“ Like Confucius of old, I am so absorbed in the wonder of the earth and the life upon it, that I cannot think of heaven and the angels.”
— Pearl S. Buck, American Nobel Prize-winning author
Asia
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With its dramatically different landscapes, histories, cultures, and cuisines, Asia is diverse with a capital“ D.” But one thing that strikes me every time I travel here, no matter what the country, is the widespread courtesy and manners that seem to prevail everywhere. On a theoretical level, social scientists attribute this to the idea that most Asian societies are“ collectivist,” meaning that they emphasize the needs of the larger group. In practical terms, it means that you generally will be treated with civility and respect— which is why Asia is an ideal place to go solo. Here are some tips to ease your way.
— Harriet