DISQUS

That really sucks! I hope they turn up.

Hey, Gary.

Paul Theroux shares your feelings on NGOs and their in-country personnel in his book Dark Star Safari. He's pretty cynical, but it might be a good read for you prior to visiting Africa. Continued safe travels.

Jay

Hey, Gary! Looking forward to the videos. Your mention of Truganini made me think to suggest that you search out Midnight Oil music while you're in Oz. They did a great song about Truganini on their Earth and Sun and Moon record. I'm guessing that you've heard some news about Peter Garrett while you've been there. He's the Minister for Environment and the Arts and was the lead singer of Midnight Oil. Their drummer Rob Hirst is in a number of groups (Ghostwriters, Backsliders, Hirst and Greene) and tours Oz regularly.

Looking forward to seeing your podcasts.

We had a similar Presidential picture experience at the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe. It was disconcerting to see a huge (3' X 4') picture of Robert Mugabe on the wall of a 10' X 10' border shack. It almost felt like he was watching you. Who needs a metal detector when you have that tyrant staring down at you?

Gary,

You'll see very similar agriculture in the Peruvian Andes. They grow corn and potatoes as high as 14,000 feet in terraces just like this. All the work and transportation is done by hand. It's amazing.

On an unrelated note, how have you been dealing with visas? When you don't have a set date to arrive in a country, how do you manage the Visa process - or have you not visited a country that requires a visa?

Jay

Gary,

Here's a link to the story that ran in the Star Tribune about the assassination attempt. Scary. Glad you made it out safely. Enjoy Oz.

http://www.startribune.com/world/15496021.html