But noone, say in a shop, actually says Hello, on it's own, not even in England. It would sound almost bizarre.

More likely to say "What YOU looking at??"

I can disprove you theory as some rogue 'hello' cult member did to me yesterday! Not sure I get what you mean. I hear it all the time, e.g when walking the dog - hello or hi or g'day - here and when I lived in the UK (well, not g'day there, but I'll import it as I like that too). Is it just dog walkers nowadays? Not eveyone, even here, says 'hello how are you?' to strangers. 'Hello' is just fine on its own. It's both polite and efficient.

I *would* say, "Hi , how are you?" to strangers. It's precisely because you don't know them you can push the boat out a bit.

I wouldn't say Hello on its own. 'Hello'. It almost invites a response (although itis not a question) and you may not get one. "Hello". (Hello what?) It seems to be left hanging in midair, unless - the receiver says more back.. I would say "Hi!" on its own. It's more jovial, more of a exclamation.

If I did say Hello, I would say it with a certain intonation so it wouldn't sound flat.

I do recall people in England saying "Good Morning". That's the normal greeting as far as I know in polite company, in England.

cheers

[QUOTE=jad n rich]Were back pzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, thats the sound of it like a tyre deflating, then a dull thud when we crashed back to this side of the planet

The weather just isnt that bad there were days of cold, frosty stuff, light snow even, but this was being called the coldest winter in 20 years, so what, its hardly moscow is it? Rain in a month consisted of about one tenth of what weve had in Brisbane in last 2 days. Bit of sun most days, not bring out the chemical barrier protection strength, get inside in 6 minutes stuff, stuff you didnt have to worry about. Not that bad.


Hello there,

Just had to say that we had 3 1/2 weeks from 20th December til 16th Jan, so we are also feeling much the same as you....pzzzzzzzz!! Had the best time in the UK after living in Oz for 4 1/2 years and defo agree with everything that you have said here.

The weather was great, food was great, beautiful green countryside, pubs, curries....and only a few days of misty rain in 24 days......it sounds like we loved it as much as you ))

The trip has helped us to make the decision to move back as we also have parents who are beginning to have health issues. We've been wanting to move back off & on for 4 years, but wanted to have a trip back there first, so we are very glad we did....obviously we can't be 100% sure we are doing the right thing, but it does feel right.

All the best!

Basil Brush

That was a brilliant post. I completely agree about the greetings. It's worse in the office with the nodding acquaintances giving it the "Hi how are you?" b.s. I dread the walk to the toilet, wondering what bland empty exchange I'll be forced to endure next on the way

You reminded me of when I was last in the UK in April 2003 and I was in HMV. I'd bought 3 cds in a sale (Sex Pistols, Clash and Ian Dury) and the guy behind the counter said something like "Some brilliant listening there, mate!" and we had a quick gab about the cds while the purchase was made. So much better than the bored tattoed semi-spiked employees here who give you the "Hi how are you?" tell you the price and don't acknowledge you again.

After reading this entire thread i under stand why "little Britain "has such appeal. .......................... mm

How can you not like Little Britain, bloody funniest thing since Monty Python in my book. Save for the fine exception of Fawlty Towers.


Maybe you prefer Poms hurting themselves, try Distraction on UKTV, Straight after LB tonight (saturday) Now that is funny.

Christ. You'd hate me then, I am the biggest smalltalker in the office. I'm good at smalltalk, lol. I can chew the cud with anyone, but if you want to get deep, technical and personal, I love that too. That's what I love about Australians, they do everything. They 'switch' in ways alot of British people can't. They can go from a 'Hows it going' to discussing the ins and out of what makes someone tick, everything.the longer I stay here, the more talented I realise people in my company are. I even had a manager 'thanking' me, absolutely seriously, for a chat the other day.

I've had loads of the business come up to me and say "You're different to all the other developers, you a real personable bloke, you're really good with people. Now I have someone suggesting I get in to management. I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole though. I hate politics. Cheers.

I worry about some of you people, really I do. Your're missing out.

Lighten up OE, i was referring to the"yeahbut, nobut, yeah" line scenario ,that occurs in this thread by the way i have both series and are eagerly awaiting the third...will check out Distraction TA ................. mm

New series starts on Wednesday night MM.

TA ............... mm