#indie30 Day 15: If you Could Pick Any Country in Asia to Visit, Which Would it be and Why?

I have two answers to this question.

If I wasn’t afraid

There is no doubt it would be Afghanistan. I want to meet the people and see what they are really like -beyond the preconceived notion of my mind shaped by none other than the media.

I also want to meet our servicemen and women. Make them a meal. Toss a ball. Listen to THEIR stories. Or just sit and be quiet offering any kind of support I could, hoping they know how much I appreciate their sacrifices for our country.

And I want to have tea with this guy:

Photo from Good website

This piece by Good is a fantastic photo blog of life in Afghanistan.

Fear for my safety keeps me from going. It’s a shame because so many people treated Colombia (my mother’s home country for those new to my blog) that way for so long. I’ve always known it as just beautiful. I wonder if the people of Afghanistan feel the same about their home.

If I was going on a leisurely vacation

Brunei. The second smallest country in Asia. Partly, because I think most people go to the Maldives and I like to get off the beaten path.

I’d love to explore the region…but truth be told THIS is REALLY why:

Photo by Andrew Chieng

Brunei is still a lesser known dive spot. I’d love to get there before too many people find out about it!

UPDATE 5/16/2014: When I wrote this piece the new law in Brunei passed down by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah had not passed. Because of his stance and brutal attack on basic human rights, I would no longer endorse travel to Brunei.

Of course, I’m not picky. Give me a suitcase and a plane ticket and I’ll happily go just about anywhere!

Have you been to lesser known areas of Asia? What are your favorites?