Random Thoughts from my UK Vacay

My mother and I visited England for a week over the Memorial Day holiday. We visited London, Bath, Manchester and Bollington (to visit relatives). Some random observations:

• The climate is extraordinarily similar to that of upstate NY where I grew up.
• We had six days of bright sunny skies and warm weather, which is apparently very rare.
• I generally don't like tourist attractions, and would prefer to simply "experience".
  
• One of the coolest parts of the trip was eating lunch in a crypt beneath St. Paul's cathedral.
• Much of my annoyance with my mother is caused by my own fear.
• My mother is not a very independent, self-reliant person.
• Men wear suits in London. It made me realize how rarely I see that here.
• I love the way crowds spill into the streets outside the pubs.
• I absolutely love cider. Especially Bulmer's Pear Cider.
• England's food gets a bad rap. I love it.
• I look a little English. But my teeth are much nicer.
• The Queensbury Hotel in Bath would be a lovely romantic getaway.
  
• See the show Spring Awakening. But don't see it with your mother.
• The English don't love Susan Boyle as much as we do.
• Service people in London are rude.
• Service people in every other part of England are extremely friendly.
• I was a good daughter about 95% of the time. Bratty teenaged Aileen only appeared a few times.