Well, I've been on a tropical island for the last few days and it only seems fair that I impart some of the valuable lessons that I've learned...

-I can withstand blisteringly hot temperatures, as long as there is below 30% humidity...In other words, Southern Thailand is not somewhere I could settle down. Kansas in May seems like a cool sip of Lipton's right now.


-There have been numerous casualties during my visits, mainly pertaining to my clothing and toiletries. Thus far, I've managed to lose the bug spray, a bottle of gin, and most of my composure.


-Thanks to the tropical rainstorms , and yes, I like to emphasize that I have been in a few tropical storms of late, I have lost 2 pairs of sandals. Apparently, wearing my Tevas out in the rain around Hanoi allowed them to collect various samples of many a stool. Vigorous washing did not prove successful. Mold, and then abandonment, ensued.