As Monty Python pointed out many years ago ..."Are you embarrassed easily? If so, don't worry; it is all a part of growing up and ... being British." This might explain British "reserve" but not necessarily the reverse affection felt for the flag (the British like to put it on everything from tea towels to underwear/pants): in South Carolina, they'd have a fit.


If you are dragging kids to the UK, they won't be swearing allegiance to a flag except maybe to some football (soccer) team. The good old "O" and "A" Levels standards have been supplanted/watered down by a National Curriculum (no local determination in schools) but are still better (IMHO) than anything you'll find in the States ... If you drive (no matter what lane you choose)in central London, you'll pay Red Ken (the Mayor, when he's not making the headlines for non-mayoral activity) for the privilege ... Doing someone a favor,in a union run workplace, could be cause for industrial action (strike) or unrest: "Demarcation" of tasks can be quite a problem.


Probably not a good idea to remind folks how many times Uncle Sam has bailed Europe out of various conflicts ... It'll be another sore point when Bosnia erupts again in a couple of years when the EU takes over ... just watch.


Britain is not part of Continental Europe (or the Euro yet), so be careful when referring to someone in Britain European ... some are still smarting after the 1975 referendum that changed geography and got Britain into to then Common Market.


Have a great time and don't forget to bring a brolly or raincoat whenever you go out.

Cheers,

Brian