Driving On the Wrong Right Side of the Road

by Jonathon Morgan on

I remember when my family first moved from the US to the UK, one off the most obvious — and most difficult — parts of culture shock was driving on the opposite side of the road. There’s a number of little things that make this a challenge — for example, it’s hard to know where the left front corner of your car is in relation to where you’re sitting in the driver’s seat. This issue led to a couple awkward explanations at the rental car place.

However, far more troubling is when you have a mental lapse, revert to old habits, and drive on the wrong side altogether (which is surprisingly easy to do when there’s no oncoming traffic).

It appears Americans aren’t the only ones who space out while behind the wheel. Brits driving in France are apparently having considerable trouble remembering to drive on the right side of the road, as opposed to left as they’ve grown accustom. So much so, that police in a small town in northern France have launched a poster campaign to remind motorists to drive on the appropriate side.

They hope that by covering the town in English-language posters that read: “For your safety, keep right on French roads,” they can prevent additional tourist-related traffic deaths (there have been 2 in the last 2 years in this town alone).

Now if they could just explain how round-a-bouts work, I think we’ll be in business.

Where to Get Your Drink On

by Jonathon Morgan on

For those of you looking to get roaring drunk on your next holiday abroad, you’re probably in the market for a really good pub crawl. I spent my college days in Liverpool — formerly rated the UK’s number 1 party city — so, rest assured, I know what I’m talking about.

But beyond the unchecked inebriation, and poorly-harmonized group renditions of “Lean On Me” that often accompany these sorts of excursions, in some cities, pub crawls are the best way to get to know the local population.

Thanks to Vincent Crump and Chris Haslam at the Times Online, you can review a handpicked list of the best pub crawls in the best pub crawl cities — Sydney, Dublin, Boston and Edinburgh. Not only do they give you a run down on the cultural significance of all their chosen watering holes, but the pair are even so thoughtful as to offer culinary suggestions for the morning after — pleasant ways to ease out of that hangover (or beat it to death with fried eggs and bacon).

Bottoms up.

Best Beaches in Britain

by Jonathon Morgan on

In about a month, Britain will stop being a gray, dreary, rain-soaked pit of depression, and will re-emerge as a great to place to visit — lush, green and beautiful in the Spring (thanks mostly to all that miserable rain). If you’re planning on heading that direction anytime before Fall, you might be interested in a trip to the beach.

But how do you choose? And what’s so great about British beaches, anyway?

Says the Times Online, “Not sunbathing: we can go to the south of France for that. And not concrete-clad resorts full of forced fun, either. No, we want scenery – scenery so wild, it scours the soul. We want sheer cliffs, hard sand and not a soul for miles.”

The article then goes on to highlight a few of the country’s most beautiful, relatively un-trafficked beaches — all of which you won’t find in the UK government’s tourism directory.

Well worth reading if you’re into nature, and like to steer clear of tourist traps.

Mystery Cat Rides Bus in England

by Justin Glow on

From the So-cute-I-want-to-vomit department: a British cat nicknamed “Macavity” has taken to boarding a city bus in Wolverhampton, England several times a week. It hops on and rides until the next stop, where it gets off at a fish-n-chips shop (seriously).

I’m going to train my cat to do this so I won’t have to go to the store and buy it food or litter. Seriously, she sleeps in our house, scratches our furniture, and does nothing for us in return. It’s about time she starts earning her keep. Regulators: mount up!

[via neatorama]

Thorntons’ Wall of Chocolate: The World’s First Edible Billboard

by Willy Volk on

In anticipation of Easter — and to the delight of chocoholics everywhere! — UK candy retailer Thorntons invited visitors to London’s Covent Garden to pick away at the giant wall of chocolate it erected. Decorated with 10 hand-crafted chocolate bunnies and 72 eggs, the 860-pound chocolate wall included 128 individual panels.

It took Thorntons’ master chocolatier Barry Colenso — and his 10-person team — three months to plan the wall and 300 hours to build it. Thorntons expected the wall would last for a week. Guess how long it took nibbling passers-by to devour the wall?

According to the BBC, hungry passersby finished off the candy in three hours.

If I’d been there, it would’ve taken just under 2!

[Thanks, Marilyn!]