I've just checked out our global hits record (since 16 January) and it seems that, although we're doing pretty well at broadcasting our subversive and forward-thinking message to the world, we're still having a few problems reaching people in Africa, western South America, and most importantly, mother Russia and her outlying dominions (especially Siberia, which as we all know is where the future lies).

I mean, why shouldn't someone in China want to read our blog? What else would a husky-driving farmer in upper silesia have to do on a cold winter's night other than sit in front of his Dellski computer and comment on Steph's hospital recovery? How would an Incan descent trekking the Macchu-Pichu trail survive more than a couple of days without checking the latest hilarious installment of mirth from the wandering minstrel (that's me)? The answer is, they couldn't! Not if they had any choice, that is.....

Personally I put it down to internet firewalls and government blocking techniques on the part of the authorities in these parts of the world. Well, I have a very simple message to you totalitarians out there trying to prevent our message getting out. We, the people, will not crumble under such oppression. And we look forward to a day in which all people, of all creeds, races and colours, can read and comment on "anamericangirlinlondon" without fear of repression, false imprisonment or torture.

I can't think of any other rational explaination.

Or am I being melodramatic again?