Why are we doing this?

Hi pap!

I have to give you my two cents on your trip. I haven't been too concerned about your itinerary until the last couple of days and then traveling to and arriving in HCMC where EVERYONE is wearing masks and travel just feels uncomfortable. 

I know you two are going to make up your own mind about what you'll do but it really worries Geoff and it worries me increasingly day by day that you guys will be transiting through these countries (especially Thailand with the most cases of the virus reported outside of China) and in these hyper-touristy, crowded spots.

I really don't want you to have to keep changing your plans that have been in-flex for so long so, if you're set on coming and sticking with the current itinerary, we will meet you in Cambodia and I'll shut my mouth (unless there's some major news event that i can't help but sharing). I urge you and Mum to have a conversation again and talk about how comfortable you'll be on those long-haul flights wearing masks, going to Angkor Wat in a mask, transiting to airports and managing airports in masks, and generally risking the question of, "what happens if I get sick here? Is it worth it?". Knowing you two, you'll say, we'll be fine. 

Here's the one article that freaked me out today as I know that SE Asia is underreporting a lot of infections compared to rest of world and their healthcare system is just not what it is in Europe/US: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/02/world/asia/china-coronavirus-philippines-thailand.amp.html?referringSource=articleShare  

Check latest stats here: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ 

If you read and discuss all of the above and still want to stick with the plan for Thailand and Cambodia, i'll book flights tomorrow and think your itinerary sounds great. We're happy with either option, not fussed about the day. 

If you read and discuss the above and decide it's not worth it, i would say that Bali has not had any reported virus infections so, if you're interested in still coming to Asia, you could come and stay with us in Ubud for a few days/extend after we leave and do Bali instead. I'd feel more comfortable with you in Bali than in Thailand, for sure. 

Ok, that's my soap box today. I know mum will not want to hear this. And you probably don't want to either. 

Love you xxx

Syd