Misconceptions from a Foreigner

[HeyWayne]

Sorry to stray slightly from the original subject, but for me the one thing that fascinates me about airports - large ones in particular, is the way that time is vital, yet irrelevant at the same time.

I've done this several times before (when killing time funnily enough). Sat in the departure lounge watching people milling about, thinking to myself how strange it is that all these people are in the same place, but at different times - if you get my drift. Particularly so when large time zone differences are at play.

It occured to me the first time sat in Frankie & Bennies at Gatwick, looking at the menu and ordering breakfast. It was breakfast for me, but I'm sure the dude on table 5 was ordering it as supper, and the lady in the booth over on the left was ordering hers as afternoon tea.

Time seems to have a somewhat fluid concept in airport departure lounges, well it does to me anyway...

[zazen999]

I know exactly what you mean; they are pretty timeless and it starts to mean nothing after a while.

My first time in NYC I woke up at a silly hour over there. Went out around the city and the only people about were street cleaners and taxi drivers. Times Sq - completely deserted. Watched the sun come up through the skyscrapers and went back to the hotel to have a snooze and got up to have breakfast when the locals were eating lunch. Very confusing.

[Flummery]

Shanty towns! Good expression. I love passing allotment sites on the train (or in the car - I don't drive so I'm always able to crane around.) I love seeing what people are growing!

[lzyjo]

blah blah blah

I once missed a flight after a six hour wait. There's is definitely a time warp within airports, they are kind of like casinos or bars in that way.

zazazen, yes I love the AirTrain!!! But I don't like two hour waits.

Yes, I am stupid and American. But at least NOW i know that the UK is NOT in Europe for sure and certain.

There are few things that equal the excitement of travel.

I meant it as a compliment really, that the sheds are so nice I thought the were houses, albeit small ones. I think some of them had swimming pools?! Of course I was blown away by the landscaping of the tiny yards....I really couldn't figure out what they were and I saw them twice a day for four months!

And that dog is lucky he is as cute as he is, or ........things might be different.

[Arachne]

Since when has the UK not been in Europe? Which continent is it in now if not Europe?

(I know we like to try to be the 51st state of America, but Europe is where we are)

[HeyWayne]

We are part of the European union yes, but not part of Europe.

[SueA]

I think a lot of us just wish we weren't part of Europe, then we wouldn't have to enter the Eurovision Song Contest & lose every year!
Izyjo... swimming pools? I think maybe they were shanty towns you were looking at, don't think any of our allotment holders over here have swimming pools on their plot!?

[Tam]

We are certainly a European country, but if we get another Tony Blair we may be moved to the USA !

[lzyjo]

Boo! I hope no more Tony Blairs or damn Bushes come into power ever again.

I really do not understand seven continents. How is Asia separate from Europe?

[HeyWayne]

Boo! I hope no more Tony Blairs or damn Bushes come into power ever again.

I really do not understand seven continents. How is Asia separate from Europe?

Until the Suez Canal was created, the same way North & South America were. "This is ours, that's yours". They have in-Continental guards manning the borders with large cotton buds and tubs of jelly (that's jello to you).

[lzyjo]

Cotton Buds and Jello? Is that like squatting and coughing?

[Mikey]

To a certain degree its the same for England and Wales, except its called the rip off bridge (severn), which is about how much you'll have to pay to cross it shortly.

I don't have much desire to be part of Europe, but I am sure we will just as soon as the Euro is worth more than the pound.

[Mikey]

Cotton Buds and Jello? Is that like squatting and coughing?

Is that a code for cough and drop, cold hands, brrr....!

[HeyWayne]

Cotton Buds and Jello? Is that like squatting and coughing?

Sorry, I should have said Q-Tips and Jello. Not sure about squatting and coughing, could be messy.

[Mikey]

Sorry, I should have said Q-Tips and Jello. Not sure about squatting and coughing, could be messy.

Isn't it strange how language differs, when I read cue tips and jello, I first thought of snooker and vaseline.