Apologies for the lack of engagement. I have been writing commissioned work while travelling across South East Asia and Australia. I have a piece on reindustrialisation for Unherd and an essay outlining machine tool grants for British industry for the U.S.-based Defense Analyses and Research Corporation (DARC).
I started in Thailand, or more specifically Phuket. This was a bad decision. Patong is an open-air brothel, and while I am not above a little seediness, it is not the best way to introduce yourself to a new country. Phuket Old Town is far more pleasant. Kathu in the middle is relatively dull.
Moved on to Krabi. Ao Nang is a little too similar to Phuket, but it is close to great beaches. My favourite spot was the much quieter island of Koh Lanta. It has some tourist trappings, but is also an excellent place for diving. Moray eels, Whale sharks, turtles and Nudibranches: you stand a good chance of seeing something exotic while there.
Bangkok’s outskirts are nice and quiet. Khao San Road and the centre have their charm. I enjoyed a week at a Muay Thai camp. While this is nowhere near long enough to become competent, it does a job at shedding the holiday timber.
On to Vietnam. Hanoi is by far the most hectic city I have visited thus far. The enclosed nature of the city, the great morass of people and the ubiquity of scooters both on the road and the pavement make it feel that you are never truly outside, at least while perusing the old quarter. The sky bars are a lot of fun, the food is excellent, and there’s a fairly wide selection of nice craft beer outlets. The Ha Giang loop was tremendous fun, from the views to the baccy bong.
Australia feels rather like home, albeit cleaner and with much more space. Melbourne is a charmed city with lovely food. The drink is expensive, but the location makes up for it. Cairns in the North was excellent for both diving and wildlife. Other than that, it felt like a Center Parcs.
Not much more to add. Heading to Japan imminently. I will try to write something more interesting soon.
Thank you for your support. Moving up to 1,000 subscribers but have to be more productive.