Where I had not been for a while ...
And oh, it had changed.
Considerations below.
Regular contact with the medical community necessitated a visit to the old local clinic.
Boy oh boy!
Massive redecoration and reorganization.
Security doors everywhere.
Also, it seemed that semi-hostile security men were everywhere in their black uniforms and American flag shoulder emblems.
My blood pressure went up alarmingly.
I managed to get through the appointment without having a panic attack.
Then, I got caught in a miserably cold rain storm and had to duck into a luncheon venue for "bright young things" where they meet to mate and possibly score for the night (Red Robin, possibly Applebees, that sort of thing).
Large TV screens everywhere all on sports.
Bullet-headed men in their mid 30s (shaven heads or close military haircuts -- all discussing "security") everywhere. And in charge.
Women all long-haired and deferential. Oh, and everyone was white.
America. America.