"US culture is the most self-referential one of the world, and thus it does display some self-centeredness at times"

Are here we are, US citizens and others, doing what? Talking about America. You criticise us for being self centered but then you do nothing but talk about us! LOL :) I can at least say that even from the discussions on this list, Americans seem to be much less smug and self righteous than many of the Europeans, Brits and Aussies whose comments I have read here.

As far as travel, I love to travel. Unfortunately it costs lots of money to do it, and as Steve said most of us are trying to keep food on the table. Travel is a luxury for most of us. I had been considering traveling and working abroad for the next couple of years, but then I found out we were pregnant, so obviously my outlook changed... If circumstances were different I would be totally up for traveling. Music got me interested in other cultures and peoples, and that got me reading. And reading makes me want to experience first hand all the positive things that the many cultures of this world have to offer.

dw