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Around the World in a Daze - Part Two

FACT! -- Without geography, you're nowhere. -- Jimmy Buffet



With 73 tantalizing eRepublik nations to explore, providing you with a free sample of each in a single issue would be an impossible feat.

In the previous edition of International Tribune, we whisked you away on a whirlwind adventure through the captivating landscapes of South and Central e-America. Now, our journey continues as we begin to venture into the enchanting realms of Asia and Africa! For this part of our journey, we visit five of great treasures of this vast and fascinating part of the e-World, each one utterly unique -- Australia, China, Egypt, India, and Indonesia.

Fasten your seatbelts, trailblazers! Brace yourselves for a turbulent ride as we hop, skip and jump from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean. We promise you'll find it utterly extraordinary.


Oh. And speaking of extraordinary, isn't Nile Rodgers the original trailblazer? He's orchestrated more unforgettable hits than you could shake a tambourine at. From his bohemian upbringing to his role as the Harlem security chief for the Black Panther Party, and from crafting disco anthems that became the anthems of a generation to collaborating with countless stars on chart-topping tracks, his extraordinary journey knows no bounds. Add to that his triumph over drug addiction, and you've got a freakin' legend. To enhance your travel experience, groove with us to the retro disco vibes of his sensational hit with Chic, "Le Freak".

My fellow travelers, may you keep your own freak flags flying high as we traverse these ancient and vivacious e-lands!

Warm regards,

The Adventurous Souls of the International Tribune Editorial Guild









World Tour - Africa and Asia!



A ripper journey to the Unknown Southern Land offers visitors, especially you sports-crazy cobbers, an absolute rip-snorter of opportunities!

You've got the dinki-di unoccupied provinces of South Australia and Western Australia, where Aussie Rules footy calls the shots. And then there's the free island paradise of Tasmania, where the beaches boast white sands, the tucker's fair dinkum, and the capital city goes by the name of a blinking commercial dishwasher. Golly, wouldn't mind having a Hobart at home on the odd day! Talk about a top-notch power wash!

Once you've had your fill of Free Oz, it's a quick skip, hop, and a jump to four different occupied provinces for a rippin' game of ping-pong with cobbers from the UK, Romania, Lithuania, or Poland. Or, if you fancy a quick jaunt on an international travel ticket to some Aussie outposts abroad, you can chuck a sickie to enjoy a game of cricket and tip back a frothy or two in Central Armenia or the North West States of Nigeria, for instance. And for a truly bonzer adventure, where you're bound to score some spuds with brekkie, among other rip-roaring experiences, don't miss Down Under Idaho in the good ol' US of A!




Ancient Egypt, the mysterious cradle of civilizations, jealously guards her original regions in three enigmatic realms. In the heart of Sinai, where ancient secrets whisper on desert winds, a single Asian province remains untouched. Upper Egypt, veiled in history's obscurity, and the Red Sea Coast harbor her other unspoiled treasures.

But now foreign occupiers have laid claim to Miṣr's mysteries. The fertile Nile Delta around Cairo unfurls beneath the Union Jack, while Miṣr al-Wisṭā, from Memphis to Asyut, resonates with the rhythmic echoes of ping-pong battles against a backdrop of Indian influence. Polskis seeking sun-drenched adventures have set up camp in the Western Desert region, where Saharan rays bear witness to their fierce matches.

Despite the return of perfidious Albion to Egyptian shores, the indomitable spirit of its people-players, heirs to the legacy of Ptah's ka, endures. Their melodious Masri strains have found their way to Oregon, nestled in the northwestern corner of the USA, where they contribute to Portland's freaky eccentricity. Further afield, they've brought their unique culture to the Northern Netherlands and, most intriguingly, to Al Madinah in formerly-Saudi, now Egyptian Arabia. Whether the enigmatic Egyptian touch has also now graced the management of the e-Tomb of the Prophet remains shrouded in mystery, a secret best left untold.

As a fascinating historical tidbit, eRepublikans may be intrigued to learn that ancient Egypt, in 1259 BCE, was party to one of history's earliest documented peace treaties, negotiated with the Hittite Empire. Could it be that, in the ever-evolving world of eRepublik, Egypt holds the key to paving a path toward reconciliation between Asteria and CODE? The world watches with bated breath for the next chapter in this captivating tale.







With more regions than most other Asian e-countries, neutral China rivals the USA for the number of "training war" ping-pong tournaments it hosts, a fitting homage to its origin as the home of ping-pong diplomacy. Several Chinese regions remain untouched by outsiders, including the capital in Beijing, bustling Sichuan, resource-rich Jilin, the rural highlands of Hunan, the ancient and vibrant Anhui province, and distant Gansu, the origin point of the Qin Empire.

In line with the anti-imperialist traditions of the People's Republic, China doesn't have overseas colonies. Still, it graciously hosts players from various corners of the imperialist running dog e-world, including Poland, Colombia, Romania, Serbia, Moldova, Portugal, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Iran, Ukraine, and Macedonia.

Our American comrades, stuck under their rickety capitalist system with a single day to ring in the New Year, may be startled to discover that China offers a whopping 15 days of celebration! Moreover, during these festivities, it's customary to treat your canine companions to some special treats. Looking to make a meaningful resolution next time the calendar ticks over? How about a collaboration with your canine pals, spreading some cheer for our four-legged friends — like fewer hours spent online playing silly browser games and more daily walks, extra playtime in the park, or perhaps even a new adventure for Fido!









Just like China, e-India boasts a multitude of regions, with nine remaining unoccupied. Among these, five are hotspots for eRepublik's most beloved sport — ping-pong wars! Or perhaps they've been rented out or even taken over in a hostile corporate merger. When we asked our keen and insightful questions, the answer we received was usually a resounding "Yes" or the characteristic Indian head wobble, leaving us in delightful suspense.

So, the truth behind what's happening in the provinces occupied by New Zealand, Switzerland, Indonesia, Brazil, and Estonia is shrouded in mystery. However, let's assume it's something incredibly fascinating.

Travelers are presented with a vast array of sights and experiences. Don't forget to pack an umbrella; monsoon season brings torrential rains. Consider it a unique season sandwiched between summer and autumn.

India is home to millions of temples and hundreds of thousands of mosques, offering an architectural wonderland waiting to be explored. Perhaps aim to visit only 108 of them, as it's a well-known sacred number. While everyone knows that cows are revered in India, did you know there's a temple in Rajasthan devoted to rats? Or that frogs in Varanasi are married to one another to seek their assistance in managing the monsoons? Indeed, India's eccentricities and traditions never cease to amaze.

Speaking of holidays, India boasts a staggering 26 official ones, in addition to numerous local and unofficial celebrations. So, pack your bags, e-freaks, grab that e-umbrella, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in e-India!



Mighty Nusantara stands proudly with only one province under foreign occupation; Kalimantan, currently being overseen by the South American superpower, Brazil. The remaining islands, including bustling Java and Sumatra, are untouched by foreign hands. Indonesia manages its ping-pong fever by expanding its influence to overseas territories.

In the heart of Wyoming, USA, you can now savor a delightful variety of nasi goreng and indulge in all kinds of satay at every rodeo. In India, the Indonesian presence echoes in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. As for the lush green heart of Italy, nowadays the sounds of bahasa Indonesia mingle seamlessly into discussions about Umbrian politics and preparations for jazz festivals.

Now, speaking of frogs, our travels to the Land of 10,000 Islands unveiled a curious fact — not only do frogs not tie the knot in Indonesia, but these little critters, or at least their legs, are a major export item here. It's rather surprising that this detail isn't reflected in the eRepublik resource list. As you might imagine, the voracious French and the hungry, hungry Dutch are the top patrons for these polliwog delicacies.

At any rate, whether you're here for the cultural fusion or the culinary curiosities, Indonesia offers an enticing adventure for all e-travelers.










Comment, Endorse, Win Prizes!
An I.T. Lotto will be held prior to publication of the next edition. One winner will be randomly selected from among those who endorse this article, another from among those who comment!


Winners!
Winners from last edition are...

The Indoors Prize of 5,000cc goes to Turbeutel.
The Say What? Prize of 5,000cc goes to Xvtisoo.




Next time: MORE of Africa and Asia!