Thanks must go to everyone in the Park City area. The folks at the Olympic Park were delightful, as were the mad Lugers. Watching human beings whiz past on an ice wall at top speed is a lasting memory. Unbelievably dangerous sport … and my brief taste is all I will ever need, thank you very much.

Thanks also to Gold medalist Derek Parra. For someone who has achieved so much, he was remarkably nice, friendly and helpful. Although, I fear I will never be an Olympic speedskater. It was far, far, far too painful on my legs. Which is a shame, because I really look good in that gold body suit. Don't worry though, I still have it and wear it out to dinner, to the movies, and doing household chores. Actually, I don't do household chores anymore … I have a producer for that.

To see me in my Gold skin tight beauty - watch the show - and feel free to tell me how good I look by leaving a comment.

From one heart stopping moment to another - while the cars at NASCAR were scary - the dizzying array of fried food on sticks in Oklahoma City possessed their own version of blind, artery clogging terror.

Never in my world traveling, glamorous, truth filled career, have I seen so many items impaled on wood and voluntarily consumed by right thinking people; truly an amazing sight. These state fairs are remarkable examples of American culture … I urge any non-American reading this to make sure you visit one at some point. Nothing says America like the food, the heat, the sweat, the dust, the animals, the crowd, and the mind numbing sounds of chomping, screaming and mooing. And that was just from my crew! I felt drenched in Americanness. And I tried my best to let it soak in.
The pie judging was fun. Sitting down to 16 pies, and being told I'd feel sick later provided this truthologist with a challenge. And I'll always take on a challenge - especially if it involves cake or cake like items…in this case, a very diverse collection of pies. Make no mistake - these piefolk take their craft very seriously - so I felt compelled to give them my best effort. I think the best pie won.

Here's a small secret - during the pie scene, you catch a glimpse of my cameraman. I won't tell you which one he is - but here's a tip - he's male.

Apart from oozing Americana and competitive juices, the Oklahoma State Fair also offered me a wide variety of ways to die. There were the heart attacks I ducked with the food. Then, the chainsaws and mystery water I fell into trying to walk on a spinning log. Then, there was the Monster Truck Ride. I dare any other global correspondent to wedge themselves into that cabin of rubber mounted death.



But all of these potential tragedies paled when compared to the amusement rides. As this episode reveals - Lawrence Beldon-Smythe is not perfect. I have a flaw…something I'm not proud of - but if I'm going to be a sincere truth revealer, then I shouldn't hide my own failing. I am not comfortable with heights. So the ordeal with the Ferris Wheel - was without doubt the most terrifying and dangerous thing I have ever done.

It all began when I was a child. It's a long, painful story, but let's just say, it involved our chimney, parental enthusiasm, a sudden breeze, and antlers. It was also the day I discovered Santa Claus doesn't exist. Worst 15th birthday anyone could have.

Anyway - as I'm supposed to be revealing behind-the-scenes secrets here - then I will admit the fear displayed in this episode was very real. I hope you don't think less of me because I've revealed this most private and intimate chink in this reporter's armor. You know you can always tell me your innermost secrets. Go on - post a comment here and tell me something about you I don't already know.

Otherwise - no real secrets from Oklahoma. Our hotel had a nice pool. It was very hot. We drove around the fair on a very slow golf cart - we were often passed by new mothers and their strollers. The crew enjoyed the funnel cakes. We were very grateful to all the fair folks - again, nothing was too much trouble.

Since that time, I have begun my own, top secret investigation into other items that can be deep fried and mounted on sticks. I hope to reveal my findings soon - but I can tell you now - kippers work well, steak and kidney pies do not. Blancmange is a total disaster.

Anyway - watch the show at 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Tuesdays - and see for yourself what real reporting looks like. Be prepared to do something for the good of the truth, even if it's personally terrifying. I laugh in the face of my fears - or at least cry at their feet.

Cheerio. Not the cereal - it's an English expression for goodbye. Seriously.

Hello again - Lawrence here. The kindly folk at Travel Channel tell me you want more truth - so here I am.
This week's episodes were without doubt the most terrifying of the entire series - at least for me. I guess they could've been more terrifying, I mean it's not like I wrestled lions, tried to catch bullets with my teeth…or attempted a sit down interview with Prince Phillip - I've heard he may actually be a wizard. But for me - some of the activities I performed for you and the camera…but mostly you - were frightful.

I'll get to the scary bits in a moment. First - NASCAR fans. Not scary - merely bewildering. Where I come from, being a passionate fan means drinking yourself stupid and looking forward to punching a fan from the opposing team. I never did that - my mother always said supporting soccer was too dangerous … hence my fondness for croquet. Anyway - NASCAR fans do get drunk - some of them anyway. But no flying fists. Their passion runs deeper than anything I've seen - I mean seriously - who spends the night sleeping outside in line, waiting to get a piece of automobile paneling signed by a driver? Real fans as it turns out.

I could never hope to understand the loyalty, enthusiasm and unusual cultural rituals in the time we spent there - but I did understand the warmth, and generosity. Thank you to all who let a total foreign stranger and his camera crew into their mobile homes, and tents.

Thanks also to driver David Ragan - for almost letting me win the go-cart driving, and for not humiliating me. I hope you win whatever it is you're hoping to win. A race I suppose. I can report you are now my official 'driver of choice'. Along with Carl Edwards. Don't worry - there's room in my heart for you both.

Now - Wichita, Kansas. Again - great fans, and even greater track organizers. While we were shooting, the nice people in the commentary box kept announcing our appearance - every five minutes. I mean, I'm all about truth - and I'll never say no to publicity - but even I was a little uncomfortable with all the overwhelming support. Especially, after I was soundly thrashed by children. Not one of my career highlights. For the record - the car was incredibly claustrophobic - it was designed to seat a teenager, not a seasoned reporter with rippling thighs. Also - the track was very slippery. And Beldon-Smythe's are not known for their driving prowess. We're more the chauffeured types - not the chauffeure.




But I survived. I didn't finish last. I gave the crowd a taste of English culture and bravery, and we managed to create some television magic. I can't thank the Power family enough for trusting me with their vehicle, and everyone at 81 Speedway were perfect hosts. And to that 11-year-old who dared me to a drag race with our production minivan after the race - I'll be back next year to win it back, and it better be clean.

Don't forget to watch the episode - and next week's too at 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. I'll be waiting.

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