May 24, 2015

We left ten months ago today. Here are some things I have learned along the way.

1. Roosters do not only crow at dawn.

2. You will not only find roosters in the countryside. They are everywhere.

3. Traveling constantly and being exhausted has not cured me of being a 'light sleeper'. See items 1 and 2.

4. Looking both ways before entering an intersection does not apply when riding a motor bike or bicycle in Vietnam (well, most of Asia actually). Just go. It usually works out.

5. Traffic light signals are a mere suggestion in Vietnam. There are no stop signs, thus #4,

6. The divided highway is a new concept in Cambodia. Many drivers can't be bothered traveling in the opposite direction of their destination even for a short while, so they drive into oncoming traffic until they find an opening in the divider to cross to the other side. It is not unusual to see a motor bike or even a car traveling on the wrong side of the road anywhere in Southeast Asia.

7. I can sweat from EVERY pore on my body, often feeling like a human Slip 'n Slide.

8. Asian women handle the heat differently. They wear hoodies, gloves, hats, socks and masks when it is 100+ degrees outside. They do not want their skin darker and will even use whitening creams to lighten their skin. Western women will expose as much of their bodies as possible in an attempt to stay cool and achieve even darker skin.

9. I can wake up in the same room as my family (even sharing one bathroom on a regular basis) and still want to spend more time with them.

10. I am constantly blown away by the kindness of people we have met along our adventure. We have received gifts, meals, accommodations, advice and smiles.

I have been overwhelmed by the generosity we have experienced. I am hopeful this trend continues.

Maeve and I on our electric bike - in the alley by our rental house in Hoi An, Vietnam