Whether or not there is any inflation (we could argue about that all day), gold has not been a very good hedge against anything, with the possible exception of equity profits.
"Enjoy the remainder of your time in the UK and enjoy the sunshine at least for the moment it’s still free but I hear they are working on that."
What sunshine? The UK averaged 18 degrees while I was there (in August!), and I was more than happy to get back to Spain where they have proper Summers. If it ever depends on taxing sunshine, Britain is fiscally doomed!
Afterthought: I am sorry that I didn't laugh at your Angela Merkel joke, but it has been doing the rounds since the Greek debt crisis.
