Questions for non-Brits.

So well said, Andy and Ruth.

I guess the more things are different, the more they're the same - the human condition - no matter where it takes place.  Andy I think you and I were pretty much lamenting the same thing, although it sound a little more complicated over there with the EU thing.  Maybe next time I'm over, I'll stay!! lol.  But not being from an EU country, I guess that would make me an illegal alien, huh?

Peter - Yes, Wales is also very high on my list of places.  Thanks so much for posting those lovely pix.  Our original plan was to take the train from London to Holyhead and then the ferry over to Ireland, but taking time into consideration, we ended up flying on Ryan Air over to Ireland from Luton.  But next time - Wales for sure!  In fact, I think this conversation has given me the basis for our next itinerary over there.  Thanks again!

I recently received this via email supposed to have been written by the Australian Prime Minister - I certainly agree with what he is supposed to have said. 

Hi Jo:

There was something floating around on email over here, very similar.  As for religion - I know it's probably the most hot of all the hot button topics, but the only thought I wish to float is this - secularization creates a vacuum, that any and all beliefs/faiths will fill.

Andy - it is to me a sure sign of hospitality when a natural citizen welcomes visitors from a foreign land to come in and experience the "real" thing, the parts of one's country that he or she is most proud of.  (This goes for Paul as well!)  I very much appreciate your courtesy and hospitality, and you can be sure that if the opportunity returns, then so will my wife and I, and we will make every effort to vist the North of England, Wales, and perhaps Scotland and Ireland as well.  Sincere thanks to all of you.

 You might like to know that when we were in Oxford, visiting at Christ Church, there were large groups of students there at that time, as it was a school holiday - Spring break I think.  One of the students was there with either a parent or guardian at his side, and he had a pen in his hand, and was beginning to scribble some nonsense on a sign on the wall there at the entrance to that beautiful place.  My wife noticed, and so she scolded him, and told him to stop.  When we started to walk away, Nadia looked back to see him continuing to scribble, so she walked back again and insisted that he stop.  Finally, his mother, or guardian - whichever - supported Nadia's assertion, so the little urchin finally put the pen away. 

Somehow, the love of country - Patriotism, respect for property, appreciation of things good and beautiful - has to be transfered from generation to generation, or all is lost and we sink into boorish barbarism.  So I think the solution to this little part of the problem is to choose to be involved in young people's lives, and to model the good life in their presence.

Dennis

My apologies Peter...  I wrote "This goes for Paul as well" when I should have wrote "... for Peter as well" 

I hope some of you can relate to my frustration over an ever-decreasing short-term memory.  I read Peter's post and looked at his pictures, then went on to the next page and promptly morphed his name into Paul. 

 Peter, if you wish to call me Dan, I would understand entirely.  (Just please, don't call me Denise!  The school principle did that to me at the graduation ceremony in the 8th grade, and I've never forgotten it!)

By the way Peter, would you be so kind as to translate "Cumru um bydd" into American for me?

Thanks Andy.  Be sure that if and when we return, we'll call upon you, and any others in this forum that could and would invite a visit near our path.

 (C;