What I Will And Won't Miss From South East Asia

Spending 4 months in South East Asia was perfect.

We had planned to visit Philippines, Borneo and Vietnam, but when The Europe Train Challenge became a reality, we had to postpone those plans for another time and focus on the challenge ahead of us.

Leaving South East Asia, there are some things that I know I’ll really miss:

The Cheap Living

Not even the cheapest soup kitchen in Europe can compare with the 1 dollar meals and 20 cent drinks you find in South East Asia.

Luxury suites and resorts for the same price as a 10 bed dorm in Europe just doesn’t make any sense.

I know that I will question leaving a continent where we lived on a combined budget on 25 dollars a day, to a continent where 20 dollars will barely get you food for the day.

The Food

I didn’t realize how much I would miss the food until I arrived back in Europe.

Already the next day I longed for Asian food, spices and variety. Plus, in South East Asia we never cooked our own food – what a luxurious life!

The Never Ending Surprises

A day in South East Asia will never let you down on surprises. Quirky details are part of the every day life for a traveler here. Funny interactions, signs, things that happen – you’re always surprised.

The Religion and Strong Beliefs

The culture and traditions here really blow life into the world.

While I’m not religious, I truly appreciate the dedication they have in South East Asia and their strong bond with their traditions, implementing it in every part of their daily lives.

I will really miss this colorful way of life, with prayers and traditional clothing.

The Misunderstandings and Culture Shocks

Misunderstandings and culture shocks are things that I both hate and love at the same time.

Travel would be more boring without them, and you get some funny memories afterwards.

I learned how to love it and appreciate it, because it taught me something about myself as well as others.

And – What I Won’t Miss

The Traffic

Pollution so thick you could almost touch it, the never ending beeping horns in Kuala Lumpur and the ignorance for pedestrians are some things I really won’t miss.

Knowing that you’re putting yourself in danger every time you buy a bus ticket in Laos just isn’t very comforting.

The Customer Service

Some people really get it, and those who do make it an incredible experience. But then there are those who really don’t get it, who are afraid of confrontations, and instead of fixing it and apologizing, they pretend it never existed.

After a while you get used to not getting a straight answer if your cockroach infested room is cleaned and OK, but I would be happier if they could sometimes swallow pride and deal with it.

Perhaps they handle embarrassing mistakes differently from us, or just don’t see the problem.

The Rain

The last week we were there it rained more than it had in decades. You couldn’t even go outside – so what’s the point then? :p I’m happy to be in Europe for the dryer summer months, and will let Asia dry up before I consider returning.

What are some things you loved and/or hated about Asia?

(photo credit: magical-world - ubo_pakes)