So Why Are You Going to South-East Asia?

I never got asked that question in Kingston. The States though, that's another story. I think I've been asked it too many times to count right now. I'm not sure if it's a USA thing or just an age thing, as the people asking were usually guests at the inn. It seems like the Vietnam war still lingers strong in their minds, and totally erases everything else about this area. Like 10 years out of thousands should ruin it forever. I got asked this question enough, that I came up with the trite answer "I'm just going for the food", it was simple enough, and not actually too far from the truth. But honestly, why do people ask this? Is it really that weird? I mean why go to Italy...the architecture? SE Asia's, got that. The culture?...got that too. The food?...maybe Kingston spoiled me, but I eat at Cambodian Village and Wok-In a heck of a lot more than I eat Italian. If should be noted though, that Vietnam Airs idea of Beef with noodles, was spaghetti with meat sauce, so maybe the two countries are somehow linked. Right now I just landed in Hanoi, so there isn't much to say. Although I have been approached by a few prostitutes, so there is that I guess.