Look right then left – or is it left then right?
So, you know how, when you travel solo, you tend to meet a lot of people? And how you bone up on your languages so you can have a conversation beyond “Hello, How are you?” and “My name is…” You reviewed your French, Spanish, maybe some Chinese, and of course your English…
Yes, English. I know you’re fluent – but have you travelled to Britain recently? Yes, that’s travelled with a double ‘l’. Just like if you are a solo traveler from Britain you are actually a solo traveller – again, double ‘l’. English is different in the UK. 
The Solo Traveller’s English
Just wait until you meet some new Brit pals and they invite you over to their flat for some Spagbol – is that a new game, some really funky music, or ( I know, you’ve guessed it haven’t you?) some nosh – yes, Spagetti Bolognese.
And if you’re asked if you fancy some afters. It’s not a naughty suggestion so don’t get too excited! – “afters” is pudding, sweet, dessert.
OK, so that one was easy – but how about when you’ve left the flat (you’ve figure out that’s an apartment right?), and you’re trying to cross the road to get back to your hotel. Having finally mastered the fact that the traffic comes from the other direction – and how on earth do all those small cars go so fast! – you remember your new Brit pals told you to keep to the pavement. Of course you step onto the road…
In Briny, the road is the road, and the pavement is the sidewalk.And that big truck coming towards you is called a lorry (no, not a lolly – that’s an ice-cream).
Best idea is to look for a lolly lady by a zebra crossing, just beyond that roundabout. Sounds like getting lost in a candy-store-come-zoo? You’ll be looking for a crossing guard standing by the crosswalk, just past the traffic circle…
Phew! Finally back at the hotel, and time for a nice cuppa, and a chockie bikky, or maybe some crisps and a pint – just make sure you don’t get caught out needing to spend a penny…
Confused yet? Hey that was just a taste of English English – and, of course you do know that Britain has other native languages? Including the musical Welsh, and the tongue twisting Gaelic?
‘Nuff already! Ta ta for now and don’t forget to practice your English before you go to old Briny where you’ll be a solo traveller, not a solo traveler.
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