I had a feeling this was coming. I too have been to places where the poverty and living conditions are carbon copies of what you have been experiencing, and it makes those visits both “sweet and sour”.

A great majority of Americans have not ventured beyond our own borders, or on those rare occasions when they do, migrate towards venues that provide a “little america experience”…very sanitized and far from reality (i.e.): some of the favorite tourist meccas in Mexico and Central America. In a sense, those young “backpackers” who bother to shed a comfortable life style for the adventure and experience of traveling and going somewhat native, know more about the real world than do their parents and home-bound peers ever will.

Looking back, I believe one of the real advantages of the military draft system was the exposure it gave to many young men (at the time, no women were drafted that I know of) of the real world beyond the U.S. shoreline.

I am sure you will notice it when you travel to India, and yes, I believe you do become somewhat “immunized” after being around it for a while. I have a friend who accompanied her daughter on a trip in the far south of India to adopt a little girl, and her descriptions and pictures of the living conditions of most of the population tell a story that most westerners would close their eyes to.

Your inclusion of the vegetarian fare on the dinner menus made me hungry.

The Jubilados ask about you on the rides, and are still grading all the rest stops using your point system.

Bill