Asia
Welcome to my Asia resource section where I provide recommendations for all travellers, whether you are planning to visit or just exploring from home. Discover iconic landmarks like The Great Wall of China, the majestic Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the enchanting Taj Mahal in India. Delve into these incredible destinations to enrich your experience and prepare for your journey throughout Asia.
south Asia
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India
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Nepal
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Bhutan
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Podcasts from the independent network Noiser (https://www.noiser.com/about) that always hit the mark. A Short History of The Partition of India. In 1947, the British divided up its former colony of India into two provinces. What followed was confusion, chaos, and an unprecedented wave of sectarian violence that left up to a million dead. 15 million more were forced to flee their homes. So why was the country broken up? What prompted the ferocious backlash? And how do the events of 75 years ago still haunt the region, its residents and the diaspora? |
Read"The Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiessen:
A mesmerising memoir of the author's quest through the rugged terrains of the Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard. As Matthiessen confronts the inner and outer challenges of his spiritual exploration, you are taken on a journey that captures the spiritual essence of Nepal. "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer: Join Jon Krakauer in this firsthand account of the disastrous 1996 Mount Everest expedition. This autobiography portrays the exhilaration, struggle, and tragedy of climbing the world's highest peak. Krakauer's vivid storytelling will leave you with a profound understanding of the allure and dangers of the Himalayan mountains. "Kathmandu" by Thomas Bell: Immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Kathmandu through this beautifully written narrative. It awakens your senses to the sights, sounds, and smells of Nepal's vibrant capital city, as Bell explores its history, religion, and the people who call it home. From ancient palaces to hidden alleyways, this book unveils the soul of Kathmandu. |
Watch"Sherpa" (Film, 2015):
This documentary takes you behind the scenes of the Sherpa community, whose dedication and expertise support mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas. You gain a profound appreciation for the Sherpa culture and their enduring relationship with the world's highest peaks. "Himalaya (Caravan)" (Film, 1999): This film was one of the first Nepali films to earn an Academy Award nomination. Located in the pristine expanse of the Dolpo region, it depicts the fascinating annual expedition undertaken by a community residing in Nepal's rain shadow region, as they journey with a caravan of yaks to barter salt for grain. "Himalaya with Michael Palin" (TV Show): British comedian and travel enthusiast, Michael Palin, embarks on an epic journey across the entire Himalayan region, including Nepal. It's an engaging travelogue that offers a unique blend of humour, stunning visuals, and rich cultural insights, and who doesn't love Michael Palin? "Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa" (Netflix, 2024) "Mountain Queen" offers a compelling look at Lhakpa Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Everest. The documentary showcases her resilience, courage, and the cultural impact of her achievements, while also delving into themes of verbal and mental abuse. |
Listen "The Absurdity of Kathmandu":
A podcast that uncovers the quirks and contradictions of life in Kathmandu, as experienced by the host, and introduces you to fascinating stories, traditions, and the magical chaos that defines the city. "Trekker's Paradise: Exploring Nepal's Trails": You join the host on a virtual trekking adventure through Nepal's most popular trails and hidden gems. This podcast showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, shares practical tips, and offers personal accounts from fellow trekkers. "Soul of the Himalayas": Dive into the spiritual realm of Nepal. This podcast explores the ancient philosophies, mystical traditions, and profound wisdom of the Himalayan region. Learn about meditation, yoga, and the transformative power of spiritual practices. Short History Of........ Podcasts from the independent network Noiser (https://www.noiser.com/about) that always hit the mark. A Short History Of the Conquest of Everest. Standing over 29,000ft above sea level, the peak of Everest is the highest point on the planet. To the sherpa people of the Himalyas it is sacred, and to foreign adventurers it is the holy grail of climbing. But what did it take to reach the summit? Was it expertise and endurance—or simply better equipment? What was sacrificed to plant a flag on top of the world? |
Central Asia
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The "Stans" (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan)
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Beyond the Oxus (Land Beyond the River) by Monica Whitlock (2003)
An excellent book to introduce you to Tajikistan's turbulent last 100 years written around 3 generations of a single family. Red Sands by Caroline Eden In a quest to better understand the vast heartland of Asia, Caroline navigates a course from the shores of the Caspian Sea to the sun-ripened orchards of the Fergana Valley. A mix of food, travel and reportage. The Silent Steppe by Mukhamet Shayakhmetov. Documents the tragic story of the Kazakh nomads of central Asia under Stalin's regime and gives a heart breaking account of the famine, discrimination, and suffering of the 1930s. The Zahir by Paulo Coelho (2005) By the award winning author of the Alchemist, this book follows it's narrator on a search for his wife, who left him without explanation, from France to Central Asia. Central Asia in World History by Peter B Golden (2011) A concise look at the history of the region, from prehistory to modern day. Not a gripping page-turner, but a solid introductory read providing a overview. Dark Shadows: Inside the secret world of Kazakhstan by Joanna Lillis (2018) "Dark Shadows" chronicles the journey of independent Kazakhstan, spanning from its establishment to the year 2018, preceding Nazarbayev's relinquishment of power. Joanna Lillis, the longest-serving foreign journalist in Kazakhstan, offers a nuanced perspective on contemporary Kazakhstan. Performance Anomalies by Victor Robert Lee A spy thriller set in Kazakhstan. Gripping and well written. |
Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazhkstan. (movie, 2006)
A mockumentary by Sacha Baron Cohen. You either love it or hate it! Tulpan (Kazakhstan, 2009) This film follows a young Kazakh man as he returns to his family's nomadic yurt, seeking the tranquil life he yearned for after military service. The story is poignant, visually captivating, and unexpectedly humorous. Hot Bread (Uzbekistan, 2018) A coming-of-age story told from the perspective of a young girl and the women in her life. The Queen of the Mountains (Kyrgyzstan, 2014) Set in 19th-century Central Asia, the movie portrays the real-life tale of Kurmanjan Datka, the Alay Valley leader. It explores her resistance against Imperial Russia's expansion and showcases how her adept diplomatic tactics safeguarded the Kyrgyz nation from complete devastation. Available on YouTube |
East Asia
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China
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Mongolia
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Japan
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Korea
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Hong Kong & Macau
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Short History Of........
Podcasts from the independent network Noiser (https://www.noiser.com/about) that always hit the mark. A Short History of The Pirate Queen. It’s November 28th, 1809. The Imperial fleet in Tung Chung Bay is aflame. But the crew of Zheng I Sao’s ship watch on and cheer. This is the greatest victory of the Pirate Queen, scourge of the South China Sea. At its peak, her fleet was more than twice the size of the Spanish Armada. But who was Zheng I Sao? How did she become one of the most successful pirates of all time? And why did she go under the radar for so long? A Short History of the Terracotta Army. After its initial discovery in 1974, the Terracotta Army became the unofficial eighth wonder of the world. Comprising an estimated 8,000 statue warriors buried as part of the First Emperor of China’s tomb complex, experts are still unearthing its secrets. But what was the purpose of so many clay soldiers? How were they made, and by whom? And what do we know about the Emperor considered so important that his death demanded a project on this scale? |
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ListenShort History Of........
Podcasts from the independent network Noiser (https://www.noiser.com/about) that always hit the mark. A Short History of the Mongol Empire. In the late Middle Ages, the Mongol Empire became the largest the world had ever seen. At its peak, maybe 100 million people lived under its banner, led by the Great Khans of the Asian steppe. But what unified the first disparate, nomadic clans? Who was the real Genghis Khan, and how did his empire fair after his death? And what caused the downfall of this once seemingly unstoppable civilisation? A Short History of the Trans Siberian Railway. The Trans-Siberian railway is the longest train line in the world, spanning 5700 miles, seven time zones, and straddling two continents. Though today’s passengers on the week-long journey can enjoy relative luxury, the route has a dark past. Who were the labourers who built it, enduring horrific conditions? How did the railroad provoke a war? And what part did the train line play in the bloody conflicts of the twentieth century? |
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WatchShogun. FX Networks, 2024
Based on James Clavell's acclaimed 1975 novel of the same name, this series by the General Entertainment Channel arm of 21st Century Fox successfully condenses a thousand pages of intricate storytelling into just 10 gripping episodes. Set against the backdrop of civil unrest in early 17th century Japan, the show accurately portrays the complexities of life within a feudal society, where power dynamics are shaped by lords and their loyal samurai. Similar to iconic series like Game of Thrones and Succession, Shogun delivers a compelling narrative brimming with intrigue and political maneuvering. HIghly recommended. |
ListenShort History Of........
Podcasts from the independent network Noiser (https://www.noiser.com/about) that always hit the mark. A Short History of the Samurai. After a bloody battle on September 22nd, 1877, Saigo Takamori and his loyal warriors pause on a hillside overlooking Kagoshima. They’ll never surrender, but they’re wounded, exhausted, massively outnumbered, and Saigo already knows how this will end. Because his noble Samurai army aren’t just fighting the Emperor’s gun-wielding forces. They’re fighting progress itself. And that’s a battle they cannot win. But were the Samurai really a class of elite martial artists, driven by unbreakable codes of chivalry and loyalty? Or, behind the propaganda, just a self-important militia of romanticised thugs? A Short History Of the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. In 2011, Japan was hit by the worst earthquake in the country’s history. Enormous tremors caused devastation all throughout Japan, and the tsunami that followed wreaked further havoc. But the damage didn’t end there. 200 km north of Tokyo, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was in danger. It had been so severely damaged that there were fears of a full-scale, global, nuclear melt-down…. But how close did the world really come to nuclear disaster? Whose brave actions ensured even greater devastation was avoided? And have the lessons of Fukushima been learned? A Short History Of The Ninja. Remembered in popular culture as the ultimate type of assassin, the Ninja were ancient masters of secrecy, operating for just 200 years in central Japan. Legends tell of them walking on water, controlling the weather, and even turning invisible. But what is the true story of the Ninja? How did this form of espionage originate? And how did Ninjas move from the shadows of folklore to the spotlight of modern culture? |
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SouthEast asia
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Vietnam
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Cambodia
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Laos
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Thailand
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Indonesia
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ListenShort History Of........
Podcasts from the independent network Noiser (https://www.noiser.com/about) that always hit the mark. A Short History Of Angkor. Built by the Khmer kings centuries ago, Angkor in modern Cambodia had a footprint bigger than present-day New York. But after it fell into ruin, much of its unique architecture and intricate carvings were swallowed by the jungle. So, who raised this vast city, and why? What caused their civilisation to fall? And how were parts of it maintained, right up to the present day? |