The warmth envelopes me like a fluffy blanket on a winters night.
I breathe in deeply the humid, polluted air – strange that breathing this air brings me joy – but it instantly alerts me to the reality that I have stepped back onto Asian soil.
I want to kiss the steaming tarmac, but hold back through fear of really strange looks from my fellow passengers and maybe even arrest for out of the ordinary airport behavior.
Bus boys languidly lie around in groups, jumping up to run forth when they see the group of white tourists rolling our suitcases along.
“You want bus?” They point and try to steer you in their intended direction with a nod and a wave of the hand.
The sweet smell of clover cigarettes waft up my nose and I turn to find where it comes from; a habit ingrained in me since my first trip to Asia – Bali in 1996 when I was 20.
It was on that trip that I knew I was born to travel, addicted to it and from that journey on, if I wasn’t traveling then the hole in my heart the size of China would exist.
Asia, I run to you, I run to you now.
I’m excited for the short few days I will have here in Kuala Lumpur for the NAPBAS awards ceremony, already aware of the bitterness and longing that will return once I leave.
For now, I will enjoy your intoxifying smells, allow my taste buds to participate in a journey of spice and zest, and welcome the humid heat to break my body out in a clammy sweat.
Szechuan noodles
Yes, that is how much I love Asia.
Thanks for welcoming me back.
Question….Do you find Asia addictive? Why?
Having lived here most of my life, I might be biased to say that Asia is such a great continent to visit. The cultures are different from one end to another. The food is even greater too. I’ve made a New Year’s resolution to explore the continent a bit more. It’s good to get away from the civilised nation of the Great Britain once in awhile.
Amer recently posted..All that matters is that one place
Where have you lived mostly? I am jealous Amer. Did you grow up in Asia?
I lived in Malaysia for nearly 20years and the UK for 10. So technically speaking, I did grew up in Malaysia!
Amer recently posted..A New Year’s resolution travel plan? screw that.
Agreed – Asia is addictive. We spent 7 months here 3 years ago and have been back for 4 months and have no idea when we’ll leave. I love how different everything feels, the chaos, the landscapes, the temples, the people and the food.
Erin recently posted..December Update & Plans For 2012
I love the chaos too- it works and is so exotic. I want to get back there now. Sounds like living in Chaing Mai is lots of fun?
Yep, we are loving living in Chiang Mai for a few months.
Erin recently posted..December Update & Plans For 2012
No place is more addictive than Asia!!
Roy | The Riding Dutchman recently posted..Weekly Photo: Mass Grave in Cambodian Killing Fields
Africa comes close but still doesn’t have that pull that makes me want to go there everyday or live there like Asia does
Don’t blame you for your addiction. I’ve been to Taiwan several times and love it.
i’ve met so many people who love Taiwan. It’s never been on my hit list. Might have to think more about it
I strongly suggest thinking more about it, it is lovely. Plus, there is a giant panda house in the Taipei Zoo! Who doesn’t love pandas?
Asia is awesome! Rich in culture and tradition. I love it. Plus, every place has its own unique character that you won’t see anywhere else. I hope you guys could visit the Philippines soon. It’s a ridiculously magnificent place! =)
Lorraine recently posted..Christmas Blues from Wisconsin
I’ve been hearing so much about the Phillipines. It looks so beautiful, would love to check it out.
Yeah, the food alone would make me addicted to it.
Maria D. recently posted..Clothing that gives you away as a tourist
I love eating Asian food, breakfast lunch and dinner. I feel so good and I never miss heavy, unhealthy Western food
Asia most definitely is addictive; I left Asia to Europe some two weeks ago and I miss it already! Especially the food…
Jarmo @ Arctic Nomad recently posted..Waiting for Christmas in Hong Kong
You cannot beat the food!! What was your favourite country in Asia?
That’s not a fair question!
Hmmm, overall I’d say Japan, on this trip probably Hong Kong or Laos.
Jarmo @ Arctic Nomad recently posted..Waiting for Christmas in Hong Kong
Great post. Asia is very addictive for us. We were here travelling around for 3 months 2 years ago and have now relocated, for the time being. In Malaysia at the moment with plans to visit the Philippines and then on to the travel blogging capital – Chiang Mai, for a few months. It’s the weather but mainly the people that make us love it so much.
Deborah recently posted..Best places to go skiing in Austria
I’m jealous!! Asia just has the total package. We hope to live around the Phuket/Krabi area in Thailand- set up a new travel blogging capital
Just can’t live away from those Thai beaches
Agreed! Asia is so very, very addictive! I spent a semester of college in Thailand and that wasn’t even remotely close to enough! So I went back in 2010 for 3 months and am already plotting my next return…
People are so nice and they’re NOT trying to rip you off all the time? And they’re not desperately trying to sell you useless crap (I’m talking comparatively here to, say, Egypt…) at all times? And the weather…. And the culture… What’s not to like?
Aaron @ Aaron’s Worldwide Adventures recently posted..Aerosvit…A Terrible Flying Experience!
It’s funny how anyone who spends time in Asia usually end up plotting their return back. I’m trying to work out our path back to my Thai hammock. There is everything to like and more. LOVE it!
I’ve just arrived from Dubai.I will just say that i am very addicted from Asia some of their culture,some of their food and i can’t whait to visit some other country in Asia.
Vasko Ristov recently posted..Kitzbuhel
There’s so much to see in Asia, you can never get enough of it!
What is it that’s so special about Asia, above the things that we can describe with words? Because it is something so much more than just a clutch of syllables, although we try with our words to pin it down. But your post is an evocative piece, Caz. It conjured up and re-ignited my feelings for Asia which sit in a place deep in my soul, never to be tainted. Sometimes I almost felt as if Asia could be my spiritual home? Thanks for taking me back there today, with specific smells and images, however briefly
I have the same feelings Johanna. It is definitely my spiritual home, it is where i feel most at peace and like I truly belong.
I visited Malaysia for the first time last year and loved it so much, that I want to go back every year (if we can afford it). I went last year with my fiancee’ for 3 weeks and left our children with the grandparents. My fiancee’ spent half of his childhood in Penang as his mother was from there and his father an Australian Air Force member.
I LOVED the FOOD, the Shopping, The welcoming people and the different cultures. We stayed with his family over there but also took a trip to Langkawi and stayed in hotels. You get a much better feel for the place when you are shown around by locals. I would love to live over there for a year, but it’s just a matter of saving the money now.
I am also looking forward to experiencing Singapore and Thailand, next time we go.
MMMM, just thinking about it makes me hungry for Char Kwei tow and Raddish/Carrot Cake, oh and satay sticks, roti, won ton mee……. oh the list goes on!
The food is just divine. We started eating Malaysian last year and now can’t stop/ SO great that you have family over there. I really want to go to Penang and Langkawi, heard so many great things about them
Sounds like you love the way of living in Asia,not only the vacations. I am from Nepal, a county in South Asia, and now I am in States. I miss home.Your article made me nostalgic.
AW! I know how tough it can be when you miss home. I would so love to visit Nepal. What made you move to the States? Where do you live there?
Ya you should visit Nepal someday. I came here for studies. I currently live in Louisiana.