Why do we travel?

Categorizing the simple

I’m at KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport). SE Asia likes its abbreviations. Especially in Malaysia and Singapore.

Before the boarding I normally like to have some tea on the sun. Most airports have these side strips to the right of the main building. Where no buses or taxies are allowed to park. Airport workers come here for a cigarette break or just to chill.

At KLIA before boarding. Outside.

I’m thinking. What makes the travel pleasurable? Why do we spend money and go somewhere? Trying to categorize and narrow down. Of course, the below I can expand a lot and sub-categorize. For sure, one day. But for now.

1. To explore and to experience the new. Food, place, beach, activity, food… In this case I like anticipation equally to the experience if not more.

2. To come back where you have enjoyed the most. And to re-enjoy it. To deepen and enhance the experience.

   Many people would say “to have a break”, “change of scene”, etc. But I think it all falls under the new experiences, in a big picture.

   As a side “task” I like to compare the places and the contents of them.

Take 7/11 in KL. Yesterday I wanted some green vegetables. Badly. Could not find in a pure form. In BKK - no problem.

Just open and eat as it is

Same on the street. Vegetables everywhere!

Talking about the comparisons. I’m trying to make a list of Asian capitals/big cities (where I have been) in a priority order. It is hard, as some are good for their unique features not available in other places. But I will try. May rearrange later.

1. Seoul. Eat, hike, relax in jimjilbang. Repeat in a different place.

2. Tokyo. Shaky mate. Because I know you the best (otherwise you would be #1). But I am afraid of the earthquakes.

3. Singapore. Eat, walk, see the fast changes. Max a week. La…

4. HK. I can easily escape the crowds to a beautiful scenery, and then always return to the “civilization “where the new and the old still coexist peacefully. May be also because I know you well enough to ignore the recent bad trends.

5. Taipei. Similar to the above. And stinky tofu!

6. BKK. Just relax. Nobody cares who and what you are.

7. Hanoi/HCM. Still unique. Banh Mi, Bun Cha and Vietnamese coffee.

8. KL. Assam Laksa and a need to be on the permanent alert, as nothing goes as planned. What makes you to understand that you care too much…

9. Shanghai. Rapidly changing. Xia long bao.

10. Yangon. We are poor, but happy.

11. Jakarta. The relatively well-regulated chaos. Street food where you still can find it.

12. Phnom Penh. To witness how what was the dream of Lee Kuan Yew in the 70s became the tragedy because of the fools and the foolish ideology. “I hope one day my city will look like this”, - Singapore prime minister at the state dinner in Phnom Penh in 1967.

    But people still shine, and this is good.

    Fools and smart fools, especially in power, are more dangerous than the criminals.

13. Manila. It is OK.

14. Delhi. Sorry, but the air is not good.

Today is my 30th stay at Chatrium Riverside hotel in Bangkok. This is my calculation. The reception more or less concurs giving me a nice room on the 30th floor.

Arriving to a hotel by the combination of the train and the boat. I love it.

Chatrium Riverside hotel boat pier

Then I gaze at Chao Phraya River.

Only to have another thought. As I’m getting older, I like to re-enjoy the places. More than going to the new. Sometimes I will agree with myself, but mostly I will revolt. Belize is on the agenda…