While attempting to obtain visas for the countries in Africa I discovered most of them are tourist unfriendly, especially some on the Western coast. Consulates provide little or no help and requirements are difficult to meet. For the purpose of this trip, however, all visas are required and not having a visa might cause an early termination of the trip. Together with the recent unrest, this determined us to start looking elsewhere for the next adventure.
Asia was an old idea so we began studying the options. Visas appear easier to obtain and not always needed. This is the plan, as it looks for now. Will keep posting if anything new happens.