I have questions for all the UK peoples, Forgive my american Options

[97celiman]

Alright so it being the end of my senior year and my dad a pilot, we are talking about an end of the year trip overseas to europe. I'm not really in to the whole, tour all of europe in 14 days deal, this will probably be one MAYBE two countries and i'm pretty sure i get to pick. obviously since i am american i am not fluent in any other language, unlike a certain german exchange student friend of mine who makes me feel retarted everyday with his tri-lingualness.

Anyway, my dad has been to both france and italy with his parents a few times. My whole family crazy opera, wine, and dem. loving people (in texas! i know, its crazy) I however didn't really want to go to either (not because i dont like them i would just rather go elsewhere) My heritage is almost perfectly divided 3 ways between Welsh, French and Irish-hence the interest

So basically i have questions about the "UK" i put it in quotes b/c im confused as to what is considered the "UK"
1) Am i correct in saying it is England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales?

2) Why is it Prince Henry of Wales and not England?

3) What are some of the ahhh rivalries? within scotland england ireland etc.?

4) Is wales a part of england or the uk (as in Mexico being part of US or north america)

5) If i go to England, is there really that much of a language barrier, we say coupe with a silent 'e' that sort of thing, my dad says there still would be even though it is both english (compared to me going to france although i should mention my stepmom is fluent in spanish, french, japanese, probably some other i cant remember so this would be a plus in france that sort of thing)


7) The other big reason i want to go to the UK is just the history, the norman, roman, anglo-saxon, beowulf history surrounding it (and braveheart! jk)
I find the british conquests interesting the scottish independence that sort of thing. can anyone recommend and good books to read that would explain this more? (i liked guns, germs and steel but that was very broad)

8) finally, please forgive me if i offended anyone, but i figured i'd ask now before i go there. im doing this as part of my research(ing) just wanted opinions from the natives.

9) if anyone can think of anything else write it up

10) thanks, i have a snow day (well ice day) here so i had to do something (i know snow day in texas!!!!) im sure people up north would scoff at this weather

This post has been edited by 97celiman: Jan 27, 2009 - 8:10 PM

[97celiman]

havent checked this thread in awhile-been busy

What type of government does SI operate under? is it a parliamentary system like UK just not under UK authority? are there huge differences between northern and southern irishmen/women? as in different ideals etc. or is it just like here where its regional-ized into different types of people? ex. new yorker vs. texan vs. californian that sort of thing.

or is the only difference between NI and SI the govt...does southern ireland not like UK or are many southern irishpeoples trying to get to NI that sort of thing

[BloodyStupidDave...]

are there huge differences between northern and southern irishmen/women? as in different ideals etc. or is it just like here where its regional-ized into different types of people?

Generally there aren't huge differences. The accent between NI and the southern part of ROI is pretty different but each county has variances too. Of course, there are some differences in world outlook between protestants who are mainly in NI and Catholics who are mainly in ROI - mainly religious but to a lesser extent, regarding royalty, national identity, politics and so on. But like everything, these are sweeping generalisations.

It is also true to say that some in NI think that NI should be fully integrated with the UK and some in ROI think that NI should be fully integrated with ROI to form an Irish nation that is the whole of Ireland. But you will also find some who have to opposing view and some who think that NI should become independent of bot the UK and ROI and enter Europe as its own nation.

But like yellowchinaman said, while it is interesting (indeed great) to learn about and be informed about the history of nations, it doesn't really tell you very much about the country or its people today. The best way is just to come over and experience it for yourself. While many of the cities are welcoming, for true impression of a country (I think this applies to pretty much any country) it is best to have a guide, visit many different areas and meet lots of people. Visiting the villages and the towns probably gives a more diverse impression of a country. Which ever nations you choose to visit, I think you'll have a great time.