My English relatives and friends are forever laughing at things … things I don’t find remotely funny.  I’d like to think I have a robust sense of humor, but in England, I’m a bit of a stick in the mud.

Today they laughed endlessly at my story of nearly being hit by a train on my first day in Germany.   And when I mentioned almost falling in to a fountain, they roared.  Now I’d fully expect this from Germans.  They even have a word for it: “schadenfreude” (taking pleasure in other’s misfortune).

Lord knows I have tried to understand British humor.  I watched “Absolutely Fabulous”, “The Catherine Tate Show”, and “Little Britain” regularly.  And while I’d giggle occasionally, my relatives would be in stitches.  Sometimes I’d laugh more at them than what was on the television, or as they call it “the tel-eee”.

Perhaps I should drink more.  There is always uproarious laughter whenever I go to the local pub.  Problem is, I don’t like lager.  When I announced that at the bar, the laughter stopped.  And then I proceeded to order a Ginger Ale, the entire pub doubled over in fits of hysteria.  They thought it was funny that a “ginger” was ordering a ginger ale.

I will say this much, I could watch British commercials endlessly.  Each one is more clever than the last.  The Americans could learn a thing or two (or ten) about subtle humor in advertising.

My two 25-year old cousins always chortle whenever I swear.  They, like any 25-year old male, also enjoy quality toilet humor.  Anything involving farts, poop or belching always makes for good fodder.

Nice to know some things are still universal.