Asia Memories with Destination Asia
We hope you’ve enjoyed this series recapping some of our resident Asia expert Sophia’s favorite experiences in Asia. This will be our last Asia Memories , as almost all of Asia is now open (and we are super busy)!!! You can read more about entry requirements to this magical region here.
Our final edition will feature a story from members of the KAI team about a memorable experience in Asia.
A Weekend Trip to Vietnam (via Hong Kong)
From Sophia Hatchitt: It only took a weekend for me to totally fall in love with Vietnam. Already on a high coming from one of my favorite cities, Hong Kong, where i was studying, I basically floated into Hanoi. Never before had I experienced more dramatic scenery, outstanding people, and incredible cuisine. My friends and I spent the weekend riding bikes in the rice paddies, boating around Halong Bay, and having a great time just crossing the street (if you have been to any city in Vietnam you know they take their motorbikes very seriously). In true SE Asia fashion, we met someone who owned a restaurant in both Hanoi and Hong Kong so we had a reunion with our new friend once we got back to town. It was a whirlwind weekend but one that, 6 years later, I still think about regularly.
Fish Out of Water in China
From David Kartagener: My first true experience with “culture shock” came on my initial visit to China back in November 2010. I had only been in the travel industry for about a year and Asia was still very much new to me. Upon arrival in Beijing, I was taken directly from the airport to a stunning dim sum lunch with 7 industry folks (only one of whom I knew). I learned two quick lessons at that lunch: (1) how to use chopsticks; it was either that or starve and I was famished & the food was delicious, and (2) it is considered an insult to the chef if you finish everything on the plate; it is good manners to leave a morsel as a sign of respect. If you finish it the chef will send another plate because they feel that they haven’t given you enough food. This was made apparent as I reached for the last piece of the best (what I think was) sesame chicken I’d ever had, and the people on either side of me pretty much slapped my chopsticks with theirs. Properly holding and using chopsticks was foreign to me (see point 1) so my sticks went flying…Exhausted, full, and embarrassed, I could only say one thing, “Check, please.” It garnered a chuckle from the lunch guests who spoke English but I promise you that I’ll never make that mistake again.
Myanmar
From Andrew Finn: I find myself longing for Myanmar, fully knowing that the country will likely remain “off limits” to many travelers for years to come. While it’s easy to only see the sadness that exists there now, I want to take a moment to shine light on the beauty and radiance of the Burmese people. Specifically, I am remembering a morning that I was able to provide alms to some Buddhist nuns. It was easily one of the most humbling and spiritual experience I’ve had, not only in Myanmar, but anywhere in the world. We donated the food that the nuns would eat for lunch, their last meal of the day, helped with clean up and then watched them chant prayers. After all of that, we sat together and had an open conversation – no question too silly kind of chat. Their curiosity in us was equal to ours in them. The afternoon ended with hugs, smiles and a deep sense of compassion. Those are the memories of Myanmar I keep with me, especially as the country is struggling to find peace.
A Stay at the Leela Palaces
From Jessica Rosen: A queen, princess, maharaja, empress, celebrity, or just a guest of The Leela Palaces—no matter who you are, when you are staying at The Leela Palace you will feel like royalty. On my last trip to India in November 2019 I had the extreme pleasure of staying at The Leela Palace Udaipur. Arriving at The Leela Palace Udaipur is the most decadent experience ever. Guests arrive by private boat to the property where music is serenading them as they get off the jetty and approach the hotel, and if the views weren’t enough, rose petals are sprinkled onto them and instantly everyone is their own maharaj or maharaja. Every single room at The Leela Palace Udaipur has striking views of the stunning lake pichola. The property itself has an Olympic-size swimming pool, world class spa, and delicious restaurants, whether you’re in the mood for Italian, American or the best Indian food you’ll ever try. An unforgettable experience.