In need of advice

**okiwen** · 27th October 11, 07:51 PM

My neighbor is turning 50 and would like to go to either Scotland, Ireland or Wales. She is a pretty casual lady and does not want to go anywhere that thinks they hate old Americans. Of all you that live in those places, where do I send her in January?

Worried that Wales doesn't speak English. I said shouldn't be a problem.

TIA.

I told her the Royal Mile wasn't good for the "real deal". She, of course, would like to see a castle or two.

**CopperNGold** · 27th October 11, 10:19 PM

I don't think she'll run into any problem in Scotland, Ireland or Wales. An individual person, here and there, may have some sort of unexplainable problem with old Americans,

but I've never had a problem travelling at any age, and I am older than she. Please tell her to relax and have fun, no matter where she decides to travel.

A guided tour may help the more timid traveller, and many are geared toward her age group.

Jocelyn

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 27th October 11, 10:21 PM

Tell her to avoid Syria and North Korea-- other than that, most places are pretty friendly toward US citizens... well, maybe Iran is out as well.

In the UK the most unfriendly thing she'll encounter in January will be the weather, which can be pretty miserable, even if you hail from Red Lodge.

January will find most things closed -- especially castles. If she can hold out, I'd recommend visiting the UK in late April and early May.

**Dale Seago** · 27th October 11, 11:04 PM

I had planned a kilted wild-boar hunt -- with hounds and a boar spear, to really test my skill -- for my own 50th, but alas it fell through at the last minute.

If she's really concerned, she could just tell people she's Canadian. No one seems to have significant issues with Canada.

**Jock Scot** · 28th October 11, 12:09 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Tell her to avoid Syria and North Korea-- other than that, most places are pretty friendly toward US citizens... well, maybe Iran is out as well.

In the UK the most unfriendly thing she'll encounter in January will be the weather, which can be pretty miserable, even if you hail from Red Lodge.

January will find most things closed -- especially castles. If she can hold out, I'd recommend visiting the UK in late April and early May.

Sound advice there, but if January has to be the month then London is where I would go. The Welsh actually speak English too and any nationality, including Americans, are welcome anywhere in the UK. Nice people are nice people wherever they are from and wherever they go.

**McClef** · 28th October 11, 02:08 AM

Y Cymry siarad Saesneg?

**Father Bill** · 28th October 11, 02:17 AM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

I had planned a kilted wild-boar hunt -- with hounds and a boar spear, to really test my skill -- for my own 50th, but alas it fell through at the last minute.

If she's really concerned, she could just tell people she's Canadian. No one seems to have significant issues with Canada.

No, but a lot of Canadians have significant issues with that ploy . . . .

**Jock Scot** · 28th October 11, 02:40 AM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

I had planned a kilted wild-boar hunt -- with hounds and a boar spear, to really test my skill -- for my own 50th, but alas it fell through at the last minute.

I had a go at that in Normandy a couple of weeks ago. In truth, I prefer the rather more distant method!

**Chas** · 28th October 11, 05:44 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Sound advice there, but if January has to be the month then London is where I would go. The Welsh actually speak English too and any nationality, including Americans, are welcome anywhere in the UK. Nice people are nice people wherever they are from and wherever they go.

If it really has to be January, then I would echo Jock's advice. There is just more choice in London in January, than any other part of the British Isles.

January is Panto time - designed for children, but enjoyed by adults far more. A cultural experience which gives a great insight into how we think and laugh. The principal boy is played by a girl, the Dame is played by a man, audience participation is a must - you boo the bad guys, cheer the hero and good triumphs over evil every time.

Regards

Chas

**Pleater** · 28th October 11, 09:49 AM

My mother in law, being on her own, took to taking coach tours and would book herself onto a couple every year - then all she had to do was turn up and everything was laid on, travel, hotels - and the knowledge of not being all by yourself.

They were usually in the Spring and Autumn, avoiding the high prices and crowds, so I am not sure if there are any in January, but it might be worth investigating.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: