I think one of the reasons that people from the US do not venture away from London is they are afraid of driving on the opposite (Note, I did not say wrong ) side of the road from what they were trained to drive. I know the first time I ventured to appempt this feat it was purely because I wanted to see what was out there and without an auto, it is very difficult.   Train travel is somewhat a substiitute, but for United States citizens, this too is pretty foreign. The US is right or wrong, a society based on the auto. I am constantly telling people to go to Gatwick, rent a car and head out into what I feel is the most interesting part of your nation, the small towns villages, etc in the countryside. I am not casting negatives toward London, but in fact a trip to London to "experience" England is like someone coming To New York City and making the assumption that they have "experienced" the United States. I would tell my mudcat friends from the states that a trip to the UK is easy, fun, and if done correstly, very reasonable in terms of money. ONe such trip, I kept careful records of expenses, and I couldn't have gone to Florida any cheaper, including airfare, rental car food and lodging. If anyone wants info, I would love to help you with your plans. pm me, I love to help north Americans break out of the usual vacation plans and do something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives in positive cultural experiewnce. I have made 10 trips to the UK in the last 7 years, so I feel my information is practical and current. By the way, generalizatioons, who needs them?


TODD