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Our trip to North Korea was conceived much like all decent impromptu jaunts, off the back of a cheap flight promotion. In truth, a detour had always been on the cards, the aim of the game on this occasion was a visit to one of the world most reclusive nations, North Korea.

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I like to think it’s made me less fearful, yet the one feeling that overwhelms me now that I’m home is fear. Fear that the things that changed me, that chipped away at me, that filled in the holes, that became part of me, won’t last.

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Do you know where your dollars are going and what they could be doing to the animals? Are they bettering the life of the animal or merely keeping it as a vessel for human entertainment?

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To stay closed off in one’s bubble is the loss of time; our lives become so repetitive that escaping into someone else’s backyard if only for a week is enough enlightenment.

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Make sure some of these things are on your bucket list: hanging out in Buddhist temples, standing in awe of the Taj Mahal, bathing an elephant and hugging a panda, dancing under cherry blossoms, marveling at temples and sculptures.

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Asia is….well, different. When you arrive here from a western country, there are certain things that you notice right away. Some are shocking while others seem crazy and after spending enough time here, none of it will faze you at all.

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In many Southeast Asian countries, the cost of accommodation is extremely affordable. Apartments can be rented from $200 to $500 a month in popular areas of major cities and the majority of them come with a weekly cleaner for no extra cost.

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Just befriend your hotel clerk (their English is always good) and tell them what you need.