Chapter 5 Excerpt

A classic "telephone box" and "letter box'',
side by side. (Photo by Ian Britton, freephoto.com)

Out and About

Pretty much wherever you are in the UK, you'll know you're not in the States - and that's okay, until you actually need to go somewhere or get something done. Suddenly the simplest of errands, like mailing a letter or getting cash, can present hurdles you never dreamed of. Since there's no grid system whatsoever in the UK, how do you find your way around?  

This chapter will discuss the necessity of remembering whether you're going to Oak Street, Oak Avenue or Oak Gardens, since they're all completely different, and could even be miles apart.   You'll also learn how to spot a mailbox, what the "High Street" is, and you'll discover the British love of "public conveniences"!

"Despite the fact that the singer Petula Clark is English, there is no "downtown" in British cities.   If you ask the natives how to get downtown, they'll ask you where that is!   You'll need to say either that you want to go "into town", or to the town center.   Similarly, you won't find a Main Street, but you will come across the High Street in every city, town and village.

"You'll also hear references to High Street retailers, which basically means the chain stores that are found in nearly every city and town shopping area.   By the way, it being a major international city, there's no such place as London town ."