Gingerly asking this and hoping nothing get out of hand

[mssocks]

from other boards dropping by.

When I come to Birmingham in August, I will be cheering for Team USA at the arena. I always try to blend in to my surroundings as I find it makes for a much better experience. Have been known to quickly walk the other way when hearing an "ugly american" nearby. "Oh tell me, do they make European students learn American in class? REALLY? Why not?"

So my question is based on the news we see here. What is the mood like regarding Americans in the UK? Will I be stepping on toes if I wear a Team USA Tshirt while touring? Will others be aggrevated if I have a little (5"x7") flag to use at the arena? (Sorry don't know the metric on that) My host country will be gracious as usual but will I be putting myself in danger from visitors?

I haven't traveled abroad ( cruising doesn't count as abroad. it's asea! ) since uummmm 1981? and I'm very nervous. Of course travelling with a 4th level black belt nephew would be protection, but I'm thinking we'd be falling over each other. Each trying to protect the other! And again, safety issue aside, I don't want to be offensive either.

Thanks! Hoping to plot a meet when I'm there. Right now I'm struggling with "Zones" and rail passes and what is where. We are staying at the Jury Inn in Birmingham and at The Corner House Hotel in Surrey near Gatwick. They have a little video on their site! Looks really nice. A bit far for our 2 days in London, but when traveling with a group.....you know?

http://http://www.thecornerhouse.co.uk/

 

[natalielongstaff]

i can't speak for everyone but i know if i saw an american in the street i would go over and say hi

there are some areas of birmingham that are unsafe (as there are in any city !!) however i think you should be fine

 

[wils]

I don't think it will be a problem.

At the arena I think it would be great to be able to identify a visiting supporter especially when most of the audience will probably be UK based.

 

[carolfoy]

I really can't see a problem with you wearing a Team USa t-shirt and waving a flag, it seems entirely feasible you have more right to wear your home team t-shirt than, say, the hundreds of really overweight brits who wear their team football shirt looking like they've never done a days sport in their lives.

there is no overriding hatred towards Americans in this country, of course, there's always a minority of people who will be hostile towards any visitor but they'd be the same if you were Spanish or Russian! I'm sure you'll find the majority of people will be welcoming.

gatwick is a little way out from central London so if you want to explore the capital get an all zone pass and go in for the day, its too far out to 'nip back' to your hotel.

have a wonderful stay and I hope your team does well

 

[dlpSteve]

If you wore George Bush t-shirt you may attract some unwanted attention but a Team USA shirt will be fine. There is a train service from Gatwick to London Victoria which takes 30 minutes called the London Express but it's not on the London Underground.

 

[Deedee]

Hi Pat i think you will be fine there are quite a few American people who visit Birmingham. Don't forget to let me know a definate date so i can try to organise the meet. See you soon

Dee

 

[mssocks]

Thanks all! That helps! LOL - the only "political statement" shirt I will be wearing says "Never Trust A Pirate" from POTC.

I thought the Surrey hotel was pretty far away as a choice, but I was not involved in the selection. I do know the group wants to see Stonehenge on one of our two days, and this hotel has transport to and from Gatwick. I just wish I knew if they were renting a car ( hope not! I did that in Scotland - you really have to trust your driver! ) for that portion of our trip.

My research so far says - 2 day London Pass with travel added, 44GPS = admission to some attractions, separate entrances to skip long lines, use of London busses and underground. Then the rail pass...the BritRail England Consecutive Pass, 8 days, 140GPS = gets me to and from Birmingham and throughout the countryside OR the London Plus Pass, 7 days within 15 days, 94GPS = gets me to possibly Stonehenge, possibly Stratford upon Avon ( but not from Birmingham ) and will NOT get me to Birmingham and back. Oh the pressure! If I knew for sure how the group intends to get from Gatwick to Birmingham on July 30 and from Birmingham to Surrey on August 5, I could plan. There is transport offered by the Jury Inn from the airport at 45GPS, I think that plus the lesser rail pass and the London pass with travel would be the smarter choice. But I can't get anyone to listen to me - they are busy training. We need to order those passes now to be delivered in time!
Not that I obsess over things! LOL

Dee - as soon as I can pin down the Birmingham schedule, I'll let you know.

 

[T16GEM]

Hey, everywhere you go no matter what country you are in you will find people who don't like other people, I would be proud of wearing your shirt or flying your flag.

I get a lot of Americans in my shop and they are the most polite people that I get in there, so I will join you in flying your flag too!

A meet sounds great by the way!