So my sisters have shamed us. In response to our frivolous trip around the world and accompanying blog, they have both created their own blogs. And they both update them multiple times a week! And they’re funny (funny to our family, at least). So, for my New Year’s resolution, I resolve to update our blog more regularly. Warning: This may make for some mundane posts. Like this one, about my breakfast: Banana pancakes with sausage, fresh fruit and coffee with milk.
Pancakes: In my observations over the past 3 months, I have found most of Asia to be obsessed with pancakes. There were multiple pancake restaurants in Korea and Japan (one in Tokyo with a line around the block every day!) and pancakes appear on every menu (breakfast, lunch and dinner). I love pancakes. But I didn’t order them until we got to Cambodia last week. Since then, I’ve had them 4 times. They’re crispier on the outside than your average flapjack. And most places don’t serve syrup, but the sweet, delicious, slightly crispy pancakes hold up on their own. Thumbs up.
Sausage: Not sausage…hot dogs. Thumbs down. Though John will probably eat them once he wakes up. (Sorry, neglected to mention that our current accommodations in Luang Prabang serves breakfast from 6-11:30am and they serve it right outside your door at little tables on the balcony. Very nice!)
Fresh fruit: All the fruit in Asia has been amazing…bananas, mangoes, watermelon, papaya, kiwis, that white fruit with little black specs in it. Yum! I haven’t had any coconut or coconut juice/milk but coconuts are everywhere!
When we got all our pre-trip shots, Dr. Mandell did tell us to steer clear of fruits and veggies after a certain point in our travels. But all of these are peeled fruits, so I think I’m OK. (And I have a stomach of steel…no issues to date. But I probably just jinxed myself.) Dr. Mandell also told us not to pet strange dogs. Good advice. He probably should have included monkeys, too.
Coffee with milk: Many places in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos serve their very strong coffee with sweetened, condensed milk. Sounds gross, right? Wrong. Delicious! I first had it in Vietnam at the suggestion of my cousin. I was immediately addicted. I think it used to be harder to get/keep fresh milk hence the milk-from-a-can substitution. As my sister can tell you, I like my coffee SWEET. And this fits the bill. Yum.
So there you have it. I promise to make my next post not so boring. And actually, you can help! Christmas Day will mark 3 months on the road for us. I know you have some burning questions like: Are you sick of your clothes yet? (Not quite yet…) Are you and John still speaking to each other? (Most of the time.) Is there a Keihl’s store in Laos? (No.) What’s up with your grey roots? (Getting them done in Hanoi next week, hopefully. John’s new nickname for me is Bonnie Raitt.) It would be great if you guys sent us your questions and we can do a year-end Q & A. You can post them here, on the message board, Facebook or send us an email. Happy Holidays from the Mighty Mekong!
werefinemom.com 
Have you had to sit next to any live animals on your bus rides (not including a cat or dog) birds in or out of cages count.
What is the one thing you wish you brought that you didn’t?
I would be more concerned about hair products and hair salons than you — there are not a lot of curly haired girls where you are! Can’t wait to hear about the salon experience.
some Q & A’s
– What is the grossest thing you have seen, eaten, etc… most delicious? favorite new cocktail?
– What has been the longest stretch of travel thus far? What is the longest coming up?
– Do you have to constantly change currencies? Who has had the prettiest money?
– Where will you be on NYE?
– What item are you soooo glad you brought from home b/c you have not seen it anywhere abroad?
– Where on your itinerary can you not wait to arrive?
– Amy, are you sad that you have not been home to PA since Brittingham’s reopened and has multiple outdoor decks and swanky new interior? Was thinking of you when checked it out last week.
– Can you see American football over there (wherever you are now) since there is big Eagles/ Cowboys game on Sunday night!??
Also: What are your New Year’s resolutions and do they include brushing your teeth at an appropriate early morning hour each day?
1. Are you using your high end grooming products or are these becoming less necessary on the road?
2. Have you purchased any shoes?
3. Have you had to pee terribly on any of the 5 hour plus bus rides?
4. What food item, if any, do you miss from the good old USA?
5. How about TV shows? Is John getting enough soccer?
I’m glad you are getting a kick out of all the Tri-State Tra La Las haha. I agree with Unc the mundane jawn is always quite interesting. We miss you<3
1. Going forward any plans to split up for a few days?
2. Does a short trip back home soon to recharge make sense or sound completely ridiculous?
3. Any thought to stay in one place for extended time and work or volunteer?
-josh
What do you miss most (aside from me)?
Do you have alone time? (aside from John’s time with the lady-scooter)
Do you have insurance?
How are you paying your taxes?
Have you found any good beers you can recommend?
Miss you! Skype soon?
Q&A
1. Do you miss home cooked meals?
2. When you travel for that long, do you get sick of eating out?
3. No food illnesses at all?
4. Share the most tense moment with each other (of course travel related I.e the missing phone? The tooth? What had u two on the edge this far?)
5. What has surprised you the most so far about your journey – this can be an experience, a location, a revelation abou yourselves etc.
6. Do u miss home yet?
7. Has it been weird being on the road over the holidays?
8. Is time flying or moving slowly?
I love this post! Mundanity is underrated (as you can tell from my blog). Also, I was just telling Andy about the savory Vietnamese pancake I used to order at a local spot in NYC. Find the savory ones! Egg white, veggies, hot peppers…. So amazing. And I am all for the condensed milk thing. So fantastic! More mundanity please!!!