Traveling...

For years while we were raising the twins, and I was struggling just to survive, and to get a little shite into one sock, avoided globe trotting. Past few winters, doing it once more, but much more selectively. The sparkle of most of the EU has long succumb to self loathing sociodemographic changes. As with some of my professions, they have simply taken much of the fun out of it. So if it's really not needed, why do it? But the real fun/educational opportunities remain, at least in a few areas. Over just a few weeks, have had many chats with (mostly younger) travelers from many places. Canada, Hungary, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Mexico, Spain, and others. Sure, it's nice to hike around a deep volcanic lake, within view of the ocean. To smell different flowers, and see other birds and frogs.To stroll down narrow streets, stopping into a lively cafe for cafecito, or a very drinkable/non American foreign beer. To lounge in a kur-like hot spring, while lunch is being boil cooked in a much hotter separate one. To visit foreign universities, to see how the students and profs are getting on. Just how others have settled on solutions to life's challenges, and not ignoring its opportunities. And less slothfully, no longer bragging about the writing tasks, but actually doing it. And much more. Last night I had a long chat with a friendly fellow from one of modern Asia's more hegemonic lands, where I visited years ago. Many economic developments there, but the cultural divisions in society are even less Confuscian/egalitarian if anything, both in towns small and large alike. Especially among the peasant classes. I was nearly shocked at his openess to be being honest and critical, yet rarely bitter, as I try to be with my country. Our two party systems are far from perfect. But where there is only one party, led by a tiny privileged self promoting group,---well, to quote Mr. Orwell,---all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. Hey Riz.