Birt Family Focus

Epcot World Showcase, UK -- 8/9/02

Having been thoroughly northernized by our friends in the Canada Pavilion, it is now time to cruise on over the the UK. Here we will find buildings in representations of architectural styles from the 16th century to the 19th century. Notice the building with the thatch roof- it's not the real thing-too leaky- but it certainly looks real!

Everything here is quite clean and pretty, though, so history is not quite accurately portrayed here and that's, to borrow a phrase, a good thing. There are some very impressive things you will not want to miss, though.

Even though we just had cheese soup and beaver tails, we MUST go have some fish and chips at Harry Ramsden's. I have it on good authority (a friend who is a Londonite) that the fare here is pretty darn good- not quite as good as home, she says, but as good a substitute as you could want. I love it. If you are a fan of English beers and Ales, a stop at the Rose and Crown Pub is what you'll be after. They have a good selection there, served room temp as is traditional, or cold if you like, and in a yard glass for the brave.

Most of the entertainment here is in the form of shopping- the Tea Caddy has real English teas and quaint tea pots and sets for the collector (this is my favorite shop). There is pottery and such in the shop themed after Wales, sweaters and Tartans in the one themed after Scotland, and toys at the Toy Soldier. There are several other shops with specialty items as well.

Live entertainment includes the British Invasion, which look similar to the Beatles and sing Beatles songs as well as a few by Herman's Hermits and others. They are mostly Beatle imitators, though and very good ones at that. My little daughter fell in love and we had to stay and watch 3 sets! They also are happy to pose for pictures and autographs after each performance.

The World Showcase Players are an improv troupe that can be found here in the UK and also in the France Pavilion. They involve the audience in their versions of various Shakespear plays and famous french literature. They are quite a hoot- don't miss them.

Last but knot least is the Knot Garden and Butterfly Garden, The Knot garden is actually where the British Invasion plays. It is a traditional formal English garden laid out in knot work patterns and featuring a few topiaries and some herbs. The butterfly garden has a box with cocoons where if you are lucky, you will see a new butterfly emerge. There are mostly monarch butterflies here and they are very friendly. stand still enough long enough and they will light on you. Babies with a butterfly on their noses are very cute photo material!

One final hint- if you like to watch Illuminations at night, try to get a PS at the Rose and Crown and ask to be seated on the patio. The view from here is fantastic.

That's all for now - next week we go to France - TA!!

Sla`inte~(an Irish pub greeting similar to Aloha)