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If you've ever encountered a tribe of Brit stag-nighters weaving their magic on some sleepy continental city, you could be forgiven for thinking that the English are not the kind of nation you'd invite home to tea. But although newspapers are forever carrying lurid tales of underage drinking and loutishness (not altogether groundlessly), the famed English politeness and reserve have not entirely vanished. Generally speaking, the English temperament is somewhat calm. The locals may seem a tad reserved, but they are sympathetic to foreigners, and won't brush you off if you ask for help. Asking them too many personal questions may come across as invasive if you've just met, but provided you don't start insulting their institutions from the word go, there's no faux pas in striking up a conversation. So without further ado, here are a few general tips about life in Dorset and Albion, and not least about those curious folks the English:
Arm yourself with a good map if you're exploring rural Dorset. Ask for the pink 'Ordnance Survey' maps for detailed guides. Useful for hiking (in England they tend to call it by the less grand tag of walking).
Drivers nervous about negotiating narrow country lanes shouldn't be afraid to hoot their horns as a warning signal to other drivers, especially at night.
Being kind to pedestrians is generally considered chivalrous.
If you're bringing electrical devices over, bear in mind you'll need an adaptor. The UK uses plugs with three square pins.
In some villages and stretches of the countryside, reception on mobile phones can be unreliable.
It's said that the English invented the queue. And it's true that they'll be a tad 'miffed' if you barge in front of them.Likewise, the English tend to subtly move aside if two people are walking head on towards each other. In the event of collision, a gentle 'I'm sorry' is enough to allay offence.
Of course, the weather is an ice-breaking subject for the English. But if you want to find another theme that they enjoy, they're generally proud of their comedy shows and rock n roll hall of fame. On the other hand, steer clear of mocking the monarchy - even if many English are ambivalent about the crown, they prefer to insult it themselves.
In an event of an emergency (perhaps you've just been punched in the face for making a joke about mad cows) dial 999. You can ask for coastguards, police, an ambulance, firemen or mountain rescue teams.
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Above: Not mad, just a little eccentric
Below: Don't let the weather spoil a great day out 
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