having once visited the u.s.a. (ft. lauderdale, florida, to be precise) and not having enjoyed the experience, i was not intending to go there again.



now that i find that my own government will hand over my personal data to u.s. officials, i will certainly not be travelling there again.

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why did i not enjoy my visit?

• the food, with few exceptions, was appalling;


• the shops were abysmal - there is so little real choice as everything is 'selected' by huge retail chains;


• the beer is crap - i'd prefer to drink the water from my fish-pond;


• the police are always armed. i stopped one to ask her directions - she kept her hand on her gun (in its holster) all the time we were talking. i was scared silly that the slightest 'wrong' move by me might frighten her into drawing it;


• the bars were full of boorish rednecks;


• the houses look like they're made of cardboard and are painted the most painful pastel shades.

why will i never visit again?

• george w bush is president.