nomad4ever

After losing some pounds following the tips in this article – it’s now time to put some of them back – NOT!

Asia is such a vast area with many different influences, flavors and cultures, that it’s hard to pick out typical Asian dishes. Fortunately there are Asian dishes that are popular in more than one country in Asia and among Westerners alike.

Some are even so popular, that there are wars among ‘foodies’, who invented what dish and which country can claim credit of its origin.

Let’s have a look at the most popular ones and why they are so delicious:

written by Chris

Samuel Johnson said, ‘do not suffer life to stagnate; it will grow muddy for want of motion: commit yourself again to the current of the world.‘ Motion, or change, is the one constant in life.

We are always moving, whether it be forwards, backwards or in circles. Most of us would, I imagine, want to be moving forward – achieving something, becoming fitter, stronger, wealthier, more skillful, happier. Yet so many of us get stuck in a rut, going over the same ground like a mouse in a wheel.

written by Chris

When setting off a long-term trip for the first time, it’s common for people to bring far more than they need; the uncertainty of what the trip may bring can lead to a mentality of packing things “just in case”, or for comfort.

I remember my first 2-week trip to Thailand, hundreds of full moons back; my backpack looked like the one to the right and embarrassingly I even brought socks for that expected cold night in the tropics. Ahem!

written by Chris

Dear Gloria, I just saw you on CNN, asking the US and the international community for helping the families and finding survivors of the latest ferry disaster, which hit the Philippines just 2 days ago.

The “MV Princess of the Stars” ran aground, capsized and sank just a mile off Sibuyan Island in heavy storms, caused by Typhoon Fengshen. A total of 864 people were aboard, with only about 57 rescued so far.

Why this is another sad event which causes thousands of family members to grieve for their loved ones lost; it was just another regrettable tragedy waiting to happen:

written by Chris

Lombok is an Indonesian island just east of Bali. It is slightly smaller and not so densely populated but features breath-taking sceneries and amazing landscapes.

Outside of Asia, nobody probably heard of this island, which is said to provide a pleasant holiday experience; sort of an “unspoiled Bali”.

Let’s change that a bit!

While both islands share a lot of similarities, Lombok has its own attractions and plenty of contrasts as well. This trip report from last week shows where are the differences and what would be worth checking out during your trip to Lombok:

written by Chris

The Philippines is a country in South East Asia with breath-taking natural features and scenery on over 7.000 islands. You will find pristine beaches, volcanoes, rice terraces, hot springs and waterfalls aplenty in a very pleasant tropical climate. People are genuinely friendly and most of the Pinoys can speak English, so easy communication is guaranteed.

Despite its continuous economical downturn over the recent years, more Expats and Westerners love to move here for retirement and longer vacations. And for a good reason – the Philippines offer very comfortable and affordable Cost of Living conditions for the avid long-term traveler:

written by Chris

Fuel prices in Indonesia are fixed by the government and don’t float according to market conditions. This leads to unbelievably cheap costs of fuel of Rp 4.500 per liter (app. USD 0.50).

While that was basically great for the population and led to an increased use of fuel – making oil-rich Indonesia basically an Oil Importer instead of an Exporter a few years back – it did cost the country an ‘arm and a leg’ in fuel subsidies.

Changing that policy caused national unrest and riots the last time they tried in 2005. Now things look a bit more calmer; but still fuel prices have to go up to save the country from sliding into bankruptcy in the mid-term:

written by Chris

In general, Bali is a beautiful place on our planet, where you can survive pretty well on a very small budget. The Cost of Living here is dramatically lower than in the US, old Europe, Australia or even some other parts in Asia.

I was asked many times by readers how much I spend here and what the Costs for my daily expenses are. There isn’t a general answer to these questions – after all it depends a lot on your personal preferences and demands.

Show me the money:

written by Chris