Enchanted Journey to East and South Asia

I can finally answer everyone’s question now. “WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE THUS FAR?” In the past, when asked that question, I would say every country is different and unique, choosing a favorite was impossible; until now…

I was, as usual, nervous but this time I had a reason. It was a different feeling, and of course a different continent. I was travelling to Asia on my own to the biggest continent in the world with just a few information I gathered online. My friends told me it was a gutsy move, and I secretly thought to myself “this is crazy”. After the trip I must say I totally agree: I am truly audacious and strong-minded.

Traveling Asia solo is daring, but traveling Asia as a solo black woman can be overwhelming. While most only stare, some ask for pictures, and a good majority turn into paparazzi. The experience was even more intense in China with strangers shamelessly grabbing and at times over a dozen people at a time chasing me for pictures; and let’s not forget the millions of questions about my hair. I had to turn my sense of humor into a constant companion and truly try to appreciate their eagerness to want to learn more about black folks. Nevertheless, at times it still got a bit annoying. You either feel exotic or like an alien. Avoid saying you are American because the prices will double and questions will never stop. Nonetheless there are some very kind souls out there. The best thing is to tag along with other travelers to dissipate some of the overwhelming attention.

The abundance of natural juices, unprocessed meals, to be able to choose seafood directly from a pond or aquarium was a wonderful experience. This was by far the most economical trip I have undertaken. From flight ticket, lodging, transportations, meals, attractions if there was any.

Beijing, China

My first stop was in East Asia. It was cheaper to start my trip in China from NYC Airports. The flight was about $450. I spent about 4 days in Beijing going from the many historical sites. On the first day I took the subway to Jingspark and the famous Hutong Alleys. A pedicab through the Alley will go a long way. After the tour I went back to the places I wanted to visit and settle for a Pecking Duck dinner. In the evening took the train to go watch the legend of Kung Fu Show.

It is very simple to travel by train in Beijing but on the adverse side it is practically impossible to locate a sightseeing map or just a map of the city. My train map was my friend although I got lost quite often. Also it is a lot more efficient, safe and affordable than any other method. Since the street names were in Chinese letters reading signs was pointless. Thankfully I am visual I completed most of the visits before sun down and interacted with whoever happened to be present at the hostel.

The second day I hired a tour guide to visit: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Place, and Temple of Heaven. It was unnecessary everything was at proximity to a train stops. I eventually got off the bus due to the stand still traffic for hours.

On the 3rd day of course the moment I was waiting for. My first top on this day was a visit to the Ming tombs not interesting but learning about the history was worth it. My second stop was visiting the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. There are 2 ways to go up the mountain: the first is using the lift and the other is hiking, so take your pick. My favorite was going down using the coaster slide from the top all the way to the bottom (take heed this is truly only for the thrilled seekers.) After the wall I stopped at the restaurant at the bottom as it is the only one on site. Driving to the wall gave perspective on how people lived outside of the city. They love raising fish and grow flowers. I was able to select the fish I wanted directly from their pond or aquarium every time. That’s what I call fresh food.

My 4th day was to interact with the many people I met, purchase some souvenirs, walking through the hustle bustle of Beijing City. In the evening I caught a flight to Osaka, Japan for $250 or so. I always transfer in evening if the flight is more than 3 to 4 hours instead of losing a day traveling.

Kyoto, Japan

From Osaka I caught the JR express train to Kyoto; as it was very early in the morning and still jetlagged I caught a taxi to the hostel. By early afternoon I realized how simple it was to navigate once I had a train and a city sightseeing map. Buses are effective and inexpensive everywhere in Kyoto, stops near most of the sights. For the places I wanted to visit my routes required me to purchase train passes since the bus takes longer to travel. I opted for the 2 day JR line pass of the city.

Kyoto resident are by far the kindest and humble people I have met in my life. Made me conscious when I was outside as they are very disciplined. It is really difficult to find a trash can in the street since they only eat indoors. Things are so quiet and slow. They often smile, try their best to help even if they don’t speak the language on my last day as I was alone I asked a few students for direction and had the name written on a paper; they google the address and in sign language asked me to follow them. They walked me all the way to the hot bath while attempting to practice English asked me tons of questions; a small price to pay for their kindness. Tipping is forbidden in Japan as in their culture great service is to be expected. We stopped at a tea house doing the day since it had a beautiful décor. The host realized we were looking for food instead of just tea decided to prepare a full dinner with appetizer, entrée and dessert and charged us for the same price as the tea. They are truly exemplary in every sense of the word we should all follow their ways. They were so happy seeing me in their traditional attire. Many helped me wear the set the proper way. If you are in Japan do stop in Kyoto as it is very traditional.

On the first day I adjusted my plans; as I was walking out of the hostel I met two ladies one from Chicago the other from France who was also planning on touring the city. Their itinerary was a bit similar to mine at least we all shared the same must do sights. They agreed to let me tag along. We spent the day catching the bus or walking to out sights. We made our way to Arashiyama at about 8am. Before entering the Bamboo grove we stop for breakfast at the nearby stands. On the first day we managed to cover Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaji, Ginkakuji, Ryoanji and Okochi Sanso Villa. We went back to the hostel as Stephanie from France was heading back to Tokyo to visit her sister. In the late afternoon through the evening we went out to Nishiki Market, Pontocho Area and Gion Corner our last stop for dinner.

On the second day I purchased a 2 day JR Line pass it gave me unlimited access to JR line in other to visit Todai-ji Temple, Daibutsuden Hall, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Nara Park and Fushimi Irani. The sites were all at proximity except the latter we visited on the way back to Kyoto. In the afternoon we went back to the hostel to rest and by evening went back to Pontocho for dinner.

On the third day Kim from Chicago left early morning; after our greeting I made use of my second day pass by heading to Himeji recommended by Stephanie. I must say it was worth it, the atmosphere near the castle is very touristic but things are so peaceful. Near the castle they offer a traditional gondola Japanese ride. I spent the day trotting as I was alone. Going from the castle to KoKoen Garden, The Zoo, and Gondola ride by 5pm I got an early diner, there are ample restaurants to choose from nearby and took the train back to Kyoto.

On the fourth day made my first stop at 9am to Sanjusengengo, followed by Toji- Temple and went back to Gion Corner for souvenir and Nishishi market for seafood delight. By 4pm went back to the hostel for by belongings and headed back to airport to Malaysia on $150 flight.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur was another interesting city on my list this year. It was very difficult reading their map. I literally went in circle for hours looking for a few sights. Some sections are developed with sky scrapers, waterparks, a lot of common activities found in the western world. I obviously selected a hostel in traditional Kuala Lumpur near the markets. Transportation there was by far the most expensive of my entire journey. The best way to save is to purchase a KL pass for the days and in my case I purchased a 3 day pass. South Asia is very westernized from the culture, the touristic sites, food, restaurants, clothing, activities, structures in certain area etc.…

For the first time I was able to have any food I could possibly want even Jamaican which I had to try. The taste was different and delicious. Of course the traditional crickets, roaches, snake, scorpion as in China. Could you believe they even eat them alive? Local food cost less than the other meals as expected but it was about time I ate something that I was familiar with. I had a continental breakfast for every morning while there at the price it was worth it. For Lunch I would get a traditional Malaysian dish and for dinner ate at the Jamaican restaurant, I believe a burger the second day and lastly Indian vegan meal on the last day. I hoped they were more hygienic in the less developed section. My waiter at Jalon Alor vicinity in one of the tapas asks me what I wanted to order while digging through her nose. I politely got off the table and left. My favorite places to eat were Jalon Alor and near Central ad Petronas market. I got a variety of different cultural dishes at my disposal.

Due to fatigue on the first day in Kuala Lumpur I strolled through Petronas Market, Central Market for goodies. Never seeing so many counterfeit in my life; the vendors even have magazines to demonstrate the latest trends and I must say they look identical. Most people at the hostel spent an ample of time in the lounge socializing. In the afternoon I interacted with the crowd before heading to No Black Tie Lounge.

The second day an Iranian who lived in KL for 3 months was trying to earn extra money for the rest of his journey. He charged us barely $5 per person to guide us through the city. Truly inspiring, wish I could get up and job everything to travel for a year. Took advantage of his knowledge to visit the National Palace, National Monument, National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Jamek Mosque. In the evening I joined a group from the hostel to Jalon Alor for dinner and went to a bar.

The third day I started at Thean Hou temple took the KL train and a taxi to the temple the only way to make it. On the way back stopped at the Batu Caves in Selangor; had vegan Indian dinner around the monuments.

Phuket, Thailand

From KL I was able to get a Flight for $40 to Phuket at 6am for a distance of one hour and half. When I said I landed in my favorite place in the entire world. I never planned to go back to a country because there are many I wish to visit and very little time with my schedule; but I know I shall make my way back to Phuket even for a long weekend.

The atmosphere was a dream, and the experiencesurreal. From beach, blue lagoons, watersports, sightseeing, seafood, international cuisine, shows, islands, forest, animals, gardens, temples, adventures; this island is an international magnet. There is always plenty to see and do, as such makes it an ideal destination for just about anyone.

I stayed off Bangla road due to reviews I was a bit skeptical. Once again I always say don’t based your opinion on others experience; I needed to see for myself. My travels are often educational and for the first time I landed somewhere I had to only sit back and have fun. I first booked a hostel but Phuket is so cheap I cancelled to book a hotel with a rooftop pool which was always one of my goals. This was another good decision because the moment I walked into the doors it was a vacation atmosphere. There are many travel stands to plan activities and front desk at the hotel also offers tours all at the same rate. I was able to reduce expenses by joining other groups doing the same thing. Everyone was kind and inclusive asking people to join was expected and encouraged.

Young adults worked the front desk and they were superb, willing to hangout after hours, gave me tons of suggestions. Many of the guests from my hotel were also traveling alone. On my way out of the restroom Denise from Canada ask me to tag along with the rest of his group and wanted to have fun. I dropped my bags at the front desk and ran back outside to follow the crowd. We stopped at Patong to surf and book a 45 minutes Jet Ski ride to later visit Karon beach by taking a tap-tap (taxi cab) for 8 passengers. While walking around Patong we encounter so many personalities. Transgender male called “Lady Boy” is the culture all around Phuket; they are the life of the party. The bartenders encourage customers to play games in order to spend more money but the technique used was flawless. A random people asked to follow them to a backdoor to play Ping-Pong instead they led us to live sex scene where locals encourage tourists to pay for sex SHOCKING… We left shortly as soon as we understood the situation and headed for lunch, and to swim at Karon beach.

The second day I booked an elephant trekking tour, went to Tiger Kingdom, watched the Simon Cabaret. Compared to Broadway shows in NYC this show was an embarrassment but I give them A for effort and costumes. It could simply be because I had a nerve racking, irritating group behind me hysterically laughing at every scene. In the late afternoon through evening joined a group strolling in Patong, went to the pool and the beach.

The third day hired a driver from from Panyak tour for half a day to take me to Wat Chalong, Big Buddah, Karon Viewpoint, Phromthep Cape Viewpoint, Monkey Hill, and Phuket Town. I lost count of how many meals I had per day. Things are budget friendly I never stopped spending, eating, tried Jet ski, and the banana boat. The Luna Festival the biggest one in Phuket was in the evening; accompanied the same group on a tap-tap to the beach for the festivities until the following day.

My last day was a bit difficult as I did not get to sleep the night before. Scheduled a day trip to Phang Nga Bay by speedboat the day before and the driver picked us up by 10am, 2 hours after we got back to the hotel. We explored the limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay and Ao Phang Nga National Park; visited the famous James Bond Island; canoe around Talu Island’s hidden lagoons; went on foot through stalactite caves; stopped at Koh Panyee, a Muslim village on stilts over the water for a Thai lunch; swam at Naka Island’s. It was a fun filled day indeed… Unfortunately the following day I had to make my way back to the states.

I am always amazed at the lives of others when I travel, and I come back always a little bit more mature and in awe of this vast world. I cannot wait to take you on my next journey!

Stay tune this time I might just have company ————————