Travel writer Mark Moxon can’t make up his mind about Indonesia. He says its a love / hate relationship and one that has been infuriating, while satisfying.
If we put Mr. Moxon’s ‘family jewels’ in a vice, a started turning, I reckon he could define his experiences in Indonesia pretty accurately, its just that he hasn’t had that kind of incentive.
Travelling through India in 1995, I felt the same way as this guy. Loved the culture, loved the craziness, loved the adventure…but hated the touts, hated the refusal of common sense and hated the fact that I could not escape the constant assault on the senses. Indonesia is a walk in the park compared with India, lepers aren’t dying in front of your balcony, and cows aren’t on the railway platform, but its an assault all the same.
Reading this guy’s thoughts on the next stage of his trip, I would say #1, sign up for a BootsnAll membership, they have members in every country of the world. At BootsnAll, its laid out like that. Second, I’d say wherever you go, venture to places not in the guide book. You will often find the most rewarding experiences, in place where tourists don’t go (and 99% of them use a guide book).
Very often, a trail a couple of miles off of the main tourist route, will have great people, its own special features, and leave you with much more, than all the sheep are getting, for their $19.95 plus intro from Tony Wheeler.
Hope Mark Moxon has greatimes in Asia, that he will look back on, and not wonder about.
