Going to London tomorrow, what to expect?

Hugh R · 07-01-2007, 07:41 AM

Flying in from Prague. With all this blowing crap up stuff, what should I expect. Delays at customs, sure, anything else. I'm just an average middle age balding, paunchy, American white guy with his wife, so I don't think I'll raise any concern.

Aerkuld · Aerkuld's Garage

Hugh - you won't have a problem. My boys are over there at the moment and I don't think they've noticed anything different. The folk over there do tend to have a 'get on regardless' attitude and won't let a couple of little car bombs interfere with anything.
You probably won't notice any difference in the airport or going through customs.
You could pick up some parts for the Aston while you're over there.

Don't worry and have a great time!

Wickd89 · 07-01-2007, 08:17 AM

Hugh. Don't know but I would expect a little delays. Please let us all know how it goes.

I am going to Switerland for August, and flying through Heathrow, so I am a little curious...

How was Prague (never been)?

Hugh R · 07-01-2007, 10:54 AM

Prague is way cool. Its about 1,000 years old. Tons of history. In the old town, and most of whats called Praha 1 or District 1, if it isn't a very small park or road, its a building or a cemetary. Absolutely zero lot lines. In fact in the old Jewish cemetary which is probably about 2 acres the people are buried 9-10 deep and there are supposed to be over 200,000 people planted there. They buried jews there from about 1439 to 1787. Here are a few pics

Old Jewish Cemetary

St. Vitas Church at Prague Castle

Prague Castle from across the river

Charles Bridge Tower

Old town square

Astrological Clock.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

in London , in the party areas at night, i'de be more concerned about windmilling and keys...

sammyg2 · 07-01-2007, 11:27 AM

They talk funny over there

MFAFF · 07-01-2007, 12:08 PM

Hugh,

Getting in will be PITA, as usual....

But once you are here you will not notice any difference at all...

Don't worry about looking out of place... nobody is after you...(in particular).

I only found out about the two potential bombs in the news that evening....wasn't even in the early papers and by the late edition it was old news.

Just enjoy it...

Joeaksa · 07-01-2007, 02:25 PM

Just got in tonight. Security was not that bad but we were on a private flight. Transfers will be a bear but you are not doing that.

Let me know when you are here and where.

Joe

Wickd89 · 07-01-2007, 04:44 PM

Looks fantastic. GOOOOOD TIMES.........
I will post pics of my trip to Switzerland in August.

Joeaksa · 07-02-2007, 07:23 AM

Hugh,

You in town yet?

Hugh R · 07-02-2007, 07:44 AM

Got in an hour ago. I'm at the St. Martins Hotel in the Covent Gardens area. Very little traffic for 4PM according to the driver. He thinks a lot of people are staying off the streets if they don't have to.

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

What to expect? Expect to have a lot of difficulty understanding what a substantial part of the population is saying. Most immigrants speak a sort of English, but between the accents and the idioms, it can be a challenge...

Steve PH · 07-02-2007, 11:24 AM

How long are you around for Hugh? I will be passing through central London next Saturday, mid day-ish. No doubt I will be stopping some where for beer and food.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by techweenie
What to expect? Expect to have a lot of difficulty understanding what a substantial part of the population is saying. Most immigrants speak a sort of English, but between the accents and the idioms, it can be a challenge...

immigrants?? some of the locals are far worse!
i mean, you start with a simple question and before you know it , you get something Pete Tong thrown at you coz yer Septic

Steve PH · 07-02-2007, 12:11 PM

No doubt Hugh has packed his American English > Modern Cockney gibberish phrase book.

Watch and learn and remember in real life you don't get subtitles.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

and then there's Liverpooleans... although maybe not abundant in London.. the scouser dialect is not to be underestimated in it's ability to form a language barrier...

Hugh R · 07-02-2007, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve PH
How long are you around for Hugh? I will be passing through central London next Saturday, mid day-ish. No doubt I will be stopping some where for beer and food.

I go back to the colonies on Monday the 16th. I'm probably working on our movie on Saturday mid day. Sorry maybe next time. I am around in the evenings most of the week of the 9th of July. If anyone wants to get together for beer, or three.

Jeff Alton · 07-02-2007, 09:02 PM

What did you find??

I sort of though it odd that the english authorities found the only two cars rigged to blow sort of by accident. Seemed a little to coincedental with the rise of a new Priminister if you know what I mean.........

Then those two failures tried to drive a Jeep into the airport, made me think there may be something to it.....

On another note, what do you think the "suicide bomber" was thinking when he got out of the Jeep and realized he was still alive....... "Uh on, Ala is gonna be pissed....."

Hope you trip has been uneventful, but would love a first hand report form either you or Joe about the "feel" of it there right now.

Cheers

Glasgow 911SC · Glasgow 911SC's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Alton

On another note, what do you think the "suicide bomber" was thinking when he got out of the Jeep and realized he was still alive....... "Uh on, Ala is gonna be pissed....."

Glasgow (hard man reputation and all) could possibly be the wrong place to have attempted this. A baggage handler that tackled the guy apparently fly-kicked the incandescent chap. For those requiring a translation, "we'll set about ye" means there shall be an intervention by concerned citizens if anything untoward is noticed. pm me for further translations.

Joeaksa · 07-03-2007, 01:49 AM

The interview above is all over the news here in London, and expanded a bit at that. Gent is a hero but do not feel that he did anything that any normal man would have done in the situation.

Understand that the silly terrorist was swinging at this gent and at every swing was shouting "allah akbar." Unfortunately he did not realize that its not a good idea to fight with a Scot as they are fairly experienced in this venue. The baggage handler wiped the floor with the a$$wipe and then held him for police. Hope he hit the jerk a few extra times for the rest of us...

Joe A
(whose Mother was half Scot)