Unraveling the Mysteries of the East
Unraveling the Mysteries of the East
by August Cosentino
Some of you who follow me on social media and/or Substack know I have a major case of wanderlust. This condition is likely to occur, I’ve read, after you’ve already been to 55 countries and still crave more.
With that in mind, I’ve composed the following describing my recent adventures in Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia for those who may want to follow in my footsteps someday. First, though, some general observations:
1. People in Korea and throughout SE Asia are extraordinarily kind, friendly and helpful. Especially to equally kind, friendly people like me and G.
2. There is no need to speak any other language besides English unless you plan to live, study or work there.
3. Airport security is a breeze compared to the ordeals you are put through in America.
4. Access to temples, hotels and public transportation can be a challenge. Every place, old or new, seems to have lots of steps and no handrails.
5. Dogs? Didn’t see a single dog. Or many animals for that matter. With the exception of monkeys and pigeons at Batu Cave in Malaysia.
Now for the specifics:
I. Seoul, South Korea
1. A modern, youthful, tech-savvy, clean Asian city. Similar to Tokyo but less formal.
2. Attractions include royal palaces, Buddhist temples, a botanical garden, great museums, and soaring skyscrapers that offer 360-degree views of the city.
3. Excellent, safe and cheap public transportation. Just watch out for the stairs: the pitch is steep and escalators are scarce.
4. The population is ethnically homogenous and fluent in English.
5. Weather for the most part is similar to New York’s, which is to say moderate and unpredictable.
6. As for the food, I found it serviceable. You can find better in NYC or LA. That being said, Dooreyu, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul, was one for the ages.
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II. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
1. A multicultural, cosmopolitan Muslim city that offers an excellent blend of traditionalism and modernity.
2. Cuisine is varied; you can order Malaysian, Chinese, Indian or even pizza. We also enjoyed Baskin Robbins ice cream for dessert one night.
3. Public transportation is cheap and efficient. But most Malaysians drive because gas is so cheap. This creates significant traffic jams in KL.
4. KL is not as slick as Singapore. However in one respect it’s very similar to Singapore: the heat. Expect steaming temperatures, humidity and pelting rainstorms that come out of nowhere fast then disappear.
5. Malaysians are somewhat conversant in English but their primary language is Bahasa Malaysian.
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III. Borobudur, Java
1. Java is the largest of the 5,000-plus Indonesian islands. Famous for its largely unspoiled natural beauty, and historical landmarks such as Borobudur, a ninth-century Hindu temple.
2. The culture is Muslim: not hard to understand as Indonesia has the third-largest population of Muslims in the world. Women wear head scarves and modest garb, and you are likely to hear the muezzin call to prayer five times a day. Including the middle of the night.
3. Indonesian cuisine is spicy and employs rice, noodles, coconut and chilis in most of its dishes. I ate it three times a day.
4. Beaches? Not in Java. Temps can get very warm as Java lies just below the equator. But if you are feeling hot, just crank up the AC.
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Hope this is helpful. And If you have any questions, you know where to reach me. I'll be busy planning my next vacation. Like I said, wanderlust is incurable.
Your Humble Servant,
A