Hmm, with all this comparison to Canada... I'd rather go there than travel around the world to see these places. Less time and money. Hello maritimes, good by Norway. :-)
One of the things I've noticed about people who travel long distances for long periods of time alone or in pairs...they tend to become less friendly to those who aren't into the things they are. Lack of sustained relationships (besides each other) tends to have that effect. I've run into others...
No 4wd for American market yet. I would rather have the Ecoboost (Transit only) that is available now, then the diesel. Lower operating costs, more torque works with gas anywhere in the world. Plus factory option for second alternator and battery. Quigley is working on 4WD conversion option...
I'm retraining my self to increase my programming skills (web based stuff) so I can work from just about anywhere in the US or Canada. I prefer to stay somewhere I like for a couple of months to get to know it better. I've been checking out the new Ford Transit vans since you can get a second...
My Mom once told me if I ever get a chance to visit Australia and New Zealand. Visit Australia first because New Zealand is so much more beautiful and that way I won't be disappointed.
:-)