"When you come to a fork in the road - take it." ~Yogi Berra

The following summary of our Asian travels is not a critical expose of foreign transportation. Nor is it an effort at winning the sympathy of those who travel in high fashion. It is simply our way of communicating the differences and challenges of traveling in an underdeveloped or developing region with limited funds. At times these modes of transportation frustrate us, tire us, and challenge our ability to share “love” with those around us. However, it has been interesting, even fascinating to be educated in the nuances of, shall we say, unconventional globe-trotting.

Our typical adventure often begins with a discount carrier. This can be defined as a no-frills, “efficient” airline with less than adequate leg room; fees for luggage, snacks, drinks, blankets, and pillows; non-refundable tickets even if there is an extenuating circumstance on their end; and a greater risk of late or cancelled flights. After the long lines at immigration, we purchase coupons for a mas transit bus traveling long distances. Sometimes with no air and no ventilation. Upon arriving at our next stop, we depart the oversized sauna in search of the most reasonably priced mode of local transportation. This could be a variety of unusual vehicles including ferries, trikes, speed boats, jeepneys, metros, long boats, motorcycles, and/or tuk-tuks. There are times when the daily travels have been so long and wearing that we bite the bullet and hail a taxi as it is the easiest and most convenient way of traveling to ones final destination. It is also the most expensive. Whether it be winding through narrow village streets or multi lane mega cities, the drivers are all the same. In other words, they are risk-taking, dare devils bent on making record time at all cost, even if it means endangering your life.

At day's end one finally reaches their place of lodging. This is typically a basic room with a bed. Most of the time it includes an “air con”. At times fans are the only means of “refreshment” in the smoldering heat. Your bathroom may or may not be located inside your private room. Rarely can you use the sink water to brush your teeth. And while you can wash your face with the sink water, wash cloths and hot water do not enter into the equation. In addition, you may encounter a few additions you did not request (i.e. ants, mosquitos, spiders, roaches, and rats). But no worries, they do not charge extra for these little surprises. And please be assured, they do not credit your invoice nor offer their apologies for the uninvited guests either.

Dining is always a treat. Whether it be fancying upon a much sought after Chili's or Krispy Kreme or trying take out from a trike functioning as a road-side food stall, eating abroad is always interesting. We snicker when we think of my mom (sorry mom). “Don't eat that chicken; it has been sitting out too long!” This is usually in reference to food that has been left on the table one hour past meal time. Hmmmm... we are quite certain we've eaten chicken that has been hanging in the outside food stall for an entire day. Maybe we should not bother explaining the outside seafood tables. And yet, seldom have we experienced negative consequences as a result of our dining choices.

However, with all the unusual experiences endured on our travels, we've been able to see some amazing places! We've had the privilege of visiting Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Korea, and Thailand. And while all have their challenges for westerners, each country displays God's boundless creativity! Moreover, if we traveled in conventional western style we would evade much of the intriguing culture that has added to our new appreciation for and perspective on life in general.