Back in the USA...

It's a strange feeling returning to a country you've lived in before. Almost like coming home, although the US has never really been home in that sense. I arrived in LA yesterday for a two week trip to assist with a project here, and was amazed at how similar it felt to 5 years ago. Granted, I didn't know LA then, but still...

I made the mistake this morning of switching on the TV in my hotel room (I'll blame jet lag - I couldn't even find a decent news station!) There was a big discussion about whether the country of origin should be displayed on all food products - apparently it isn't already. Mad cow disease was one of the reasons given for why it should be displayed - food miles however weren't even mentioned. It's strange how so much food can be imported here - yet don't even think about bringing even a handful of biltong in yourself! Sometimes, Asterix's sentiment seems most apt (even though the location may be wrong): 'These Romans are crazy'...

Smokefree England!

As of 1 July this year, it is illegal to smoke in workplaces or enclosed public places in England - yes that includes pubs! Bizarrely enough it's mandatory to put a sign up on pretty much all buildings to that effect - seems a bit unnecessary when it's now the rule, not the exception - perhaps there was a vested interest in a sign-making business somewhere...

The one thing that remains to be seen is whether non-smokers will be able to get seating space in any outside areas at pubs or restaurants - then again, if summer continues like this we may only find out next year...