OK. We have just landed in historic, Queensy, Lordsy and the most "lovely" London.
My fascination for British is fairly good. Let me admit. This is a nation which has historically proved that a handful of masterminds can take over hordes of mere brawns. A country that has given us the best in the literature and arts in the annals of civilization. Huge salute.
Now, to reality. Maybe somethings are only good in dreams. What can I say? Using astute people reading skills that even a toddler can put to use, I realised something that put me off -completely. This "stiff upper lip" thing is so true. Gawd, these Brits have mastered the whole "sour puss" look to the tee - yes, pun very much intended.
Ok, so I have this self-confessed weakness to admit. I like to talk to cab drivers. Anywhere in America, they usually reply. Even New York cabbies in their a la Bond style, mid-air flying escapades do stop. And talk. But, these Brit cabbies were so rude. I started on a very few basic chit chat stuff about the weather, landmarks etc. etc and what did I get in return, you ask? Even if you don't, I'm planning on venting anyway..... nothing at all. Zilch. Worse of it all, the cabbie pursed his lips even further and perfected in making it a single straight line. Offended would be an understatement here.
But, I told myself not to jump into any conclusions. A 20 minute cab ride shouldn't be an accurate measure of a nation's politeness meter, by any standards. So, I waited further and further. Well, folks my meter worsened by the hour. And, in the battle of friendliness and courtesy between America Vs Great Britain, you know who won hands down.
So, you Englanders, loosen up. Cheers. Move your lips. Where art thou something basic called "small talk"?
My fascination for British is fairly good. Let me admit. This is a nation which has historically proved that a handful of masterminds can take over hordes of mere brawns. A country that has given us the best in the literature and arts in the annals of civilization. Huge salute.
Now, to reality. Maybe somethings are only good in dreams. What can I say? Using astute people reading skills that even a toddler can put to use, I realised something that put me off -completely. This "stiff upper lip" thing is so true. Gawd, these Brits have mastered the whole "sour puss" look to the tee - yes, pun very much intended.
Ok, so I have this self-confessed weakness to admit. I like to talk to cab drivers. Anywhere in America, they usually reply. Even New York cabbies in their a la Bond style, mid-air flying escapades do stop. And talk. But, these Brit cabbies were so rude. I started on a very few basic chit chat stuff about the weather, landmarks etc. etc and what did I get in return, you ask? Even if you don't, I'm planning on venting anyway..... nothing at all. Zilch. Worse of it all, the cabbie pursed his lips even further and perfected in making it a single straight line. Offended would be an understatement here.
But, I told myself not to jump into any conclusions. A 20 minute cab ride shouldn't be an accurate measure of a nation's politeness meter, by any standards. So, I waited further and further. Well, folks my meter worsened by the hour. And, in the battle of friendliness and courtesy between America Vs Great Britain, you know who won hands down.
So, you Englanders, loosen up. Cheers. Move your lips. Where art thou something basic called "small talk"?