Alright, alright put your turban back on, I haven’t been there yet! I’ll be updating my “Guidebook” sections as I go along, before I do though I’ll tell you a little about what I’m expecting. This is the land that Genghis Kahn, Chairman Mao and Dalai Lama have walked upon leaving their own, unique mark.
My preconceptions of Asia are that I’ll form a heightened appreciation, not just for the people of Asia, but for the people of the world. I envisage a lot of spirit and enthusiasm for life, a colourful continent which paints a smile on even the most desperate of faces that even an annual monsoon would struggle to wash away. Backpacker friendly, but with an air of curiosity is how I’m expecting to be embraced. Being English they’ll point me to the nearest Irish bar or beach party, but with a swift glance over my shoulder I’ll disappear through the ancient labyrinthine streets in search of a spicy tale or two.
Asia is a vast continent, and I certainly couldn’t sum it up in a few hundred words. Dry desert, bright lights, sombre rivers and flavorsome people will no doubt etch a place in my heart forever.
Sunsets in Nepal, street food in Calcutta, a joint in Thailand and a mad one in Tokyo are just a few ‘unmissables’ I’ve received to fill the gaps between the wats. Yes Mum, a joint of beef.
Asia’s first on the agenda, my gateway to the world, but primarily my gateway to Oceania.
[Updated April 23rd 2007]
