World Conditions

We still are unsure if we will visit three favorite places: Egypt, Nepal, and Indonesia. I think that Nepal is getting quite unlikely as the Maoists step up their terrorist attacks. We will still be able to trek in the Indian Himalayas (far away from Kashmir). Nepal was also our gateway to Tibet, but we were able to experience much more Tibetan culture in northern Yunnan province than we expected, so it is okay if we don't go to Tibet. Besides, Tibet is very expensive (government tourism fees).

Egypt and Indonesia are both probably okay to visit, but it depends on American foreign policy and Muslim reaction. If the US continues the current pursuit in Afghanistan, we are probably fine. But if the US invades Iraq that will create many new young terrorists in other countries and all bets are off. Even more important, however, is Palestine. What little bit of credibility the US might have had in the Arab world has been thoroughly trounced by Israel's actions in Palestine and the US indifference. Israel's actions may affect our travel plans more than US action at this point.

It is sometimes a bit of a burden to travel as an American. The US footprint is so large, and everyone in the world has opinions on the US. Actually I have found little animosity in Asia, and a great reception in Japan, Thailand, and now China. We haven't traveled to any countries hostile to the US, and have found the people to be keenly interested. A very common reaction is "America, great country!" Ironically, it is mostly Europeans who complain about everything wrong with the US. As we travel I have learned a lot about the devastating affects on the undeveloped world of 150 years of European colonialism, Japanese and American imperialism, and the cold war. People have remained in horrible conditions largely due to corrupt or brutal governments supported by foreign powers. We do have a collective responsibility to correct these errors. However, unfortunately those who complain the loudest about the US also seem to be the ones with the least actually knowledge and little to add to the discourse...

Fortunately this is a small planet, so as we travel it is easy for us to stay in touch with world events and change our plans accordingly.