Is true, every Asian city and country has a version of a lantern festival.
Barefoot? Is polite and expected inside every home and every temple. A common Asian courtesy and yes, a rule in the temple. When I first came to live in Thailand 20+ years ago, one even had to take one's shoes off to go into a shop. But back then, most shops were the front room of someone's house, so it was a logical thing to do.
Pizza? Always appreciated.