I am spending this early part of Sunday morning finally learning something about the geography of the United States of America. I have managed to absorb all sorts of stereotypes and iconic landscapes (laconic Texans in sheriff's uniforms, fast talking New York cab drivers, ranchers, pioneers, cult leaders, Indians, snow-capped mountains, bayous, seas of prairie-grass, cactus, casinos, border patrols, slavery, obesity, immigrant dreams and nightmares with firearms), all without having any real idea of the shape of the country. Perhaps that's why there's something about it I don't quite recognise, why the idea of America hasn't put down roots in me the same way the idea of Europe has. When I read American fiction I feel a vague sense of alienation; now that I know which side of the country LA is on, maybe it will disappear.