10 things I learnt after my Siem Reap and Hanoi trip

Siem Reap (visited 30 June - 2 Jul 06)
1. People here send SMS in english because the handphones are not configured in Cambodian language
2. The water seems to smell like rust
3. No communication problem. Almost everyone you need to speak to, speaks English. And mind you, it's with good american accent
4. Hammocks are provided in restaurants for diners to take a rest








5. Happy Pizza is no longer available :(
6. People here may be poor but they are honest and easy-going
7. Some people are so poor they can't even afford clothing for the children


8. The plain of Lake Tonle Sap floods every year during July. Ironically, peak period will be during this period! But sadly, many children drowned during this period





9. Everyone knows who is Angelina Jolie and Tomb Raider DVDs are sold everywhere
10. According to their religion belief, Cambodians are not supposed to donate blood. Due to this, many sick children die because of lack of supply of blood in hospitals.

Hanoi (visited 7 Jul - 9 Jul 06)
1. Motorists (cars and motorcycles) horn continuously. Take away the horns, they won't be able to drive!
2. Vietnamese are generally ruder than Cambodians. They are impatient and shout alot too. I was kicked by a man when he way trying to push his motorbike out of the parking lot and I was blocking his way












3. Serious communication problem! Have to resort to sign language and pictionary





4. Guards won't take picture with tourists, be it green-uniformed guards or white guards
5. Doner Kebab is a must-eat here. Get it from Old Quarter next to market
6. Bus and Boat are pronounced in the same way, which is: Bak. So you will get really confused when you sign up for Bus with Boat tour
7. A same tour package can range from US$17 to US$70. So book wisely! And do not be surprised if the deal you get in the end is far from what was promised at the point of booking
8. Things are cheaper in Hanoi than Siem Reap because Hanoi still uses their local Dong whereas in Siem Reap, everything is priced in US$



9. It's really difficult to find COLD coke in and around Hanoi









10. Many of the locals still have a long way to go when it comes to etiquettes to be observed in an aeroplane






... the one who urgently needs to go to the loo now