First of all, we are still doing good! Not banging each other heads in just yet. Second, we are nearly on half out trip:( Third, we love it.
The travel route in the last four months - Japan --> South Korea --> China --> Thailand --> Myanmar. We still find Japan the most special (note: special) country. This is because of the people, traditions and how well oiled everything works. Yet it does not feel alive like the rest of Asia, the people seem to be emotionless in public ( it's cleaner then Europe haha) but ever so friendly. Also it is so easy to get around compared to every other country I have ever been to.
Arriving in South Korea brought back a bit of the feeling of Asia, seeing street food, people speaking louder and things are less organized. Yet we did not give South Korea enough credit while being there. We made the mistake to compare it with Japan and you should never compare countries because you might not enjoy them to the fullest. Still our hiking activities will not be forgotten, Jerisan, 10 hour long hike - 30% steep up and down 1.900 meter high. A huge achievement! Haha
China however, a rough diamond. After we have been there for over one and a half month we were glad to get to Hong Kong and thereby civilization. However, somehow, while writing this in Myanmar I am missing China and it's adventures. This because here and in Thailand we are simply another tourist, in china they don't care whomever you may be or are. You are no rich king from the west and won't be treated at such, which is exactly how we are being treated in Myanmar. Also the landscape is simply beautiful. But the way China is growing at the moment: (too?) fast, it won't last long. All around you wherever you go in China even high up in the Himalaya mountains there is noticeable pollution and high buildings being constructed. The Downside of China: the food is too oily!! You get fried potatoes and they want to throw extra oil over it before serving! Pff haha. Still, one month after, we actually loved China with its craziness and miss it already.
Thailand, yessss curry's, beach and sea again! 3 months without a beach while traveling through Asia feels unreal! This was our vacation from the vacation. And Thailand always does the job, relaxing eating, swimming and snorkeling and some cuddles with elephants. And the point were I began to think that china was not that bad after all, even though I was certainly not ready to meet any chinese just yet haha. However, after traveling for a while we realized just how touristy and easy Thailand is. Everyone speaks English, you would never get stuck somewhere because everyone knows where you would want to go, you meet more tourists than real Thai people. It's an amazing country to go on an easy vacation and feel Asia, but the real Thailand is not really visible anymore for us as tourists which is really a shame. I would have loved to see this country 20 years ago. We actually met someone who owns a restaurant all the way up in the north in Thailand. Nope not Pai, further north! He moved to Thailand 25 years ago. There were no roads in these days up in the north and everywhere and everyone was growing opium. A different world.
In short about Myanmar, loved it. BUT. Nina and I, we did not like to be treated as a western god of some sort. Also we were not amused that we have to travel to the same places as every other tourist. With tourist I mean (example) annoying Americans with big suitcases and like to be treated as the former called 'god'. Its a shame that tourists don't have the freedom there of travelling wherever they want to go. However, Myanmar is beautiful, especially Bagan. Right out of a Disney movie. Typical Myanmar food is not so tasteful as one would expect in Asia. But as all places you can go are tourist places there is always Thai and western food available for good prices and quality. Government pays close attention to the needs of the precious tourists.
All at all, we aren't coming back anytime soon!
In short about Myanmar, loved it. BUT. Nina and I, we did not like to be treated as a western god of some sort. Also we were not amused that we have to travel to the same places as every other tourist. With tourist I mean (example) annoying Americans with big suitcases and like to be treated as the former called 'god'. Its a shame that tourists don't have the freedom there of travelling wherever they want to go. However, Myanmar is beautiful, especially Bagan. Right out of a Disney movie. Typical Myanmar food is not so tasteful as one would expect in Asia. But as all places you can go are tourist places there is always Thai and western food available for good prices and quality. Government pays close attention to the needs of the precious tourists.
All at all, we aren't coming back anytime soon!
So if you guys are not coming back, you must write posts on a regular base, like the big M , I'm loving it. thanks for all yr updates. keep on the good work. and if you don't come back I need to come to you, see you , rgds, Bert.
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