what are little boys made of....

Dear UK
Sorry to hear the weather isn't so good and you're all getting colds. You'll be pleased to note it's 20degrees cooler here today....................

Actually it's really pleasant and quite bearable. I even have a cardigan on!

Went to the Historic district and Melbourne town yesterday. Did loads and loads of window shopping. Found a Mall and lost 4 hours!! Bought The Boy some clothes for his first birthday and a cinnamen pretzel for me. I am clearly in tourist mode you know, aimlessly wandering at a snails pace. This was clearly a joy for the Israeli team of men who were trying to flog some sort of nail preparation stuff. As I was dithering I allowed myself to be accosted and from then on the Israeli lads thought they had me in the bank. They stripped, buffed and treated my left index fingernail, gushing about the properties of the products, they just love the UK (don't we all), that I'd save soooo much money with their products, he'd give it to me cheap. Sorry I'd drifted off completely and really had no idea what he was saying other than I now wanted my finger back. I had continually mumbled 'no thankyou' throughout the pitch but now I wanted to get inside Macy's (or is it Macey's?). The salesman clearly felt that my finger was the downpayment on $75.
'No thankyou , I don't need it'
'okay, look cos I like the UK, $60'
'Thank you but no I don't need it'
'alright, okay, you're a nice lady, $50, look this lady paid $129'
shows a receipt book
'you're soooo kind, but no thank you'
'look, don't tell everybody, I like you so I'll let you have this for $44.99'
(hmm, haven't I used these very words myself before??)
'Thank you no, my finger please?'
'Fine, okay, $29.99 for 2, you'll never get that deal anywhere else, they don't sell it in the UK'
I yank my finger away
'No'
'wait, $19.99 for one, that's what I get it for, no profit for me'
smile
'No'
'right that's you're last chance, if you walk away the price goes up'
'oh well'
intense glares from the Israeli sales lads
intense glare and smile from me

Well that was a bit of fun for a while

Today I have decided to stay on at Melbourne Beach and use as a base to see some more of this East coast. There is a space shuttle launch tomorrow night at 8.30-8.45pm, Florida time. I'd really like to get into to see that. As I'm here. If I can't I just hope I can see it from the roadside in the sky.

Oh and that fish I ate was called a Talapea, actually I have no idea how it's spelt but that's what it sounds like.

Oh but by far the most upsetting thing I experienced was at the Mall yesterday. They have animals in small static cages in pet shops here. Little puppies of all breeds were kept caged up in tiny cages and the sight made me well up. I struggled so hard not to sob actually. It's cruel. These little puppies are kept in the cages until they are sold and have little or no human contact. No hugs, no play, nothing. Okay so the cages are clean and they have water and are presumably fed regularly but come on, I thought the US was a civilised country. I suddenly felt an overwhelming gratitude to be British. How is this still possible in the US? The practice of keeping puppies and kittens visible like this isn't good for them physically or mentally and condones the practice of pets as accessories. How can you promote a 'dog is for life' when it's displayed next to an effing handbag. It's unnecessary and barbaric. Stop this NOW.

It may seem like a little thing but it's the little things that shape our perceptions and the US is a paradox of them, and today, well today I want to come home.........