European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 13, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                . And Ireland travel Europe 1992 it m from its location in a Riverside Park a Battery of Vintage cannons takes symbolic aim at one of London s Best known landmarks the Tower Bridge. . A Royal pomp and informal Charm by Meridith Winder . Bureau America has been called a melting pot because of its diverse blending of cultures and races. The same applies to the United kingdom with its mixture of people from throughout the once widespread British Empire and the rest of the world. The United kingdom also mirrors the states in language ideas and customs but visitors should not be fooled. Britain is not a Quot Little America Quot and the people take Pride in showing How unique their country is. The United kingdom is divided into four main areas England Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland. Each has its own Charm and offers everything from backpacking hiking fishing and camping to historical Homes castles entertainment and Fine dining. Britain has made it easy for travellers to find most of the sights on their own. Publications Are available from the British tourist authority offices and from regional tourists offices that offer Handy advice. A Good publication to look through is Britain put out by the Bra. This guide has maps schedule of events suggestions on thing to see and do and a Wallet sized pullout map of the i Ondon subway. One thing americans in Britain Don t have to worry about is language. However there Are some differences Between local dialects and depending on where you Are you May have some difficulty understanding exactly what is said. There Are also some differences Between British English and american English. In Britain the Back end of a car is the Boot there s a Windscreen instead of a Windshield the truckers drive lorries traffic circles Are roundabouts and motorists tank up with petrol instead of Gas. But that s about the worst of it. The biggest problem you la probably have is ordering potato chips. In Britain chips Are sliced and Fried potatoes that is French Fries. Those thin dry things in plastic bags Are called Quot crisps Quot a a sibilant Tongue twister that Many britons can t pronounce either so they sometimes ask for Quot Chrissey Quot or even Quot a bag of  they come in All flavors even prawn shrimp. In fact though the British Are very accent conscious and sometimes Pride themselves on being Able to Quot place someone Quot within a social class and few Miles of origin they Don t always understand one another there being As much difference Between a a London and a Birmingham accent As there is Between new Orleans and Boston. In addition while English is spoken in Scotland and Wales both countries also have their own native tongues that Are used in some areas. For Wales it s Welsh while the scots also speak gaelic. A amps Dave Didio the Quot crooked House Quot a landmark in Lavenham England. Here Are some other tips for getting around in Britain a no trip would be Complete without a visit to London the capital City. Visitors can find plenty to do in this Metropolis of 7 million people. Some of the More popular spots include Buckingham Palace parliament Tower of London where the Crown jewels Are on display Trafalgar Square Madame Tussaud s Wax museum and Piccadilly circus. There Are also scores of museums Heaters clubs and exhibition Halls. And m8 out  London s Vintage double Decker buses Are City trademarks. No one should miss the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. This event happens daily but Only during certain months out of the year. Check with the Bra for times and season. Other popular tourist spots include Cambridge where Kings and Queen s colleges Are located Oxford Home of an equally famous University Liverpool Birthplace of the beatles Nottingham where you can find the Way to Sherwood Forest Robin Hood and medieval banquets Edinburgh Scotland site of the continued on Page 18 May 13, 1992 Ravel Europe 17