Hello everyone. Sorry to take so long to get back to you all.  

 First of all, in no way did I mean to insult Mongo or any other person, least of all any Americans, with my views. I suppose that's the problem with doing your level best to be honest; sooner or later you will offend someone.  

 Neither did I intend it as a lecture, which means that Mongo's response to it got off on the wrong foot from the word go. Because he percieved it as a lecture, he responded in kind. You have no idea how this depresses me, even more so because I have found very much the same response to occour time and time and time again from many Americans. How is it that we can speck the same language yet still not understand each other? 

 "He ended up telling me that Americans are afraid of the outside world" Please, point out where I said this. Maybe I have overlooked something.  

 "You assume I am unworldly due to my not having been outside the western hemisphere."  

 Anyone who has never being outside their own culture, way of life or country is unworldly in the true sence of the word. Prior to travelling I most certainly was. It was not condensation, it was words of advice. Even yet, all I have seen of the world assures me that there is a great deal that I do not know.  

 And frankly, yes, I do think you are unworldly. Not on presumption; statements such as "If the U.S. didn't exist, the world would quickly descend into an new dark age." pretty much prove it!  

 Knowing that you are ignorant is not always a bad place to start on the road of knowledge. And for you information Mongo, it was an American who drew my attention to this in the first place. Maybe there are Americans more worldly than you'd admit ...? 

 "Americans oftentimes feel as though Europeans especially look down upon us...." 

 Well that pretty much sums up your response to me in one. Its like this chip on your shoulder makes you hit us first in case we might have any blows to land; and thats what causes all the problems.  

 Thanks for replying. I won't bother wasteing your time in the future. Beannact De. 
 Is mise, 

 . 

 ==Fergananim to other Posters== 

 If any of you wish to continue this conversation - and I mean a conversation, not a pissing contest - you know where to find me. Cheers!