I had a few hours in the US of A this afternoon. Despite it being entirely at the Chicago O'Hare airport I entirely enjoyed my visit. Everyone was nice and cheerful and joking around. When I came through customs a short round lady came up, smiling, saying, "where you going?" "You stay right there, honey, let me get someone to get these skis for you." And my skis were taken away and rechecked and then she took my duffel and even told me exactly which terminal and gate I needed to go to next. I'm not sure I've ever had a smoother transit through O'Hare.

Except that they took away my apple. A lady with a small dog came around sniffing people's bags and found my snacks. The little dog was over the top pleased with herself for discovering the apple in my bag. Which was more entertaining than if they'd just asked.