Despite the misgivings of my friends, who labelled it variously the "Great Satan" and the "United Snakes of America", I made my way forth across the ditch to the United States of America in June/July 2007. I was there for a total of 33 days, covering both the West and East Coasts.

My reason for going was essentially to visit some friends (mostly former student's of mine) who had been asking me to come and visit. So, after consuming a vast quantity of alcohol one night, I purchased a round-trip ticket to Los ... (more)