Dan's Adventure

I have spent the last five months in Asia, travelling around India, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, and now the time has come to Australia. I have had some amazing experiences whilst in Asia and there are so many places that I definitely want to go back to sometime in the future. India, Laos and Thailand currently top my list of favourite countries. Although I have loved my time in Asia, there are so many things that I will be very happy to leave behind, so today I bring you the top five things that I won’t miss about Asia.

1. Fish sauce – Used to flavour almost every dish throughout south east Asia it is difficult to avoid fish sauce. I always make a point of explaining that I am vegetarian and don’t want any fish sauce, but I am certain that I have eaten it at some point along the way. I’ve adopted the stance of if I can’t taste it and they have insisted that it wouldn’t be used, then its all good. There isn’t much else I can do about it.
2. Spitting – Without doubt, the Chinese are the worst for spitting. Signs in public places request people not to spit. In spite of this it is still very common to hear and see people spitting everywhere in every Asian country I have visited, apart from Singapore.
3. Squat toilets – On average, I would say one in five of the places I have stayed over the last few months has had squat toilets. I have become used to them, but I much prefer Western style.
4. Bargaining – Bargaining is a part of everyday life in Asia, its expected almost everywhere. To get a reasonable price you need to bargain. After a while, it becomes tiring. I am looking forward to fixed price shops where you know you are paying the same price as the next person.
5. Scams – Whether it tuk-tuk drivers in India trying to rip you off, or being passed between mini bus operators in Thailand, it always leaves me feeling pissed off.