Asia Summary

It has been such an extraordinary year that has gone so fast it only seems like yesterday that I was in the doctors getting my shots. This journey has taken us through red hot desserts in India to freezing cold mountains in Nepal. Lush green valleys in China to the tropical jungles of Malaysia. Rainbow coloured coral covered oceans in Thailand to pure white beaches that meet clear turquoise seas in Vietnam. Frantic bustling cities like Jakarta to serene laid back rural villages like those in the Bolaven Plateau, Laos. The pits of Delhi to the high rises of Shanghai. We have witnessed the poverty of Cambodia to the wealth of Singapore. We've seen collosal sized Mosques in Indonesia to the intricately detailed Buddhist temples in China to the multi-coloured ancient Hindu temples of India to the fascinating grand Churches of the Philippines. The continent is so diverse in its people and their cultures and religion, as it is for its economy, wealth and wellbeing. Each country is its own adventure. Learning the basic phrases, getting used to the currency and sussing out the correct local taxi fare, wether they be cars, rickshaws, trikes or jeepneys. You have to get out there and lay your eyes upon some of the most impressive, remarkable and beautifully stunning landscapes and structures the world has to offer.

People. Most of the local people we have met in Asia have been amazing and are keen to help you with any questions or problems (so don't be afraid to ask). The lifestyle over here is very laid back, too laid back if you ask me. You see guys everywhere either playing cards or chess or drinking alchohol. Probably down to the heat for the lack of strenuous activity I suppose. Most conversations will stretch as far as 'where you from?' to 'whats your name?' And sometimes 'do you have girlfriend?' The people really do make the trip special, you meet the most ridiculous and entertaining characters you could ever wish to. You will probably meet as we did on occasion people (usually kids) who have never seen westerners before. The greatest quote from a kid in India being - 'Why is his skin like that? What kind of soap does he use?' Priceless. A word of warning though, you will be stared at constantly, you will be pointed at and you will even be laughed at the majority of the time. They mean no harm, but it doesn't half piss you off at times. So be prepared. English is spoken widely in most countries, especially the south-east but you will find rural areas and the majority of China do not speak great English, so start learning.

Accomodation in Asia is really cheap if you take the time to find your best options. Don't expect a bubble bath every night though, or even a T.V. Sometimes you won't even be blessed with a shower, never mind hot water. Squat toilets are common in India and China and toilet roll is pretty uncommon throughout, so bring babywipes if your not ready for left hand usage. Aircon is widely available at a higher but pretty unecessary, bog standard fan rooms have been fine for us (you won't spend long in your room anyway).

Travel. Getting from place to place (especially the bigger cities and tourist sites) is usually fairly straightforward with many buses or trains or boats departing often. Although (word of warning part 2), if you plan on the cheap backpacking budget option of transportation the journeys can be incredibly long, uncomfortable, smelly and down right disgusting. So bring a book and an i-pod, and keep your head inside the window (just in case that girl 3 seats in front, throws up outside). The rental of motorbikes in most countries is cheap and widely available and a great way to truly explore an area for what it is. Some of our most memorable days have been cruising the unbeaten track meeting people in rural villages and viewing some fantastic scenery. But be carefull, the right of way rule in Asia is as follows: if its bigger, it holds the right of way. Keep alert at all times, you never know if that chicken or dog is gunna test your driving skills at the last second.

Health. Before going to Asia make sure you visit you Doc and get all the required jabs and medication. For Malaria prevention we have been taking Doxycycline, which is suitable for all the countries. Another option is Malarone, which many people we have met are taking. Side effects of sickness and light headedness are common, but we got along fine. Drinking tap water is strictly a no-no (except for Singapore, but we didn't even risk it there). Always buy SEALED bottles, they will refill empty ones in some places.

Food. Possibly one of the best things about travelling Asia is the food. Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisine are fairly common back home, but they are completely different from the original thing. Staple foods are really cheap, you know, rice, noodles, curries etc. But expect to pay more for junk foods like chocolate (it doesn't taste right either). We didn't have much food poisoning troubles, but it does happen. Pork is simply known as meat in China so be aware if you don't dig the swine. Eating at small sidestreet restaurants are a good option for cheap tasty local foods. You'll learn to switch eating styles too from hands, to chopsticks, to fork and spoon depending where abouts you are.

What to bring. You will pack your life into your backpacks before you leave and you will soon realise a mistake has been made. If you need more you can always buy it out there for dirt cheap. A good pair of trainers, hiking boots if you plan to go trekking and of course flip-flops or sandals for the feet. Few t-shirts, one hoody and a waterproof jacket. Plenty of shorts (or dresses if your like Maj), and maximum one pair of jeans/trousers for the few 'dress code' nights. Essentials are as follows; shades, i-pod, book, credit card, passport (duh), first aid kit, camera, student card (even if its out-dated, they never realise and you can save a bomb), the required lonely planet book and of course a lot of patience and a sense of adventure. Other recommended bringables include; small speakers, tri-band mobile phone, babywipes, torch, waterproof pouch, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, inflatable pillow and a phrasebook (especially for China).

Travelling can be really frustrating at times (especially after surviving a 10 hour plus bus journey to be swarmed by rickshaw drivers before you've even got your bag on your back!), but keep your cool and don't rush into anything, that's how people get ripped off. If your unsure about prices and such get a locals opinion, multiple opinions if necessary. After having travelled in a pair and solo aswell, I would recommend travelling with someone. Its safer, easier and a lot more fun. Its got to be said that you will put your friendship to a test at times and I am impressed that Majid managed to put up with me for so long. This was his idea to come travelling if you didn't know, all the way back when we were at uni. Well, it has been the trip of a lifetime that we wanted it to be Maj. Thank you for everything brother!

Here are my top 5 favourite days from steelcitytrekasia to finish off:

5 - My birthday in Yangshuo. (China).

4 - Diving for the first time in the Perhentian islands. (Malaysia).

3 - Walking from Simatai to Jinshanling on the Great Wall of China.

2 - Visiting the Orangutan Sanctuary.... Woah! Just kidding

2 - (For real) Finally reaching Annapurna base camp after 4 days hard trekking. (Nepal)

1 - Watching the sun rise above the sea of clouds atop Mt. Emei Shan - A truly magical sight. (China).