It might have been because British men, like Ray Charles, have Georgia on their mind. :)

I notice you said that both men AND women were staring at you but you left the women out of the header.
I've found that making and holding eye contact with those who may be giving you the once over very quickly eliminates that activity. But I'd chalk it all up to attractiveness.
As far as the NYC thing goes..it seems understandable since everyone there probably looks like "stranger."

I hope we are also aware that this thread is from 99. :)

And that it might also be tondalaya who posts on the US forum?

If you were already driving above the speed limit, why would drive faster just to pass a truck anyway? Honestly, I think most people just don't like to drive right behind a really large vehicles because it blocks their views. Sometimes I'm the same way.

My father is a truck driver, though, and complains of repeatedly trying to change lanes to keep up with the flowof traffic, and none of the other cars will let him in. So when he does finally get a chance, he just pulls out into the other lane so that he can also pass slower cars, just like everyone else. It works both ways. I don't think it's fair to get aggrevated by the driver, though, when you are already going above the speed limit.

No, it's not right if the truck cuts off the only other car on the road, but honestly, I've encountered just as many problems with regular cars and SUVs. There's a population of drivers who don't think for every type of vehicle, not just semi's. :)

Frankly, I've never much cared to see truckers in pink jogging suits. However, a black kidney belt does add a bit of splash to the ensemble. @-)