Greetings from the Golden State

Greetings comrades. Arrived in La Jolla today after a wonderful trip from San Francisco via Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Santa Barbara and LA. So much fun I'm thinking of becoming a hippie beach bum and never coming back. I love San Francisco, and Santa Cruz, but Santa Barbara blew me away on a first visit. Exquisite views and really nice vibe. LA was mad, but exhilarating. Grumpy drivers, and too many cars (ever heard of global warming?), and too many facelifts, but great energy. Weather has been good (in the 70s/80s) over the last few days. People have been really friendly and forgiven us Blair. I really think I could live out here for a while, particularly as a way of missing another year in the championship for the irons.

The beer has been excellent - Anchor steam beer would go down well with the WNDC, whilst the microbrewery at the Brewhouse in Santa Barbara did a wonderful 'James Brown Ale' which should be on sale at the Somerville. Downed three very nice pints of Newcy Brown tonight.

I've been thinking a lot about America, and although it has it's faults, I like the easy-going democratic side of life here. The strong national identity is also good, as people see themselves as Americans first, and then their cultural whatever next. I also love the way there is space to be bohemian, most obviously in Santa Cruz, but also in pockets elsewhere. America is so much more than the idiot who occupies the White House, and whilst they can learn from us, we can learn from them. Good people, good weather, and good times!

Hope to see you all weds if not too jetlagged!