Only tourists call it high tea, it’s just afternoon tea to the locals.

I’m glad I didn’t learn this one the hard way.

In less than three weeks I will be heading on a plane bound for the UK, spending a week camping on the grounds of the fancy, historical Harewood House for the 100th anniversary of girl guiding/scouting worldwide with about a day and a half to spare exploring London all with 12 girls between the ages 14-18. Since the schedule for the week camping is set (although I haven’t had a chance to see it yet), I have been spending time trying to organize the girls, who live across the country, to determine what we will be doing for the day and a half in London. Remember, this is their trip and I am just along for the ride so they don’t kill each other or manage the situation if they do.

Anyhow, in the process of learning the various activities and the must-sees of London, the girls requested high tea at Harrods. I don’t drink caffeine nor do I like gaudy, over-priced department stores, but I will do my duty and research what I must do to satisfy their need of doing something “very traditional English.” In the process, I found my learning moment of the day but at least from the virtual world. We all know as locals of our respective places the annoying things tourists say, that become pet peeves of the entire town. Like calling San Francisco, San Fran or Frisco. Or when people call California, Cali. I get it and of course I will share my new-found knowledge with the girls because no matter how touristy we really are, we don’t want to be one of those stupid Americans that can never get anything right.