Global economic recession

Hi,

I am a 25 year old bloke from India (bombay) and am looking forward to my backpacking trip of two months to the US commencing from March, 08. I have my entire itinerary planned up already (figuring that out was a task....trust me). Just to give a shory synopsis I intend to roll from west coast all the way to the east coast covering 15 states in between.

More than seeing all amazing places, I am very curious in meeting local americans to understand their culture and their lifestyle. My interest in the US emerges from their music (rap, hiphop, modern rock etc), sports (NBA, baseball, american soccer etc). I am keep on catching up on some rock concerts, bouncing off to a rap club, visiting the yankees staduim and have the traditional american hotdog, watch an LA lakers game, grab on a pair of etnies and head for the skate parks etc.

We know what this global recession has done to the world especially the US. From what I hear, the american economy is presently in a turmoil and it is just deepening further.

So how bad is it actually. I dunt wanna land up in the states and see nothing around me. Has there been a vast change in the way local americans lead their lifes these days. How are they coping up amidst this crisis. Will I see enough people in the aforesaid concerts, clubs, party scenes etc???.....

It may sound weird but I am a little skeptical about my trip now. As a matter of fact it will be very hard to see an unhappy and an depressed enviornment because that is just not me.....Does anybody feel that I shall postpone my trip so that when I eventually arrive I get so see a more happy america ( the way they are naturally)...

Some advise from locals would be really appreciated.

Yes, the economy sucks, but people still go out and do things. I'm from Detroit and the economy has been hit especially hard here, because of the automotive business, but people still go out. If you come here, you'll still see people in clubs, in shopping malls,sports games, etc. The U.S.A has not turned into a ghost town yet. A few month from now, who knows? But if you're leaving in March you should be fine. The economy sucks right now but I think this is not short term, so if you want to travel I would do it now. That's why I'm traveling to Europe in May, because I may not get another chance for a long time.