u/Goblobber

As per title. Based in the UK. Me and my adopted brother used to have a really strong relationship, but after an argument with my mum and my sisters, he's cut off contact with the family altogether. I have no idea what the fight was about, but it must have been serious.

I haven't heard from him or seen him active online for about 5 years now. I don't want to make contact with him if he doesn't want that, I just want to know if he is alright. What's the best way for me to do that?

A few years ago there was a pretty big UK based skater called Lee Devereux. Does anyone know if he is still active?

Occurred to me that Americans get a lot of flack for not understanding cultural norms in Europe and the UK, so I'm guessing the same will be true visiting LA as someone from rural Wales.

For people with experience travelling in either direction, what can I expect in terms of social/cultural norms and what the expected behaviour in certain situations is that might catch me off guard?

Don't mind the silly meme answers (always a good time) but if it could be paired with genuine advice, I'd appreciate it.

Won't be there long but a few things I'm particularly curious about:

- eating out and what I can expect (and any food recommendations I really should try at least once)

- what the pub/alcohol culture is like

- things you should avoid discussing in polite conversation with new people

- what to expect if I need to talk to police for some reason

- general opinions on swearing in public places (I ask because where I'm from we use curse words like punctuatuon)