Pictures Of English Oddities

First of all, I guess I should explain that the items pictured here may only be "oddities" to me. They're actually things I find fascinating more than odd I suppose.  I'm quite sure the English wouldn't find them very odd at all.

I have lived in Texas all my life and the photos I'm sharing with you were taken by me on one of two trips I made to England in 2006.

I have shared these photos with family and friends as I recalled the fun I had while in England. These are things you won't typically find around Texas. I'm not sure if you'd expect to see them where you're from, but either way, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

They still bring a smile to my face.

I was really fascinated by this concept. We don't have anything like it in Texas. Notice the un-manned light system that lets each side know when it's their turn to go through this construction area. It's brilliant! We spend thousands of tax dollars placing real men out there in orange vests carrying tattered orange flags to wave you through the area. I'm sure Pam Roberson would prefer the manned cone method. You'll have to read her hub "Seduction in a Construction Zone" to appreciate that comment.

I thought this was an unusual way to advertise your product. This van was parked in the parking lot of a Tesco supermarket. I guess he has to use his side mirrors to see what's behind him.

Faggots are a traditional English dish similar to meatballs so I'm told. It's customary to eat them with peas (mushy peas). Which, by the way, we call English peas here. We tend to use the word "faggot" in America in a more derrogatory manner. Please don't send me hate mail. It's just comical to see it in an advertisement, that's all.

I don't believe I've ever seen a swan in Texas. I'm sure there are some somewhere, but we don't normally find them on the shores of our lakes willing to eat bread from your hand. That's my daughter feeding them. Check out how big he is! I have no idea what the big sign behind her says anymore, probably something about "Don't Feed the Swan". Just kidding.

I was surprised to see a military tank in front of us on the roundabout. My husband pointed out that it's not just any tank, it's displaying an "L" on the back to indicate it's a "Learner" driving it! They were teaching this guy to drive one! You definitely don't see that around here.

I just love all the small vehicles in England. (pronounced in Texas as ve-HICK-uls) In Texas, we seem to think bigger is better and everything has plenty of room.

Check out this delivery van that seems to just fit between the two buildings. It's the skinniest van I've ever seen. It looks like it has been in a vice.

In Texas, I'm used to seeing large multi-story glass and chrome bank branches. This tiny HSBC branch location (I believe this one is in Padstow in Cornwall) seems like a fixture centuries old. Notice the ATM machine on the wall? It's just so cute and quaint.

This roadway is so narrow. Notice how close the stripes are painted next to the buildings. That's how close they drive to the buildings. You cannot step out of one of these businesses without the fear of being run over. Notice someone has parked their electronic wheelchair on the side.

I hope you enjoyed these as much as I did taking them. If you ever get a chance, you really should visit England. It's more affordable than you think. In March 2006, I was able to fly roundtrip non-stop from DFW to London Gatwick Airport for less than $400.