Fat and fatter
From Plunket Beime Sir: I was amused and in agreement with Mark Steyn (`The least worst hope', 23 September) in how awfully fat my country- men and women are. I read the column en route to Disney World where obesity is a badge of honour. Wow! Giant fat people who should exist only in hyperbolic comic novels tramp around in loud herds. My wife with a belly seven months pregnant was dwarfed by overeaters.
However, as much as I am embarrassed by the 'ugly American', I think Mr Steyn should visit Orlando to see the 'sophisticat- ed European' on parade. Boorishness from obese halfwits dressed offensively is not entirely an American phenomenon. Sure, the 'ugly American' exists in legions but those legions are no more or less than the Europeans I've encountered. 'Stay away from German tourists' has almost become a motto for those wishing to travel restfully.
I do wish to point out that at Disney World the packs of Brits seemed particular- ly more civilised. Also Mr Steyn was right; the young woman at the hotel desk whose name-tag noted Montreal as her home was quite lovely.
Plunket Beime
Virginia, USA
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