I think people should visit US Embassies overseas. They are not what they used to be because life has changed and we are living in a civilized war zone. When I was a kid, I used to go to US consulates to do paperwork and I was met with a very american approachable gentleman who was the Consul. We shaked our hands. I always felt of the US as an exceptional country (and still do). I always felt unique and proud of being an american. I felt like in the US the ordinary man could have access to the american power as a country. You could be a little man but you were american and you were aware that you would have exceptional opportunities in your life just for being american. Opportunities.

My last visit was quite different. Security controls, thick glass windows, very dry FSOs and a tense environment that makes you feel like terrorism is a real threat any minute. No Consul around. Just a pure office environment under heavy surveillance.