[UncleHambone]

How would the reception be in London, or the Isle of Man? We're planning to visit some day, as somewhat of a personal thank you to your nation.

[David Hunter]

(Ivan, this man would appreciate your advice - see below)

How would the reception be in London, or the Isle of Man? We're planning to visit some day, as somewhat of a personal thank you to your nation.

I think that the residents of the Isle of Man would be friendly to American visitors, but I can't really advise you about the best parts of London to visit, as I haven't been there in the last 18 years. However, Ivan lives down in London and so if he is not too busy at the moment, (he has been getting a lot of replies recently - like 500 today already), then he may be able to tell you if there are any areas of London - or specific places in London - which visiting Americans should avoid.

If you were to visit York or Newcastle upon Tyne then I'm confident that you would be well received as I have spent 11 years in those two cities. (Although, be careful walking around the city centre after 8PM on Friday and Saturday nights, since there are always a lot of drunk and rowdy people on the streets during those periods).

[colorado tanker]

If you go to London by all means take a couple of London Walks. Get a copy of the schedule and turn up at the appointed time just outside a subway station. Pays your money and you goes. It's owned by an ex-pat American and always attracts lost of us. Very popular are the pub walks, where you get acquainted with a section of London while bar hopping. http://london.walks.com/

BTW, the subway ("tube" or "underground") is safe, cheap and faster than taxis that have to go through the terrible traffic.

[MadIvan]

The reception should be fine...however there are some areas, just like in any major city, that one should avoid. Fortunately, these areas also contain very little in the way of tourism interest.

Do not go to:

Hackney
Tower Hamlets
Brixton

You may want to avoid:

Islington

I used to live there, it is a left wing hell hole. Not that left wingers randomly assault people, but the council is so left wing they allowed the beggars who had been kicked out of other parts of London to settle there.

Lambeth:

Some of it is dodgy, but the Imperial War Museum is there.

Mostly safe areas:

Westminster (which contains most of the tourist attractions anyway)
Kensington & Chelsea
Fulham
City of London

Please mail me privately if you'd like a list of my recommended places to visit.

Regards, Ivan

[flitton]

You should be fine in London in terms of doing tourist type things during the day. I'd agree with Ivan about safe places to go. Take the precautions you'd take visiting any large city. I'd encourage you to come when there's a chance of good weather so you can take advantage of the river and the parks.

Do Freepmail me if you'd like recommendations of places to visit.