Lessons in Acculturation

(The following is not excerpted from my new book, ‘Wonderment,’ which I call the life story of a science writer, now available by order from traditional and electronic bookstores and described in full at www.nigelhey.com.)


I have always felt a certain pride in the dexterity with which I can adapt from British culture to American culture and vice versa. This month, in deepest Missouri, I was in danger of disproving my own assumption.

It started three years ago, when my new bride and I went on...