20 March 2009

The Sun Doesn't Set on the US Empire

The US "empire" probably would end somewhere between New York and the Middle East, but the economic empire rules worldwide. This has become increasingly apparent during our various travels throughout the African continent. To obtain visas for Egypt, Tanzania, and Kenya only USD is accepted. Not even pounds or Euros will fly. During our safari, Brian and I were the only Americans (the rest being Australian, South African, British, and Tanzanian) and all of them carried USD as a necessary part of their traveling load.

Even in East Africa the USD seems to rule. We tipped our guides in USD and hotels charged us in USD rather than local currency. While buying some items at a local snack stand, the vendor accepted USD and was able to change us 20s for our 100 dollar bill. Even the Masai villages, which still adhere closely to nomadic and traditional ways of life, negotiate in USD for the trinkets and jewelry they sell.

Don't have enough USD to pay for what you want? No problem. In East Africa mixed currencies of USD and Tanzanian shillings (for example) were also gladly accepted. Economically, the United States seems to rule worldwide...or at least as far east as Tanzania and Kenya.

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