We're half-way done with our trip now. We've kept you informed about our activities, but not the little things that keep life on the road interesting.
Paying
At most restaurants throughout SE Asia, you have to ask to pay for your bill. We've tried waiting for it to come on it's own, but it never does. Also, don't trust any Visa signs outside establishments. Hanging a Visa sign in a window does not indicate that they accept Visa. While in Laos, most conversations went like this:
Us: Do you take Visa?
Them: Yes.
Us: (We take out Visa card and hand to them)
Them: No. Cash only.
We've even seen a Visa sign that underneath says "Cash Only".
Massage
Ah, the multitude of cheap massages is incredible throughout SE Asia. While in Laos, we managed to get three massages (yes, we were only there for 3.5 days). They've all been under $4, so we figure you really can't turn it down. During these massages we got pulled, proded and stretched to the point of relaxation. Our armpits even got massaged! We got another massage in Thailand after our trek. As Scott put it, we strained our muscles to the point that they can't be touched, then we paid someone to touch them. We decided not to get one in Cambodia because Sara told us they really just slap you around.
Cleanliness
Before our first night in Hanoi we were ready to do laundry. We had the same feeling after Halong Bay and Laos. As you travel with only a few shirts, you get accustomed to what you previously considered dirty. This holds true to bathrooms. Many of our bathrooms were shower/toilet combos. It's great to sit on the wet toilet after a nice shower. On the Halong Bay boat cruise, we had to coordinate when we should all sit on one side of the boat in order to drain our bathrooms. The other fabulous thing about SE Asia bathrooms is there is never a way to dry your hands after washing them. Never. It all adds to the ambiance!
We'll add more as the trip progresses.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
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2 comments:
No, NO, NO!! Cheddar, I won't do it. That is what I said but he has threatened me with a little something on the carpet so I have been holding him and I have given up. This is Cheddar's message. HE INSISTS I set everyone straight and let them know this is NOT!! 'The Adventures of Cheddar'. Other than the initial posting where Trevor is at home in Minnesota, there has not been one picture nor posting on the blog regarding Cheddar. Guess what --- he isn't on this trip and he is peeved that his name is being used to describe an adventure in which he isn't participating. He is demanding his own blogg where he can have pictures of all the adventures he is actually having while his owners are vacationing and there have been many. Just wait until you get home... Of course he is thinking a nice gift might be appropriate. An outfit made specifically for him would be appreciated. Some thing in bright blue would look nice against his white coat. Toodles, OLDESTMNMom
Mom - Yes, this is not the current adventures of Cheddar. Luckily, Jennifer and you have helped update everyone on what he's been up to. Hopefully he'll get some blog space when we return.
Er - Sara is pumped, but a little nervous about moving to a new city and starting a new program. She'll do great though. Luckily for me, it's only an hour plane ride away! Oh, and Vincenzo defintely deserves the birthday gift. I guess you'll have to move back here, yippee!
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