Well, I'm back. One of my more interesting experiences occurred right at the end, when I was randomly detained at U.S. Customs, which searched all of my luggage and even forced me to open the candy bars that I'd bought at Heathrow. Apparently their suspicions were aroused by the fact that I'd spent three weeks in Europe with only a bookbag, and had bought nothing but postcards. (Come to think of it, it does sound a little strange...)

I was also subjected to a random bag check in the London Underground, by a constable who was considerably more courteous than his American counterparts. He even gave me a copy of his report, which noted, to my great satisfaction, that I was 5' 9" tall and "of medium build."