East Asia
My favorite country and the most challenging one for communication
East Asia is made up of 5 countries and 3 territories: China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea and the territories of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. These 5 United Nations member states and Taiwan make up 22% of the global population. The region has been largely influenced by China owed to its economic and cultural dominance throughout the ages.
While China ranks among my preferred travel destinations, Japan undoubtedly holds the top position. Reaching Japan required considerable time and effort, as it has long been perceived as an expensive and distant location. Although I was unable to incorporate it into my Asian Big Tour, I later had the opportunity to visit it twice. My experiences were particularly enriching, thanks to local friends who provided insights into their culture from a unique perspective.
Perfect timing for distinctive circumstances in China and Hong Kong
China presented one of the most significant challenges during my travels, primarily due to the language barrier. In 1999, when I visited, the possibility of English communication was quite limited, restricted mainly to the most tourist areas.
I had never encountered a situation where I felt completely isolated from the outside world, unable to communicate in English for a duration of three weeks.
This unique experience compelled me to develop a basic understanding of local phrases and written vocabulary, which proved essential for dining, securing accommodations, and navigating the region.
Despite Hong Kong no longer being part of the British Empire during my visit in 1999, the process of its integration into China had only just begun. I was fortunate to witness this transition period, enabling me to appreciate the differences between the two regions, a contrast that would soon fade as China rapidly developed and Hong Kong integrated into a singular system under Chinese umbrella.
Countries visited
