My friend Robin wanted to make sure I knew about recent outbreaks of avian bird flu in Vietnam. Thanks Robin. I am aware and I am doing my best to stay away from poultry.

On the subject of poultry, I've noticed that the roosters in Vietnam have very healthy and complete crows unlike those in Laos who all sounded like they had soar throats and couldn't be bothered with the full cockle-doodle-doo.

I have also noticed that my annoying fake cough diappeared when I got to Vietnam. I would have to guess that the roosters in Laos and I must have been suffering from the same environmentally (dry air?) induced throat problems.

At least I got to leave. Poor roosters.