Blueprint- Book 1: Asia

INDIA

Intro

Wow, here it is - the epitome of Asia and all travel. That love it / hate it thing that everyone speaks about. Yes, it's damn trying and hard work, but India has so much to offer on and off the tourist trail: English spoken, culturally/historically fascinating, good transport, cheap and just plain brilliant. But take it easy and do a little bit at a time. This really is one of the few places on the globe you can still get serious culture shock and sensual overload. India really is just so much it's almost impossible to introduce and summarize, perhaps the only common theme is you'll feel like all your senses are being assaulted. It's hard to understand and explain just why somewhere so often dirty, hot, ugly and full of hassle has such an appeal. The answer lies enigmatically with it being often the exact opposite. The best advice to minimize the negative effect travel in India can have is to allow time or keep to a small route, pick a cooler time of year and remember that although India can be dirt cheap it will always be more expensive for a traveler. It is worth noting that southern areas like Goa and Kerala are significantly less stressful than bigger northern cities and especially the Rajasthan/Agra/Delhi tourist trail. Never forget you get what you pay for: a little extra goes a long way - for your sanity too.

Illustrations

Intro illustration: the shape of the country

Classic tourist attraction: Taj Maha

Others: big crowds at major attractions

Young women dressed in tight or short Western dress attracts undesirable attention. 

Bhang, a legal yogurt drink (lassi) is made from the leaves and shoots of hemp, and it can get you stoned.

CHINA

Intro The most populous country on earth, (although it doesn't seem anywhere near as crowded as India), encapsulating much of the mystique of the East. China has a huge pull on anyone going to Asia. Despite some great attractions, China, being the third most visited country on the planet is far from remote at must-see places. Many historic sites have long been destroyed or show no attention to preservation; residents can be less than helpful; you easily run into language problems and whatever the difficulties of Asian travel, in China they are magnified fivefold - simply buying a train ticket can be a major achievement. Coupled with vast distances China can be a let down if you expect too much. Plan your trip carefully and make tough decisions about your itinerary - you won't see it all.

Illustrations

Intro illustration: the shape of the country

Classic tourist attraction: the great wall

Others: Hong Kong's big crowd + skyline
Street food including many many different types of meat + cheap beer

Nostalgic backstreet with bicycles

JAPAN

Intro Almost everyone who has eaten Sushi or owned something made by Sony thinks they know something about Japan and the Japanese. For this reason probably there are many myths about Japan, however few are true.  In Western Europe you get beautiful churches and galleries. In Japan you get beautiful temples and gardens with culture shock of the best possible kind as a supplement. There are theme parks and shopping malls dedicated for anime lovers, as Japan is very famous for their animation including Ghibri studio works to classic sailor moon.

Illustrations

Intro illustration: the shape of the country

Classic tourist attraction: mount fuji

Others: public bathhouse + maybe monkeys
Shinkansen (bullet trains)

ridiculously polite greetings by people

lollita / punk / layer / gyaru fashion 

KOREA

Intro Korea might be best described by its rather obvious position on the map - that of something in-between China and Japan. The analogy of something between China and Japan goes further still. In both cost, efficiency, feel and ease of travel. Although clearly due to its own version of the 'economic miracle' it is closer to Japan. Like Japan it has fast efficient trains (although far fewer than Japan), crazy food/nightlife, most signs translated in English and a feel of a population comprised of efficient 'worker bees' with occasional examples of overzealous and rather amazing stabs of individualism.
 We all know sake and sushi, but little of soju, gimchi, or perhaps the world's most fun to eat dish: Galbi. Food is amazingly spicy and distinctive, eating seems to always involve plenty of people and alcohol and is for many visiting one of the main highlights.

Illustrations

Intro illustration: the shape of the country

Classic tourist attraction: Gyungbok palace

Others: Nam mountain lover's locks

hightech subway system

Korean Barbecue - DIY cooking at restaurants

love hotels

THAILAND

Intro Thailand is where many travelers first venture as a backpacker and although in time they may view it with contempt, they'll probably never forget how easy it was to have a good time, how friendly and fun-loving the Thais were and just how picture perfect the beaches are. Many arrive alone and/or frightened, and before they know it are having a fantastic time. Thailand is a country with huge appeal, but increasingly crowded and cheesy. Certainly on the tourist trail English is never a problem, travel is straightforward and relaxing is easy on some of the world's best beaches or in any one of the thousands of great bars Thailand has to offer.

Illustrations

Intro illustration: the shape of the country

Classic tourist attraction: the temples

Others: Ronald Macdonald posing in thai style

adult night life - both guy and girls, sometimes a mix of both

thai massage