All a bit Mickey Mouse Back from the Disney marathon in Orlando. Feeling fine, thanks for asking.

When people say that they don't like Los Angeles because it is false, then clearly they haven't been to Orlando, or more specifically Lake Buena Vista. Of course the place is based on fantasy, although Orlando itself has been around for a while and was a major citrus growing area a 100 years ago but that all changed when Mickey, Minnie and Goofy opened up their doors in 1971. 50million people visit Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom each year and passes to the parks are not cheap. Day tickets run at $100, and the better option of a 3-day pass is still $190 for adults and $130 for kids under 9. Young children under 3, who will probably just cry and whinge their way around the big queues at least get in for free.

Sea World and the Universal resort are also in the Lake Buena Vista area, which is actually about 20 miles south of downtown Orlando. It is all about Disney here though although Orlando itself is a busy convention resort and home to the 6th largest university in the States, the University of Central Florida. It is also home to a huge Puerta Rican and Cuban influence that at least gives it a modicum of culture. Something though I suspect most Americans do not come to seek.

I was supposed to go to culture seeking in Iowa this afternoon but fortunately my 600-mile round trip drive through the corn fields of western Illinois to Iowa got scrubbed, well at least I got scrubbed from the list of participants and very grateful I am too. I will now be able to spend a couple of nights in my own bed before heading to London late Thursday. I can also grab a pint with a couple of friends tomorrow night and follow this afternoon's cup replay on the computer.

Lets hope this afternoon is not all mickey mouse after the excellent performance on Saturday.  ¶ 13:52