The snow has melted! The sun is… almost shining! The ambient temperature is WAY above 3 centigrade (37F) now and heading towards a balmy 5 or 6. Soon the delightful showers of Spring will be upon us — and before I know it, April will turn to May. May, if you’re new to this blog or my life, is the month when everything happens — we have something like 10 immediate-family birthdays in May, and this year we also have a wedding! May is also the best month to be in England (potential tourists, take heed!) The weather’s fresh (with a hint of the warmth to come) and the late-Spring flowers begin to bloom. The bulbs of March and April fade away to be replaced by the delicious lime-green leaves of May and all in all it’s just lovely.
But once May has passed, when all the important bits are out of the way and the best of British has been devoured, it’s time to fly. (I tried to work in ‘gonna fly now’ from Rocky, but failed — it just made me sound like a gangster-homie.)
It’s time to discuss where I’ll be travelling in 2010. A few months ago I got lucky and scored a very well-paid writing job, so by the time May rolls around I should have enough money to go just about anywhere and do just about anything. It’s quite an exciting prospect! I can actually go on tour. When faced with a shanty, shared on-its-last-legs taxi, I can opt for the personal driver and tour guide. I can pay for the company and pleasure of not one, but nine concubines. Basically, this year, I have options.
First, though, I have to actually choose where to go. It’s time to get out of the Western world; out of Europe, out of America — but into … where exactly?
I have the plans for two primary tours bouncing around in my head at the moment: East Africa and East Asia.
East Africa Tour (Provisional, January 2010)
Countries visited: South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya
Via (uncertain): Zimbabwe (safer than I thought), Madagascar (bit out of the way, but safe), Malawi (safe, just not sure about)
Synopsis: East Africa is the safest part of the continent, which is obviously a huge bonus. Most of the countries on the list are also ex-British colonies, which means you’re generally safe and/or revered as a white tourist. The only real risk is being mugged, but being 6’5″ and scary lookin’, that’s not normally a problem. Other risks are Muslim extremism (but this is more of a problem further north, towards the Red Sea) and malaria. Really, I was quite shocked to discover just how safe my East Africa Tour could be.
Sightseeing-wise, Tanzania and Kenya have some of the best nature reserves in the world. Madagascar must surely have some unique vistas/plants/animals too. I have friends in South Africa and some connections in Tanzania. The only bit I’m not really sure about is Zimbabwe — but apparently it’s on the ‘safe to travel’ list again, so… we’ll see!
I don’t know which direction I would go in — north to south or vice versa. Need to check flights and connections.
East Asia Tour (Provisional, January 2010)
Countries visited: Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia
Via (time/money permitting): South Korea, Japan, Philippines, New Zealand
Synopsis: Now this one’s a little more tricky and much more time-consuming! Africa’s just a few hours by plane, but Singapore is 12 hours away — as is the ‘hop’ from Japan to New Zealand! South-east Asia requires a lot of island-hopping — I don’t think the domestic/small-hop flights will be expensive, but getting to and from airports is always a pain. I could always limit my trip to just south-east Asia, dropping Korea and Japan entirely… but still, how do I get to New Zealand and back again? (I could fly to Los Angeles…)
Safety-wise, Asia’s on par with east Africa, but there’s more risk of terrorism. Tap water is undrinkable, there’s some malaria, some tuberculosis — less HIV than Africa though, hooray! It’s tempting to do a ‘super safe’ tour to Japan, Singapore and New Zealand, but again… it would be an awfully long trip at great expense. I think I’d rather do a grand tour of just China.
If I did the entire circle — perhaps flying into Japan, and then going anti-clockwise? — I’d be looking at 3 months at least I think. I’m told you can lose yourself for weeks in New Zealand. As a photographer, I’m sure that’d be an understatement.
Gods, the more I think about it, Asia needs to be cut up into smaller slices. North Asia (Japan, Korea, China?), South Asia, and then New Zealand and the ‘wonders’ of Tasmania.
Analysis, Pros/Cons
I’m leaning towards the East Africa Tour simply because it’s easier to execute. It’s linear, with the only required flight being the one to Madagascar — for the same reason it would probably be cheaper too. Actual cost of living/day-to-day expenses are probably very similar — most of my money would go on tour guides, safaris and other excursions.
Africa’s also closer to home, which makes the whole thing a little easier to swallow. One thing I need to look into is relative English literacy — I assume it would be better in ex-colonial Africa.
Asia has culture though — those Far East cultures! The seat of ancient-and-then-modern religion! I bet Asia has better views too, with all that sea… and jungle! I’d have to include the Congo in my African tour if I wanted jungle, and it’s not very safe there at the moment.
This is the bit where I throw the floor wide open for suggestions — I don’t expect much advice/info re: Africa, but you might have something to say about Asia!
andhari
Jan 25, 2010
Sebbie you know I’m here if you ever need a guide. Indo, baby! Let’s go!
Hezabelle
Jan 25, 2010
They both sound fun! The only part of Africa I’ve been to is Egypt, and it was pretty awesome in terms of things to see, but it’s more historical than landscape and probably not the kind of Africa you’re looking for.
I would go with the Africa trip!
Mister Beep!
Jan 25, 2010
I really enjoyed reading your fluently written and most interesting article.
I guess you’re on the right track already, so go for …Africa perhaps. Remember the Asians would not only admire your long nose, but they’d also look like ants, because you’re even a tad taller than me, haha.
Anyhooo, I’m really looking forward not only to your reports about your preparations but also your actual journey, we should always stay connected through the Internet.
(passport, vaccinations, visa?).
South America? No – because of language trouble?
Australia? Too far away, too arid at the time of travel?
I think your routing is quite sensible.
Abi
Jan 25, 2010
But, but… I’ll miss you!
I say Africa because Asia seems like a short space of time to see all that and besides, I will pay good money to see you in a batik tunic. My requirements from your travels are very simple, you see.
Sebastian's mother
Jan 25, 2010
Have you not considered the ‘Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg’ circle?
Much safer dear….
MentalSarcasm
Jan 25, 2010
I’d go with Asia because at that rate you’ll hit South Africa by June 2010 and everything is going to be insane for the World Cup (first match is 11th June and if I’m reading the match calendar right the final is on the 11th July), you’ll need to find somewhere to stay NOW in certain cities because everything is being booked well in advance.
Plus I think Asia, no matter which area you’re in, is generally safer than Africa.
Alison
Jan 25, 2010
Of course, i see your wisdom, no point in just stopping over in Australia. Save that for when you have a good couple of months to really explore, becasue let’s face it, if you’re going to come all the way to the other side of the planet you want to make the most of it. in fact, I’d recommend Australia and New Zealand as part of the one trip lasting at least two months.
I think both your tour choices look good. I’d probably lean towards safest, but then, I’m a girl so the view is, sadly, a little different from here, however much we would like to pretend or wish it isn’t so.
Now, can I guess whose wedding it will be in May? My family also has a fondness for May birthdays (goodness knows why) including mine which is on the 27th.
dominique
Jan 25, 2010
sounds like an amazing opportunity either way.
Renee
Jan 25, 2010
Y’know if you end up in Wisconsin for all those May birthdays, you should give me a visit as I now look at Lake Superior every morning. And if I felt bothered, I could go walk on it without actually having to go anywhere. But anyways…
I’m going to actually vote for Africa. Heck, I’d just stick to Madagascar if I could, but I’m more of a spend time and soak in the place sort of person. But obviously, we are different people. Just stay away from Johannesburg, if I remember correctly, which is the murder capital of the world (or at least it was back when I was friends with the guy who grew up there). But it looks like you’re not which probably means I just mentioned the above because I want to seem informed.
Anyway Africa, because I remember airports and planes all too well and damn they are exhausting. And I think East Asia deserves to be portioned into smaller groupings because it’s really friggin big. Oh, and I’d probably want to not drink the tap water in Africa because I can guarantee, getting sick because of unsafe water is a maaaajor downer.
Did I babble enough?
sebastian
Jan 25, 2010
In reverse order, because… that seems like the right thing to do.
Renee — only a tiny portion of my family lives in Wisconsin
The rest of us are sensible and remained in the UK. In fact, the folks in Wisconsin will be over here in May, for the wedding…! (There you go, Alison, that bit ties in with you.) South Africa is probably the most dangerous of those East African Tour destinations (though during the World Cup it’s probably safer, true.)
Yeah, I’d probably do Australia and New Zealand together. My main problem with Australia is that it’s so… brutal. I probably wouldn’t wander in the Outback for days and weeks — doesn’t really appeal to me. And as for culture… Australia doesn’t really score highly in that department…
(What’s the ‘safer’ thing based on, Sarcasm? Just gut instinct? There’s a lot of FUD when it comes to Africa — it’s not quite as bad as people think — at least the ex-colonial countries, anyway!)
I think Africans are pretty short too, Beep… but yeah, probably not as short as Asians. Remember, to me, everyone is either my height or tiny.
HEZ! I did Turkey purely for the history! Italy for the history! Africa would be for the culture.
I actually had a plan to go all the way up the east side of Africa, to Egypt — but Sudan is in the way. I could easily fly from Kenya to Egypt though…
sebastian
Jan 25, 2010
Shit, I forgot to say — Andhari, you’ve been on my ‘list’ for a long, long time.
Don’t worry, you’re going to show me ALL of Indo.
Renee
Jan 25, 2010
Dammit! Well, whenever you feel like visiting Wisconsin, I live in one of the prettiest parts.
Nyx
Jan 25, 2010
I’d go more for the Africa tour, just because it’s nice and linear, and you won’t waste all that time travelling. Plus, I want a shot of a giraffe. And an elephant. Maybe a monkey. Some lemurs, perhaps.
Besides, if you’re looking for forest, Madagascar has it. Not a whole lot of it, but they do have a small rainforest.
Although – I’m a bit biased. A trip to East Africa is one of my dream trips – since it is extremely important the history of human evolution. Laetoli, Olduvai Gorge, Cradle of Humankind, the Clarens formation….le sigh.
Can I hide in your luggage?
sebastian
Jan 25, 2010
Ah, I should’ve expected you to comment on that
I’m sure Helen will be in sometime too, if she’s still about…
I’m sure there will be lots of wildlife shots, but to get those I need to lug around my big zoom lens which weighs like… 3 kilos. Maybe I can hire a helper to hold it up for me…
(How small are you?)
Sara Strand
Jan 25, 2010
Renee- where in WI are you??? I’m in Superior!
Seb- Hmm..my inclination would be Asia because you have more reservations about that. And I think if you are going to do a vacation it should be an adventure…one that you aren’t quite sure about.
BUT Wisconsin is a great place for photos. Just a thought..
Foggy Dew
Jan 25, 2010
I’d go for Africa, if for nothing else than the sunsets. And Kilimanjaro of course. Although I would stay away from South Africa during the Cup. That just seems like it’d be a bit hectic. Either way, both tours look like fun (and your mom’s suggestion? priceless).
Sebastian's mother
Jan 25, 2010
Thankyou Foggy Dew, At least ONE of you is sensible.
Actually dear, you could go to Indonesia becasue Andhari will look after you properly. And maybe you could stay with thingee as well?
Eleni
Jan 25, 2010
Ooo, New Zealand. I’ve wanted to go there ever since the LotR movies came out. But I don’t think it counts as part of East Asia, or even Asia in general.
Anyway, any of those places would be amazing to go to. I’ve never been anywhere in Asia or Africa, so I’d be insanely jealous either way. I’m already excited to see the photos and hear the stories.
Stephen K
Jan 26, 2010
Asia. Actually half the cities you’ve put on your list are really safe (for that privilege, also read more expensive) and the parts you’ve are more different between each one than I would imagine your Africa destinations to be, though I will admit to never having been to Africa (fully intend to at some point though). Warning though, South Korea and Japan are EXPENSIVE. But Thailand and Vietnam are ridiculously cheap. For that reason, it might be an idea to finish at Bangkok, fly to KL/Singapore then go home. I have some limited knowledge of SE Asia if ever you want another POV, mate.
Nyx
Jan 26, 2010
…huh…I might be able to fit into a duffel bag. If it were a large one. And if I scrunched up. Maybe.
Adrienne
Jan 26, 2010
South Africa. The World Cup! How is this even a question?
Renee
Jan 26, 2010
@Sara Strand: We live fairly close then. I’m leery of saying much more than a lot of tourists visit during the summer. You probably could guess.
Sara Strand
Jan 26, 2010
@Renee– ah yes! I think I know where you are. Do you have kayaking tours? Because I was there. It was awful.
But beautiful town! It would be GREAT for photos as well. Especially in October. 
shuping
Jan 26, 2010
YOU HAVE TO TELL ME IF YOU EVER COME TO SINGAPORE!
I haven’t seen a tall man for ages…
sebastian
Jan 26, 2010
The World Cup isn’t a deal-maker for me, by the way… I mean, I like football, but it does not course through my BLOOD like most other Brits. Alas.
Foggy — Tanzania is definitely the high point of Africa.
It is the possible ‘sameyness’ that worries me. Once I’ve done a safari in one country… why go to six more African nations and do it again?
I’m sure there is culture, but it can’t be compared to the Eastern civilization/philosophy…
Damn you Asia and your cute, short girls!
I can tell that’s going to be a large factor in the decision-making process.
Alison
Jan 27, 2010
Well, the real question is, waht do you mean by culture? Australia has plenty, but it might depend upon where you go and what time of year, as it is with many places. Are you looking for exploratino of the nautral world,, in which case Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef are but the tip of the iceberg, or perhaps learning more about aboriginal culture and tradition is your thing. If you are after something a bit more recent history-wise, and culturally ‘vibrant’, then probably Sydney and Melbourne are the main places to go for a bit. It’s difficult to know without really knowing what you’re into, and Australia tends to be very much a place where getting to know a few locals is key, so that you can see more than just the usual tourist traps. I base my comments of plan a longer stay, because I can’t think of anyone I’ve know who has come here for a week or two who hasn’t wished they had planned a longer trip. (Some of them have come back, but it’s a looooong way.)
miss*H
Jan 29, 2010
ah you lucky thing I’m jealous!!! I’d vote for Asia but only because I’ve done it and so know how incredible an experience it is. You definitely need to go to New Zealand too….the scenery is out of this world, but you need a good month there alone to really experience the diverse landscapes.
sebastian
Jan 29, 2010
I’m actually erring towards Asia now, but I’ll update properly next week
I’m sure I’ll swing around and about until I actually book the flights though!
I’d love to do New Zealand.
Alison, I don’t know if Australia really… does it for me. I mean, if I had to choose between NZ and AUS, it wouldn’t be a tough choice. Again, if I had to choose between Japan and Australia… I’d go with Japland.
I’d love to see Australia, but I have to justify it somehow