Do you feel famous?
I have just returned from a three week break in the USA. It was a great opportunity to meet some people I have made friends with via the internet, to talk lots about Internet Marketing, and to see a little bit of a country I have always wanted to visit. In fact I liked it so much I am returning there in September.
While I was there I was amazed at the amount of American people I met who had never met a British person. I was amazed at the amount of American people who clearly are not in the least bit used to hearing a British accent in their midst. I found myself being followed around supermarkets, stalked among the shelves so they could hear me speak. Most were brave enough to come up to me and tell me how wonderful they thought my accent was, but it made me feel almost famous it happened so often.
In restaurants as soon as they realised I was British all the staff appeared at our table to see if we had everything we needed (yes, I know the Americans are incredibly attentive in restaurants but usually it’s only the person allocated to your table). In a service station I heard people discussing me at the counter while I browsed the shop, and at a winery I came out rather the worse for the free samples as the assistant never left my side and kept topping my glass up saying ‘and you must try this one’.
In 1979 Andy Warhol said ‘In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes’. I think I just had mine in an extended version, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. God Bless America!
Enjoy the journey.
More From mandyallen
Mandy…you took the residents of my complex by storm. They cooked for you while you were here and still are, as a matter of fact. I have a jar of pink pickled eggs just for you from one of your fan club. I am under distinct orders to make sure it gets to you when I visit in a week. The cook, Patsy, isn’t listening to any cautions about customs.
Your social mystique is as amazing in person as it is in your blog posts. Almost everyday someone asks me “when is Mandy coming back?” Your fan club awaits your return. I know they want to hear you say, “Blimey!” a few more times. It made them laugh every time you said it.
I think they are determined to Americanize you and have started collecting and comparing recipes for more American cooking when you return.
Your fan club awaits you and is driving me crazy…Pat
It was great to spend some time with you and your friends, Pat. I look forward to seeing you all again soon! Thanks for the hospitality, I will return the favour!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy.
Hello Mandy,
Glad you enjoyed the trip and yes our British accent always amazes Americans, wherever you go over there. Mind you with my Derbyshire accent some asked me if I was from Australia! Most though just can’t get enough of a British accent and it is nice.
Just goes to show, there is a special relationship with America but its at our level, not politicians.
It’s a great country and I’m sure you’ll be back there again soon.
Best Regards
Dave
Hi Dave, nice to see you here. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to get back there.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Sounds like you had a great time Mandy. I’ve heard before that American’s like our accent. Mind you, in Hollywood they always use a British actor when they want a baddie.
I want to go to the States now and say “blimey” as often as possible.
John
Hi John, it’s a word I use often and they laughed every time I said it! Thanks for visiting! And enjoy Paris!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Mandy,
Where in America did you visit??? I’ve never seen the reactions you experienced here, but I think its amazing and glad they made you feel special like you are!
Gwen
Hi Gwen, I moved around a bit but was in the mid and south west mostly and I guess not where the tourists go. I did not have the reaction in the airports I visited, just in the small towns. It was quite incredible. Thank you so much for your sweet comment.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
Have you considered how you would feel when the paparazzi begin to chase you!
The other downside would be having to judge those dreadful tv shows.
Regards,
Bill
Exactly, Bill! Did you see the blog post about the Queen? One of our MC class wrote it – it was brilliant! Puts everything into perspective.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy
Most of my family live in the states, and when I visit which is every couple of years I have always found them very welcoming , and your right you soon become the center of attention and want for nothing, but they do seem to think we all know the Queen!
We are very lucky to have the chance to visit their great country,
Glad you had a good time!
All the best
Nick
Hi Nick, thanks for visiting. Yes, I know what you mean about the Queen, there were constant questions about her!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
I’ve not been to the states for quite a few years now, went there once on holiday as a kid, then a few more times in adulthood when attending a wedding one time and while I was a seaman in the merchant navy on others. I found on my first visit as a kid I had the same treatment you describe… and it just felt so strange being this 11 year old kid who absolutely everyone who heard me speak wanted to talk to! Quite an experience for a kid!.
On my visits as an adult I always found a warm reception, service was always excellent but I did find the reactions were different depending on which part of the states I was in, it was always good though.
Great blog by the way…
Pete
Thanks, Pete, and welcome to my blog! Hope you return.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
It is an interesting story. Glad to know that you enjoyed the trip and made a lot of friends.
Dan
Thanks for visiting my blog, Dan. Hope you pop over again sometime!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
I’m glad to hear that you were treated properly in America & that you enjoyed yourself.
If not, my fellow Americans would’ve had problems with me. You are one of the best people the UK has to offer!
Best regards,
George Nieves
Hello George, thanks for visiting. Yes, I was treated like the Queen herself, I’m sure. It was an amazing experience and one I will definitely be repeating as many times as I am able!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi mandy,
Accents are funny and so are the differences between countries. When I was in the states many years ago, they kept asking me if I spoke English! I just laughed and said “No Australian”
I was also asked if Kangaroos jumped down my street and did we have cars? I think Paul Hogan and Crocodile Dundee made Australia out to be country bumpkins!
I think it would be funny if a New Zealand, Australian and British person were all in the same room with an American. The poor American would be completely confused, because we all sound similar.
Hope you are well.
Cheers
Jacinta
Hi Jacinta, I agree, it would be very interesting. I hope that you will be the Australian in the room and that we all meet somewhere extraordinary…
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
It has always been my impression that British person had the most intelligent and pleasing accent. I’m glad you have had your famous moment, as for me I’m still waiting.
Hi Walter, nice of you to say that about us. Even though I am British I do think it is one of the nicest accents in the world, alongside the French, which I adore too!
You will have your moment of fame, believe me, it’s out there waiting for you.
Thanks so much for visiting, hope to see you here again – I LOVE your blog!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Haha! I had a similar experience when I first arrived in Canada. After ten years though the novelty has worn off a little
Hi Emily Jane, thanks for visiting. I really loved the experience and am going back for more…no doubt it will wear off one day.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy
Sounds like you had fun, let’s hope Pat gets a similar experience on the return trip.
It would be interesting to see what kind of reaction there would be to a broad Scotsman, Scouser, Yorkshireman etc – I struggle to understand some of the time
Glad you had a good trip
cheers
Steve
Hi Steve, yes, I know what you mean about struggling with some of our regional accents! My dad was Scottish and I never could understand a word he was saying!
I will be showing Pat all the best things about Britain! She will have a good time, I’m sure.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy .. good to meet you – thanks for popping over to my blog. I found a similar experience on my trips to the States … my accent was loved and I was always asked to speak more!!
Interesting life you’ve had .. now you’re back for the Spring – seems to be turning up trumps eventually ..
Hi Hilary, thanks for visiting. I’ll be back to your blog, I loved it! I was very taken with America indeed and I look forward to my next visit.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy.
I wondered where you visited, and you cleared that up by saying small town, midwest.
I am in the eastern part of the mid-west, in a small community. Yes, we would have embraced you. But stalked you in the market? Hmmm… I don’t know.
I love the Queen’s English, as my mom used to call it. It just has a pretty sound to it… And as for Hollywood using the British in the bad roles, no-sir! I LOVE Hugh Grant and, in former days, Julie Andrews. (Hollywood has their own rules, and I don’t abide them. Hahaha!)
I have to chuckle at folks’ reaction to you in general — our language is spoken so many different ways here in the States, you’d think we’d be used to it. From the Eastern states both north and south, all across our great land, we just talk differently from each other.
My general take on your experience here is this: we do love a beautifully spoken British accent. But I think your fans were following you as much for YOU as for how you sounded. The accent may have drawn the crowd, but you kept them interested by your own responses to their attention.
And my hope is that you are always treated well when you visit. I sometimes shudder to think an entire nation is judged by the behavior of a handful of people. That can be scary.
I’m thankful your experience here was a good one.
Thank you for visiting, Barbara. I was so astounded at the reposne, yes, it was very nice! I will certianly be back later this year and looking forward to more of those good experiences!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
I had a very similar experience in 1992 when I went to California for 3 weeks, every one wanted to hear me speak. They also asked me if I knew a certain person who incidentally lived in a totally different part of the UK that I had never before visited. I had to keep explaining that the UK is bigger than they think, as is the population. While I was there I had my birthday and the restaurant owners brought out a cake with candles which I thought was fantastic, and much to my embarrassment, the whole restaurant both staff and guests all sang to me! Being a shy person by nature I felt quite overwhelmed by it all. Glad you enjoyed your stay over there because I certainly did.
Regards,
Sue.
Hi Sue, yes I did, and I’m going back asap! Glad they made a great fuss of you too, they’re a special breed, aren’t they!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy, nice to know you had a good time in the USA. You are the ones that speak English. We think we do. We are the ones with the English accent.:)
Terry Conti from New York City.
Thanks for your reply on the forum when I asked:Choosing a Niche/ in product development. It took all the stress away. Ciao for now. T.
Nice to see you here, Terry. You have made me laugh with your comment, I loved the American accent and I love the different words you have for things!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy
It was interesting to read about your experience in America.
When I came to England from Estonia I had a similar experience. First of all I was surprised; nobody spoke English language which I learnt at school. I even could not understand local people (Oldham). I have been living in Oldham for 10 years and now I can recognize English accents. What amazed me very much that so many English accents exist! I suppose there is similar situation in every country though.
Thank for leaving a comment on my blog.
Irina Overy
Hi Irina, yes, regional accent can be difficult to get to grips with at first, can’t they. Thanks for visiting, please drop by again.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy, good to see you back and really pleased you had such a great time. I’ve never been but would like to one day. I’m told that their approach to disability and service is second to none, so with a wheelchair AND an English accent I might get that 15 minutes ha ha.
Mandy your 15 minutes hasn’t even started yet, just you wait til you’re rolling.
As Always Mandy,
Respect and Regards, Barry
Hi Barry, thanks so much for visiting. I have just been told that you are absolutely right, the attitude to helping people less able is very much better than in this country. Anyway, I know you would be a real hit out there, Barry. Tell me when you’re going, we could go together! That would be great fun! You’re very sweet about my 15 minutes of fame – I’m sure that was it…
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy!
You and Barry must come visit me in the Rocky Mountains next time! My little ole Colorado mountain town would LOVE to give you more than 15 minutes of fame! You might be on YouTube before you ever made it back home!
I am so glad to hear you had a nice time here in the US! How do people in the UK respond to the Americans English accent? I would love to come find out. First, got to earn enough money to take a vacation! Lol!
It sure is great being back in the class!
Kelly
Hi Kelly, that would be fabulous! I am certaintly returning in September for another holiday. In England we are quite used to hearing American accents – I guess it’s just that we are a much smaller country and we do have a number of US air bases here.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
After reading more about you, I’d have to agree with Barb. I’d say you experienced the spotlight because you are engaging and dynamic. Reminds me of the phrase, ‘personality opens doors, character keeps them open.’
Happy to meet you
Kim
Wow, thanks Kim, that’s such a nice thing to say! Pleased to meet you too, hope you keep visiting my blog.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy
Australians and New Zealanders often get the same treatment in the US. My daughter dined out on her accent for weeks! They just loved her to talk.But they always thought she was an Australian rather than a New Zealander.
Glad you had a great time.
Hi Harriet, nice to see you here! It’s quite lovely that an accent can bring so many good feelings and help to build such great friendships, don’t you think?
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
What a great story. I can see how that would happen as I know I certainly love accents, too.
I had a dear friend (whom I called my second Mom) who was from Scotland. I loved to listen to her talk so much I’d keep asking her questions just so she would keep talking. She has since passed away, but your story brought back wonderful memories of her, so I thank you for that.
Hi Barbara, I love the Scottish accent too. My dad was Scottish and many of my cousins are still in Scotland. Nice to see you here, thanks for visiting.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy…
that post made me “smile”…I am so glad that your first trip to the US was an enjoyable one. We are fascinated with accents over here aren’t we? Can’t explain it…:)
Maybe we’ll get to meet on your next turn in the US…looking forward to it!
Kathy
Hi Kathy, yes, I do hope we can meet next time – September is the aim and I have plans to stay with a friend in Florida for part of the time as she saw my blog post and asked why I hadn’t been to her! So I have no excuse not to come down that way! Looking forward to meeting you!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
H Mandy
It sounds as though you had a really enjoyable trip and enjoyed every minute of your new found celebrity status.
The way that your blog is being received, it looks as though you will need to get used to being a bit of a celebrity.
Best, Theresa
Hi Theresa, thanks for visiting. For the past year I have been astounded at how my blog has been received. Hope you are enjoying your life experiences too!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hello Mandy,
First of all, thank you for God’s blessings! We could always use more blessings over here!
I am so glad you came to see the US and had a wonderful experience!
British accents are very cool and there are not too many folks where I am who are from England. I know I don’t hear yall’s accents a lot!(except when I am watching John’s videos!) Tons of Spanish speakers here in Southern California! (Good thing I speak Spanish!!)
I hope each and every time you visit our country you are treated with “Celebrity” status! You deserve it!
Have an amazing day!
Lisa~
Thank you so much, Lisa. You are always welcome here too!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Mandy — I am pleased that you were a “person of interest” on your visit to the States!
My son-in-law is British and the same thing happens to him when he visits. It is kind of funny how we notice accents and how some stand out more than others.
I visit my daughter and son-in-law where they live in London and I’m always amazed at the multitude of accents in the city. You ride a bus and you might be in another country:~) I sort of like it, but must admit…I prefer the countryside to London itself. I’m not really a big city person:~)
Hi Sara, thanks for visiting. I live in the countryside, North Norfolk – very rural. Yes, London is full of different accents.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
I’m so glad you had a good time while visiting the states and Pat. It sounds like she is having a good time now visiting you. But maybe you shouldn’t let her drive?
If you’re passing through Colorado when you come back in September, please give me a shout.
Cheers,
Peggy
Hi Peggy, Pat isn’t driving – thank goodness! I have a list of places to visit on the September trip, mostly invites, so I’ll add it on! Thankyou, I’d love to visit!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy, great site and enjoyed reading about your success over the pond. It has been said in other posts that the Americans love your accent but the person has to be able to win them over (as with any people) and it sounds like you did that to! Good luck with everything Mandy.
Hi Graham, thanks for visiting. Yes, they certainly did enjoy my accent and I can’t wait to get back there to enjoy the wonderful country.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Good Day Mandy,
I’ve been going through some of the older posts at JT’s forum and really appreciate the thoughtful advice you so freely provide.
This is an awesome time to be alive because we can learn so quickly from each other and you seem to be very willing and great at sharing your knowledge.
When I grow up I want to be just like you!
Thank you, missus.
Barry
Hi Barry, welcome to my blog! Thanks for your lovely comment – I’m going to print it and paste it on my wall to keep me inspired!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy, excellent post! You gotta hand it to google adsense. I noticed an ad on your sidebar to learn a British accent in 15 minutes.
Steve D.
Spiderbots are so smart it’s scary.
Hi Steve, nice to see you. Yes, I am always amazed at the spiderbots – also the words they pick up on. Can’t imagine what my blog has to do with allen keys!!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
I have always wanted to visit Montana to see all the mountain ranges and an historic site there, you really did get the best out of your visit by the sounds of it?
Ed.
Hi Ed, yes, Montana is on my list too – maybe next time! Thanks for visiting.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Mandy,
Love reading your posts and especially this one your experience in USA the “unexpected experiences” of life hey, very interesting.
Hi Keldyn, wecome to my blog. I am looking forward to renewing the experience in September when I return to the USA.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
I lived and worked in the US for about a year, mainly in the south. Experienced a similar reaction to my strong Scottish accent. Met lots of nice people, and got to see a lot of the real America.
Loved every minute of my time there!
David
Ooh, Scottish – I love the accent, Dave. My dad was Scottish and I have lots of family there but I grew up elsewhere so have never learned the great lilt you have!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy
What a surprise!
I assumed that so many Brits visit the States that all Americans have heard an English accent.
Guess it’s just New York where we go on our shopping trips.
I’ve never been to the States, nearly got there a couple of times but never made it.
If I could be guaranteed the same reception that you got… I might try again.
Hi Keith, thanks for visiting. Yes, you really should go, it is a most amazing place and the American people are so incredibly friendly.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy