What is it about Asia?

After being one week in Asia and slowly settling in, I start to realize again why I find Asia so enticing: With its extremes, its variety and challenging concepts, it makes one think, think about set conceptions and common assumptions. Asia never accepts easy right or wrong answers and there are always many layers beneath the surface.

And it seems to me, that Asia on the other hand feeds itself on the West. Most important buildings were built during colonial times like the botanical garden in Bogor, the train station in Hanoi or the kingdom palace in Phnom Penh. Asian history centres on the battle with colonial times but at the same time profits from its know-how, its technology and efficiency. Asia tries to separate itself from the West but at the same time more and more indulges in its luring offerings. This contradictions, questions, dilemmas and the rich cultural history still inspires people from the West, despite the noise, the traffic, the pollution and the omnipresent garbage.