I was recently commissioned to travel around the American Midwest to record events, and general life, during the days before and after the November 5th election. As usual, I kept a personal journal, which I have shared, verbatim…

Monday 11th November – Stop on the outskirts of Chicago for breakfast. Thoughts of a healthy meal went out of the window in favour of convenience. Waiting in the queue for a table in Denny’s, I chatted with a middle-aged couple on their way to a Veterans Day parade. When my table became available I asked if they wanted to share it, to save them from waiting, but they politely declined. I felt embarrassed for asking, even more so when the waitress ushered them into the stall next to me. We pretend not to notice each other. Over breakfast I Google, ‘hunting supplies’, as I want to buy my friend, Ned, a knife…nothing says “I love you” like a good quality bladed instrument. There’s a gun store literally next door.’

‘The drive to my hotel, in the middle of Chicago city centre, was nightmare fuel. The Champs-Élysées, M25, and Quarterbridge roundabout on a Monday morning are all strolls across a meadow by comparison. I can’t get my head around being allowed to turn right on a red light…but sometimes you can’t? ‘

‘Wednesday 13th November – I checked out of my hotel at 3am. The guy in reception is surprised to see me, but I explain I want to get out of Chicago before the morning rush. He gave me directions and told me to ignore Google Maps because there’s a lot of new roadworks. I ignored his advice. 20 minutes later I was totally lost and heading in the completely wrong direction.’