Well I must say that both the backpackers and the locals have improved a colossal amount in attitude, friendliness, and chat-ability as I make my way up the coast. Particularly the local people are incredibly happy, helpful, and friendly. I just chatted with a girl from Denmark who is reading Obamma’s book “The Audacity of Hope”. Which gave me a real warm feeling.
It’s working. The world has already noticed but there is a long road ahead of us to repair our image. I’ve been to 19 countries before this trip and I have never seen so much Anti Americanism as I have sensed in this trip. This is not just the locals, but the backpackers. But don’t worry, they are loving my sarcastically arrogant humor 
(actually they think I’m serious sometimes!)
But I know when to use it (sparingly).
I must say that I also feel an attachment to Mexico while abroad. I think of him/her like my little brother/sister or my neighbor. Anytime some European slaughters a cultural reference or pronunciation, I feel very close and united.
Hello! Seems like you’re having a better time than when you started travelling trough OZ. Glad to hear that! You really scared me with your shark stories, please becarefull! I’m in Christchurch now, it sucks. Hopefully seeing some whales in a few days.
Like reading your stories, you should put some pictures on your website too!
Take care!
xxx
Zaaz
but watch out for the crocs if you go further north – especially the saltwater variety :
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/police-find-human-remains-after-crocodile-attack-1646068.html
(I believe the National parks up around Darwin are splendid. And somewhere along the line you might see some Aborigine communities)
sorry – the last bit about saltwater crocs moving inland was from me