Outside of the dusty smog roundabouts are some of the most pristine forests, breathtaking vistas, blue waters and exotic colors--and a few animals--you'll ever find.
Let go of the Europe, and step into a grittier, cheaper, heavenly place. I’ve had a lot of discussions with Americans about traveling over the years, and I always chuckle at how well we, as a society, have been indoctrinated. I’m not sure where the love of Italy and London come from or at what exact age the propaganda starts… but Americans are OBSESSED with them.
Now, I will admit that yes, the first place I wanted to go on my own dime was Italy (and I did.) I ate up all the propaganda…and a lot of gelato along the way. But since then I’ve branched out, and boy oh boy am I glad I did.
Where else could I get an hour massage for $6 (and at roughly 9,000 rupiah to a USD, how can you not get at least one a day)? Or–sorry copyright lovers– a [fake] Louis Vutton carry-on bag for $15? Or buy a black pearl necklace/earrings/bracelet set for $30? Or hire a guy to drive me around for two days for $50, petrol included? Or go scuba diving for $35? Or eat to my hearts content for under $15 a day?
In other words: People, there’s more out there than Europe! I know Asia has as bad rap, granted it’s the only place I’ve ever gotten stuck-in-a-hotel-wanting-to-die sick. But, stay away from shady food stands and you’ll be alright. When I went to Thailand in 2007, I swore you couldn’t meet kinder people, then I went to Singapore and fudged the rankings. Then, I went to China the second time and fell in love with their quirky abruptness coupled with giddy laughter and desire to help. But then two weeks ago I went to Bali and I’m quite certain I’ll never find nicer people. Then again, I still have a few Asian countries left to visit.
I know its full of people who speak a completely different language, many of which look more like my 3-year old nephews drawings than an alphabet, learning how to pee over a hole can be intimidating (but I’ve been to far worse bathrooms in U.S. gas stations), sometimes you don’t know what your eating or what exactly your lucky enough to stepping around instead of almost in, but it really is worth it. Outside of the dusty smog roundabouts are some of the most pristine forests, breathtaking vistas, blue waters and exotic colors–and a few animals–you’ll ever find.
So just do it. Take a deep breath, face L.A. and keep going. If you happen to have a bad day, remember a $6 massage is never more than a block away.
Melinda Skea got a taste for adventure as her family moved from America’s West to its hospitable south and eventually settled in its fast-paced New England corner. She studied International Relations and Spanish at Brigham Young University and subsequently embarked on a round-the-world trip which included Asia, Oceania and Europe. She has since found a home base in Washington D.C. where she works as an editor for a non-profit publication, but still finds time to put a few stamps in her passport each year.
Melinda is also the founder of D.C.-based Fashion Freecycle, which strives to limit the growing problem of clothing pollution by making “One [wo]man’s trash another [wo]man’s treasure”. These quarterly events encourage women to donate items and swap them for ones they find useful. Also an avid film lover, in 2008 Melinda began a monthly Foreign Film Night, which strives to create an atmosphere of openness, respect and learning as participants dine on the country-of-choice local cuisine and enjoy cinema outside of the usual Blockbuster.
