ok, woolly one, now I've made it to the Dali painting paragraph, little lol . . . it is as you say! Had to stop to interject, Did you know that the Dali museum is in downtown St. Pete? It is a wonderful place -- and it is so funny and appropriate that you liken the surrealness of the scene to that.
and yes, wherever we go, "The intentional blindness is unbelievable." -- and grieves the spirit.
p.s. next time I'm up there (hopefully under better circumstances) I'll make a point to see the Dali museum. Thanks for the suggestion.