Welcome to the UK - but the magic continues !

I'm back in the old UK and can best describe my experiences in Washington and Oregon in this way .
It was as if someone had told the people that Jon. Hinchliffe , a slightly eccentric Englishman was coming and they were to make a fuss of him and make him especially welcome and that whoever treated him best would receive a huge reward with lesser prizes to all . It really was that good .

The first toilets at Gatwick after landing were good but the next had taps that you had to turn off manually . The knobs were dripping with something and the exit door handle was whet so I had to re-wash and get some paper to turn the taps and open the door .

Got to Portsmouth and found the trolleys needed a pound coin . Went into the small railway station shop to ask for change - explaining that I only had notes and American money .
"I can't give you change you will have to buy something ! " she said .
" Welcome to the U.K. " I thought .
Turned on my U.K. mobile - first time for a month . Got a three week old message from the Inheritance Tax Office mentioning " Proceedings "
" Welcome to the U.K. " I thought . Oh-no ! will put it out of my mind till I can call on Monday .

On entering the waiting area got into a deep and friendly conversation at the instigation of a couple heading off to the Isle of Wight as a romantic anniversary to where they first met .

Drove to Cardiff next day ( Southampton , Sailsbury , Bath ( main pic)) to see the British Speedway Grand Prix at the Millennium Stadium in Wales and it seems whilst I have been away the word had spread and everyone behaved as if there was a prize here too for the friendliest person .

On the way back went into Newbury Services at midnight . I asked a man walking by where the petrol was - he replied with an American accent . I thanked him for the great welcome the people of Oregon and Washington had given me . He said . Thanks for that I am from Seattle !

Maybe I have changed in some way but from this and many other events the word seems to have spread and everyone seems to be more friendly than they used to be and I am determined to spread the good vibes .

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