British culture

I was referring to British culture in general #7, both high and low.
#6 and #9, I thought the two of you were being facetious, until I googled those terms, yes, I guess 'Hartlepool Monkey' does make one wonder about xenophobic attitudes, but I think that happens in most places.
'Idler Crap Towns' was something totally novel to me, and highly amusing I must say. I haven't lived in the UK for nearly 20 years, but remember feeling the same way in some of the places I lived in as a student.

On another point, one other manner I've noticed in the UK, and which is culture related I guess, is the habit of some people in shops or the service industry of speaking in a whining sort of voice which you imagine they put on just for work, and saying things like "Allright, my love?" as if they were talking to someone retarded (who I am sure also find this habit annoying). Can they not just speak in a normal voice and not make you feel you are a cretin? What's more, these people don't seem to realize their manner might be annoying, and their intentions are good.

piaczka,
You would do well to advise your student not to travel to Britian wearing a French military style uniform.

or look too much like a monkey?

"I wear tight pants and chainsmoke cigarettes. I play darts, drink warm beer and talk shit."

I like those Brits. I'd like to meet one some time.

The Tom Sharpe novels.

Irvine Welsh's books.

Trainspotting
Glue (is my favourite)

I second the "Notes from a small island". Hillarious and well observed.

Piaczaka (hope I've spelled your name right), there's quite a good book by Sue Townsend called "The Queen And I" which I read some seven or eight years ago, which is very funny, and shpows to a goodly estent the difference between the "Upper echelons of Society" and the lower classes - read council estate.

Plot:- The new labour government has decided Britain will be a republic and the royal family - they are out with a capital "O" and are sent to live on a council estate.

It does show the great divide with often humourous results.

Will check those books out, thanks. Also thought about Jeremy Paxman's books.

I was just about to suggest Paxman. He's got a good handle on us