjoyed the art at the Tate Modern a lot, but then I'm a fan of surrealism, which explains why I'm on this board every day.

policywonk

Jsmith, I wouldn't know. I don't eat meat, so I am never in that section of Wegmans.

Glad to hear I didn't miss much in Nottinghill. I passed it up to go to St.Pauls and Harrods.

I am not mad I went to Harrods, I was just expecting more I guess. I had read so much about it here and was a tad let down when I got there.

I just don't think people should put it on their mustsee lists when London has a billion more things and places to offer.

ThinGorjus

English One, you actually admit to watching the "Police Academy" films?? Cor Blimey. I can see you now in your lounge, with your feet up in front of the telly, bag of crisps and a cider, laughing at the dull antics of Steve Guttenburg. I quess it isn't Krug and Fellini for the likes of you.....

Yes, my family is a classy bunch aren't we? Aunt Pat likes to go down to the pub for a pint and will punch anyone in the nose who makes a disparaging comment about her idol, Margaret Thatcher. She too has stained, horrid teeth. The Sisters Grimm.

Actually, KT, Aunt Pat hated Churchill. She blamed him for the Blitz, which killed her sister.

KT

The Blitz? Wasn't that the trim and tidy Adolf Hitler?

Tinder

Cor Blimely is *very* lower-class, Thin What's-it. Oh my, how marvelous. No Krug or Fellini for you either.

Calamari

Hi Thin, sorry to see that you have not yet reviewed your Dartmouth hardbook. What is up? Sounds like you have your big green & white (school colors in case your forgot) Walmart sweatpants all in a twist!