The above headline in Portuguese reads: "Democrats oblige Bush to look at what he has done in Iraq."

It has been rather strange to watch the mid-term US elections from Portugal. On the morning of the 8th, I got up early, like a kid on Christmas, to see the early results and went back to bed with satisfied thoughts of a Democratic House and the defeat of Rick Santorum in Pennsylvania. Since then, we've been checking in on the headlines, but I think we both miss the analysis (which I imagine most Americans are already sick of). More than anything else, I want to be able to watch The Daily Show with Jon Stewart right now and experience something close to the moment we all hoped for in 2004. I'm sure he has a lot to say.

The election is of course huge news here too. One of the guys that runs the hotel here said it is the top story on the radio, newspaper, TV, etc. From what we've heard many, many times on the trip, we think this election will make some sense to the Europeans. Most of our friends in Europe were completely baffled by Bush being elected a second time. They often say that it seems impossible because they have never met an American that likes him. Our response is usually something like "Well, remember that something like 80% of Americans do not hold a passport".

We both will take some satisfaction in returning home to a government with a different agenda and with a not-so-subtle message having been sent to W from our countrymen. Home is looking better all the time.

Sri Lankan Unrest Bad For Tourism Originally uploaded by sachilefever_twinf.

Recently BBC World news has been keeping us updated on attacks and retaliations between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). We feel very lucky to have been there just after peace talks were considered to be going well in the beginning of March. We had no concerns of safety and made some friends in the country that depend on a steady flow of tourists.

The news we hear now makes us feel sad for them and the industry in that country. Unlike the attacks in Egypt, neither side seems to want to target tourists because the country's economy depends on the income.

However, tourists will, of course, shy away from travel to this beautiful country because of the news, and I don't blame them. It is just a sad situation for all parties that doesn't seem to be ending soon.

I guess you could say it's our one minute, forty-five seconds of fame. King 5 News in Seattle came by the house this morning to do a quick story about the trip, this web site and the gadgetry we're using to document our travels.  The story will run at noon today in Seattle on King 5 News (and possibly at 5).  Our friend and star King 5 reporter Ray Lane came to do the story, which is happening at the last possible moment for us.

Sachi did an awesome job.  She says she fears speaking in public, but man she's eloquent.

I got to talk about gadgetry and web site- something I never tire of discussing.

 

 We both can't wait to see what actually makes it into the story.  We're hoping some shots of Amos make it. :)

I would say that Bird Flu is quickly becoming a consideration for us.  Not so much for our own health, but how it might alter our plans and for that matter, humanity in general.  This Washington Post story about China makes it all seem very real: China to shut borders if bird flu mutates.