I left Chicago feeling awful, hardly able to keep my eyes open through tiredness, and headed south over yet more bloody toll booths towards Indianapolis.  On the way I had to pull over by the side of the freeway and curl up under a bush for an hour to snooze.

I arrived at my host's house in Indianapolis in the middle of a house party.  Her friends were all very cool, and we chatted and danced til about midnight when I had to turn in, leaving them to keep swinging for hours.

One thing I will sorely miss in America is the following.  Walking into a room and not being noticed, until I start to speak and then suddenly every head turns to look and listen.  It's noticeable out of the corner of my eye how the heads turn in my direction, but becomes even more marked when I am made the centre of conversation and attention through my witty banter and fascinating narratives.   Having a sweet accent is one thing, but being an international man of mystery, in the middle of a tour that my fellow guests would never dare take, makes me really stand out.  It's a great feeling and I will miss it.