Thanks, Kenneth. Yes, you HAVE definitely added to my wanderlust.
I am not that concerned about travelling alone per se (have done too much of that over the years however) or about feeling awkward in a restaurant if dining alone. What I do find though is that I rush through my meals (and often am rushed through even when I don't want that to be the case) when I dine solo. I also have less variety (and harder decisions as to what to order) to choose from (particularly during an Asian meal) when alone. I eat less and at a more leisurely pace when I am dining with others - better for both the soul and the waistline.
Eating, like drinking, for me should be a social affair, for different reasons though .. alone I eat too much (and too fast) and drink too little - and tend to go for the 'faster choices' as well. Street food however is a good option in Asia/SE Asia so I would definitely not starve over there and I would still eat well but I know I would miss out on many wonderful restaurant experiences there too (which you have pictured and described so well) if I do what I always do here.
