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Ski

Suddenly, without warning, CigarSki exclaimed (05-Sep-05 1:12 AM):

Well, as one of those across the pond folks.  Couldn't tell you about
cigars, as I don't smoke.  I do know that smoking in public places
(pubs, restaurants) throughout the UK is getting as limited as in the US
(which, for me, is good: I'm allergic to secondhand smoke, but I like
pub food).

I, personally, avoid London, 'cause I'm a country girl.  That said, city
folks *love* London - lots of theatres, plays, tons and tons of shopping
and whatever else city folks like to do.  Lots of tourist things.
Public transport is easy and cheap (round-trip from almost any two
points in the city is about £4).  I've spent the occassional week there,
and have enjoyed myself.  The British Museum of Natural History is very
cool, as is the British Museum.  There's some beautiful parks; some
flowers bloom here in winter.

If you like country, though, consider going further north.  I personally
think North Yorkshire, and Scotland, are some of the most beautiful
places on earth.

Oh, the weather?  There, "what they say" is true.  Wet, very windy, and
cold ('wind chill' cold; winter temps are generally 35-45F).  Snow,
sometimes, though London seems to be the warmest spot in the UK.  If you
come north, it could snow.

Oh, and to keep this almost, but not quite, sort of on topic:  They
drive on the other side of the road <g>.  If you get a rental car, it
*will* be a stick (which will be on your left), you have to ask for an
automatic, but rental companies generally keep only one or two in their
fleet.  I wouldn't drive in London, anyway.  Congestion charge is, I
think, £8 per day in the city centre, and parking charges are outrageous.

jmc