I always wondered how I could get a taxi here in Jakarta to the office (15-20 minutes & several miles) for about a $1.00. The government revealed this week that it is cutting back on oil subsidies which means a 15% increase in local gasoline prices. This has created an uproar among the local (commuting) populace. The Asian financial crisis is far from over here and even 15% could hurt a lot. With the change a liter of premium gasoline would increase to 1,150 Rupiah. Then I did a little math. That works out to $.59/gallon. A far cry from the $1.75/gallon at home or $4.00+/gallon in Europe.
Another change I have noticed is the number of business women traveling these days. I kind of take it for granted since Helen would go anywhere in the world at the drop of a hat. Now as I correspond with US software companies I'm asked about the acceptance of thier "key players" who, just happen to be female, in foreign countries. True it is still not as commonplace as in the states, but it sure is changing fast. Just before I left Cairo a new consultant arrived to start a 2 year assignment. She brought along her 2 year old and her husband who resigned from his job to travel with the family.
Oh yes and about the American influence abroad; One floor below the Hard Rock Cafe you can get the special of the week, a Big Mac for 74 cents (don't ask me how it tastes, I have no clue) and if that does not tempt you, look around, for within a hundred feet you can see the universal icons indicating the locations of a KFC and a Pizza Hut.
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