Remembering our trip to Asia in 2019!

12/6/2020

Instead of travelling to Japan and Thailand as planned this year, I have spent nearly two weeks in near lockdown at home. Remembering my time in Asia in 2019 and preparing for our eventual trip back to the region, hopefully in 2021, although I wouldn't hold your breath, has been the perfect tonic to cheer me up and give me something to look forward to. I have been scrolling through videos online, viewing travel documentaries and working out a new plan of action. Above is a video from 'Suitcase Monkey,' a travel vlogger, whose videos caught my attention on youtube. If you are thinking of flying to Asia in the future, look out for these wonderfully comprehensive alternative travel guides; they have certainly kept me entertained during the past few days.

My time in Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea and Cambodia last year, was the holiday of a lifetime, that I will never forget. Starting off in Communist Vietnam, not a place I would have visited normally, I was taken aback by this wondrous country and hospitable people. Our time here was made more memorable, because of the generous nature of all those who looked after us, during the few short days we were there and of course the culture that delighted us so much.

Despite its Communist credentials, tradition and religion sit happily side by side. We visited various Buddhist temples, which were well looked after and preserved for future generations to enjoy and experience. There were also many western influences in this breathtaking part of the World, as one would expect. There were Americans who had settled after the Vietnam War, as well as many other nationalities, who are welcomed by this particularly progressive Vietnamese regime.

I felt relaxed and safe in Hanoi, unlike many large cities I have visited over the years. Navigating the streets was relatively easy in the centre and everything we wanted to see was within walking distance. The architecture was utilitarian in part but traditional Asian influences were everywhere. This is most definitely a destination I want to visit again; spending time exploring and travelling to other more remote areas would be something to aspire to on any future vacation. Our short taster trip opened many doors to this fascinating place, and I was left wanting more!

Hong Kong was very different to anywhere I have ever been. The small ex British colony on the tip of China is somewhere I have wanted to go for a long time. I had high expectations of this city and in many respects I wasn't disappointed.

The towering skyscrapers, growing taller around every corner, were majestic in nature. I had never seen buildings so tall and I don't mind telling you, just how much it pulled at my anxiety. The urban street life was absolutely out of the World and I have never been so in awe of a place in my life.

However, this isn't somewhere I want to visit again. I have been to many Asian cities in my life and this was really much the same as any other. There was a rather gritty feel to its nature nevertheless; staying in Kowloon, allowed us to get down and dirty, experiencing the way real residents live. This was the part of Hong Kong where people lived, in small, tiny apartments, surrounded by blocks and blocks of flats and that made the stay special.

Hong Kong has sparked my interest in visiting China. The people we met in the bars around our hotel, were approachable and full of stories, about this busy metropolis in the South China Sea and their friendliness and warmth made our stay memorable. The character of all cities are only as good as the personalities who live there and real, down to Earth folk make for a better stay. If I was returning to Hong Kong in the future, I would most certainly stay in Kowloon again.

South Korea was a Country I fell completely in love with. From the moment we arrived in Seoul, I was bowled over by its modernity and tradition coexisting together. The contrast between the two married in a perfect union could be seen flawlessly in the capital city. Modern superstructures towering above traditional Korean homes and villages; Perfectly manicured gardens, the gentle sound of water flowing over rocks, bird song in the branches of trees, shading commuters and tourists franticly running for a connecting train. The divergence of two cultures so distinct, yet so felicitous in their goals

The modern city of Seoul was beyond imagination. The clean, contemporary apartment we rented near the centre felt like a home from home and the inviting enthusiastic nature of the Koreans we met was infectious. Yes we looked lost at times, but without a second thought, we were approached by local residents who were all to willing to help us find our way around. These are people who are proud of their country and want tourists to have the best of experiences when they arrive. Like all parts of Asia the gracious nature of those who live and work in this continent of contrasts, is clear to see, an epitaph to their generosity of spirit and pragmatic outlook on life.

I will most certainly return to Seoul one day; in fact as I said to Darrell at the time of our visit, this would be a place I could quite easily live. With our future direction uncertain, this could well be on the list; what ever happens, I am glad we chose to spend the longest part of our journey in this vibrant location. The memories I have here, I will always hold dear!

Our final destination was Siem Reap and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This is another Country I had never thought of visiting before. I had seen programmes on the famous Angkor Wat before and wanted to visit it at some point, but it wasn't on my bucket list of places I really wanted to see, for the life of me, I don't know why; this last leg of our trip was spectacular.

From the hotel and restaurants, Pub Street and Angkor Wat, the lotus and crocodile farm and amazing culture, Cambodia did not disappoint.

As a 'good old days' buff, I was amazed by the living history that surrounded me. Of course Angkor Wat was the most memorable site I visited during my stay, during the whole of the holiday, this place is a true wonder of the World, but there were many more poignant stops at religious shrines, Buddhist retreats and the more sombre killing fields. There is so much antiquity to admire, you literally don't know where to begin.

The streets of Siem Reap were rather like Vietnam, third World in complexion, but that just made the experience even more thrilling. Vendors selling spiders and snakes for unsuspecting tourists to eat, with a one dollar pint of beer and less than salubrious market stalls with a vibe unmatched anywhere else. There were people from all walks of life, from different corners of the Earth, mingling together enjoying the sights, tastes and smells of this unforgettable, remarkable, striking community on the edge of Asia. At times, it did feel rather lawless and bewildering, walking through the narrow ancient streets; I certainly kept my handbag close to my chest, but within a short space of time, I felt comfortable and composed, once again yearning to return at some point in the future!

Remembering the good times, will certainly get us through the bad and recalling a holiday last year, when I was able to see Darrell and spend quality time travelling through Asia was amazing. It isn't until you are unable to do the things you normally do, that you realise just how important they are. Travelling is a big part of mine and Darrell's life, so it is a double blow that we can no long see the one country we have always dreamed of, as well as one another of course. Until we see each other again, we do have the memories of very special time in both our lives!