5 Week Solo Trip to SE Asia
Hello All, I was recently laid off from my job and they gave a generous severance package so instead of immediately trying to get back into the rat race, I decided to do 5 weeks in SE Asia
I’ve included a more detailed picture of the flow. I did Vietnam > Thailand > Malaysia > Indonesia > Singapore. These photos don’t do it justice, but wanted to give yall a taste
Honestly, I feel blessed I was able to take this trip. It was wonderful heading to the other side of the world I had only read about and seeing so many cultures, landscapes, people, food, lifestyles, etc.
I’m a first-gen Nigerian American and traveling alone so I tried to keep my wits about things upon first entering a new city/country and (often) being the only dark skinned person or one of very few. Thankfully, I did not experience any malicious racial transgressions
There was a good bit of staring by the locals, particularly by those of the older generations and the children and 95% of the time I caught someone staring, I would simply smile and say “hello” in whatever language they spoke and they would meet me with the same energy - if they spoke English would often lead to a quick convo
When asked, I would say I’m from the states or USA they would often go “Ooohh! Ameriiccaaa!” chat a little more, and sometimes want a picture because it isn’t too common for them to see one of us. At first, I was skeptical about the pictures but by the end of the trip it became the norm and I had no problem so long as they weren’t demanding and the people were nice.
Overall, I was very pleased with the trip and forever thankful to this part of the world. Could easily do a month in any of these countries (except Singapore) and not be bored. Hope it isn’t too long before I’m back over there again to likely hit Laos, Cambodia, and more of Indonesia
Edit: I should give food the proper credit it deserves. It was amazing!! Whether at a sit down restaurant or at a hawker on the side of the street at midnight. Of all of the meals I had there were only two I had that I would rate as 6/10 or lower, and I do not consider myself a foodie.. Shoutout Penang for having ALL the flavors given its ethnic diversity, and the food was the reason I made a stop there. Food tours were well worth it