My mother and I will be in San Francisco where dressing up for Halloween appears to be compulsory
Not sure what to do though as my normal pirate outfit requires room in my suitcase that I just won't have! Debating whether to just be v boring as witch since I'm sure I can buy a hat there and long black skirt and top can be worn again on holiday... Might spray my hair some bizarre colour and wear some wayout makeup to make it a little more interesting.
I would agree with that. When I lived in London, my American friends and I would get all revved up for Halloween, while the natives seemed indifferent towards it. I'm guessing this has to do with Americans taking a break from our Puritan roots.
I think people in the UK make more of a deal about Bonfire night/Fireworks night which is the 5th November. And as the two events fall so closely together people only really bother with one of them.