Impressions from Hanoi

The thing that strikes me the most is how similiar we are becoming. The world seems to becoming more homogenous all the time. Throughout SE Asia rock and roll music rules. Its the same as home and very little ethnic music. Granted the areas I tend to frequent are a little touristy but even other places you dont hear much other than english language songs. Tonight for a while I took in a concert, about 4 guys with guitars showed up at a outside street corner bar. They were of a mixed group, Aussies, Viets, etc. All the songs were english and the 10 or so people sitting around sang with them and in english seeming to know the words. There is a lot of western food here too. I will even admit to trying some KFC. A little different, not as greasy or spicy. In fact I think most people with the Colonel aversion would go for this interpretation.
I dont understand why most of the street restaurants and bars have small children chairs and stools. Yes they are generally smaller but still these furnishings are not the most comfortable sitting down on or trying to get up from.Although, it is a site to see all the young ladies in their miniskirts managing it in a most lady like manner. That goes for the motorcycles they climb aboard with the limbs akimbo,or sedately perched on the seats of their own little scooters.
The population you tend to see is young,especially in Cambodia and Vietnam. Maybe war and genocide take their tolls.
Beer is good, not that I have tried , I just have it on good authority.
English is abundant. It has been relatively easy to get around etc.
Leaving tomorrow night on the train for Loa Cai.Will probably scoot up to Sapa then back to Loa Cai to cross the border to China.I dont know why but I always get a little excited and look forward to a new country.
I think the big Walmart will be a challenge I havent experienced yet. Colder and less english outside the cities so I am toldPrices are kinda not what you expect. Some things are cheap like clothes but many other items are home priced or there abouts. Coffee goes from about 20000dong at the cheapest to 50000 dong. 20000 dong equals a dollar US. Beer as I am told runs from 20000 dong to 50000 dong A bowl of soup(Pho) from 35-50000 and breakfasts go  from 60 to 100000.Had a donair , actually have had 2 donairs from street vendors cost of 30000 dong but the best donair I have ever had. The wraps are terrific. Spring rolls are great 2 for 20000.So as you are trying to do all the conversion, try it out of your wallet. The 20000 and 50000 dongs are similiar in colour and the 10000 and 100000 are similiar. Its like using Yankee dollars with lots and lots of 00000.Speaking of which, I have to go get a couple of million dong tomorrow.
Anyway overall I have been delightfully surprised here. Dont want to seem like I am enjoying it to much and cause Lou to fill like I dont miss her.
I would definitely recommend a visit to any of these countries.