Southeast Asia is a special place for us.  We lived in Singapore from 1995-1998 and traveled extensively for work throughout the region. The return to Southeast Asia was about many things including visiting the places we missed such as Cambodia, Vietnam, etc.  Here are some observations over the last couple of months:

1. People are nice and caring- not just to foreign tourists wielding dollars to spend but to each other.  It is the Buddhist way.
2. Pajamas are worn all day by women of all ages.  PJs are the new leisure suit.
3. There are no rules of the road. Traffic goes in many different directions no matter the size of the street.  Scooters ride on sidewalks, and the horn is a useful tool.
4. Dogs are friendly ( or at least that is what everyone will tell you).
5. Laundry service is abundant and same day service at that.  Pick up and delivery laundry service should be more prevalent in the US.  It is a wonderful thing.
6. Fragapani trees with their beautiful, sweet smelling flowers seem to be everywhere emitting a lovely perfume in the air.
7. There are 1500 different types of bamboo, 150 in Thailand.
8. Chanted dharma’s can be heard at the temples no matter the day or time.
9. Chinese tourists are more important to the economies than US tourists.
10. Healthcare in Thailand is as good as it is in the States ( and maybe better), but far less expensive.
11. All Thai people are happy, really.  We only met one grumpy Thai person, our bus driver to Pai, but he was a great driver handling all 762 curves.
12. Older people are respected here as they should be.  Be sure to give up your seat to older persons around you, assist with luggage they are carrying, give them a hand.
13. The word “no” does not existing in Asian languages.
14. Wifi is everywhere. Every restaurant has it and even gas stations. This is both great and awful.
15. Public transportation is abundant whether it is tuk tuks, mini vans, buses, trains, or taxis.
16. Bathrooms at gas stations are cleaner and have toilet paper.
17. Scooters can accommodate up to 5 people and are used to transport just about anything-a TV, a desk, painting, block of ice.  No problem, la.
18. Bikes are as useful.
19. 
20. So are boats.  Rivers and water transport are key to the economy as well as daily living.
21. Soft rock is here to stay.
22. 7-Eleven owns the convenience store market in Thailand and their brand/copyright is heavily infringed upon in Cambodia.
23. Ford and Toyota trucks are popular.
24. So are energy drinks and Tiger Balm.
25. And for whatever reason, the Michelin man is everywhere.
26. Clothes are cheap – both in price and quality.
27. Vietnam is truly a rising dragon.
28. Sex tourism is BIG here.
29. Farm to table and sustainable farming really means something in Southeast Asia.  Nothing is wasted, and the food is outstanding.
30. Pho is a good idea for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was our preferred breakfast while here.
31. Eggplants are tiny, and carrots are huge.
32. Pumpkin is quite popular for soups and curries.
33. Fruit is fresh and tasty here -super sweet mangos and watermelon, green papaya (for salads), and 12 different types of bananas.
34. There are a lot of westerners living in Thailand enjoying life. 20,000 expats in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
35. Coffee in Vietnam is outstanding and much better than any coffee in the States.  
36. We love Khao Soi, Banh Xeo, Banh Mi, Pho, and Northern Thailand sausage.
37. It is too hot for wine, and one often regrets ice in a few hours so it is beer or whiskey neat for happy hours.
38. Do not wait for the check at the end of a meal to be immediately delivered following the last course. A dinner out is something to be enjoyed at leisure and not turned for the next folks in line. Take as much time as you would like.
39. Checkpoints seem to be the new norm.  We went through several in Cambodia and a few in northern Thailand.
40. We both hope it is not another 20 + plus years before we return back to Southeast Asia. Happy Holidays and Cheers.