Election Year or Fear!

[MadAmster]

On a similar theme, I welcomed a new friend from the USA for a holiday here recently, and as a beer drinker he was keen to compare American and English brews. England came out best in every instance, for instance the Coors we have is way better than the American equivalent, beer served with meals always tasted better, and he’s become a convert to our bitters, preferring Pedigree but loving others, and preferring our pubs to American bars (and the more relaxed atmosphere of not being expected to tip for every minor service)

An American with taste. I've met a few in my time. I've also met some archetypal ones too. I remember one time, it would have been mid 70s. With a mate down at Henley for regatta week. Went 4 or 5 years running. First year, landlady in one pub was pretty desperate. Hubby had run off with one of the barmaids, cleaned out the bank account and done a runner. We popped in first lunchtime and the place was bursting. She was obviously troubled, a regular told us the story. We were both adept behind the bar and I knew how to work a cellar. We helped that lunchtime and got a free lunch as well as a couple of beers. Back in early evening, free dinner and helped behind the bar. Rest of the week, 8 o'clock at the pub, breakfast, cellar, bottle up, off to watch the morning's rowing. Lunchtime serving and getting another cracking free lunch. Wash rinse repeat. Anyhow, I digress... one post lunch, walking back to the course, I saw a 1930s MG VA sports car. British Racing Green and leather straps over the bonnet. We stopped for a moment to admire the beautifully restored vehicle. Across the road was a couple. From their garish attire you'd guess they were American. The confirmation came when she opened her mouth and uttered, with very many decibels, "hey Elmer, is that for real?". We creased up. Possibly shouldn't have but their appearance, supported by the loud shrill voice and word choice was spot on stereotypical.

Good and bad and indifferent everywhere. I wouldn't want it otherwise.

[Andy_Faber]

An American with taste. I've met a few in my time. I've also met some archetypal ones too. I remember one time, it would have been mid 70s. With a mate down at Henley for regatta week. Went 4 or 5 years running. First year, landlady in one pub was pretty desperate. Hubby had run off with one of the barmaids, cleaned out the bank account and done a runner. We popped in first lunchtime and the place was bursting. She was obviously troubled, a regular told us the story. We were both adept behind the bar and I knew how to work a cellar. We helped that lunchtime and got a free lunch as well as a couple of beers. Back in early evening, free dinner and helped behind the bar. Rest of the week, 8 o'clock at the pub, breakfast, cellar, bottle up, off to watch the morning's rowing. Lunchtime serving and getting another cracking free lunch. Wash rinse repeat. Anyhow, I digress... one post lunch, walking back to the course, I saw a 1930s MG VA sports car. British Racing Green and leather straps over the bonnet. We stopped for a moment to admire the beautifully restored vehicle. Across the road was a couple. From their garish attire you'd guess they were American. The confirmation came when she opened her mouth and uttered, with very many decibels, "hey Elmer, is that for real?". We creased up. Possibly shouldn't have but their appearance, supported by the loud shrill voice and word choice was spot on stereotypical.

Good and bad and indifferent everywhere. I wouldn't want it otherwise.

Well having been very reluctant to set foot on American soil over the years my visit (actually partly on land, partly on an american cruise ship) in feb/march was a bit of a revelation, especially the politeness and lack of political discussion, and the existence of my favourite tipple, Nigeria-brewed Guinness