how my interest in politics bought us dinner.

So, where Amy left you on a cliff hanger, I will resolve your angsty angst to find out what happened to us that night in Broome.

As noted earlier, Amy and I had spent a delightful day basking in the rays of southern hemisphere sun and swimming in the Indian Ocean. Out of lazy bliss, we agreed to stay for the magnificent ocean sunsets that the west-facing Cable Beach is so renown for. As we were snapping photos of the view, it became apparent that the two guys who had lain some 30 feet away from us all afternoon and had been hiding their eyes behind their sunglasses, were suddenly more interested in our existence. Once the sun had slipped behind the darkening waves, a voice asked, "So, where are you gals from?" *gasp* the voice was American!!! "The States," we replied together. "Seattle."
"Great!" the voice replied. "I'm from Ashton, Ohio."

Thus, we quickly became with Brandon (USA) and Ephan (Melbourne), the newest of our new friends in our saga. Within a few minutes of conversation, the four of us were chatting like old friends. Plus, to my amazement, Brandon & I share the same passion for politics! Quickly, we began discussing current political & social issues, and Amy & Ephan, used to the boredom associated with such conversations, retreated to discuss photography and sports.

In fact though, my conversation with Brandon was incredibly enjoyable. It was so nice first of all to connect again with another American as I've been getting tired of hearing everyone (even American loving Australians) bash my country. Granted, lately its been getting a little harder to defend her actions to the world... but it was such a relief to have someone who could understand the dilemma in loving ones country & the rights endowed upon its citizens, but be ashamed of its actions within the world community. Brandon, I quickly found out, was a poli-sci major who is stuck working for a financial investment group, disillusioned with the power politics that run the world. He (like me) became interested in politics in order to change global priorities but instead has found himself caught up in the very establishment he is morally adverse to. (sounds like a Steinbeck novel, doesn't it?). But of course, because he works for a large investment corporation means he also has lots of money. Thus, to make a long story shorter, our close connection caused Amy & I to be treated to dinner at an expensive Thai restaurant that night. Afterwards, we joined them at the bar at their hotel for some beer and we ended up talking till midnight. Great stories and laughter, all in a great fun evening. =]

more later.