Making Asia Part of Your Life

Myth: The Asia Pacific region is a largely underdeveloped area of the world.

Reality: The Asia Pacific region is one of the most rapidly developing regions of the world. The modernity of many of the cities are comparable to those in Canada and the United States. In many instances, what is considered 'less-developed' is simply different, according to its cultural context.

Myth: If you go travel in Asia, you will have to eat only Asian food.

Reality: Trying new foods is a great part of travelling, but everyone, especially when they travel, likes the comfort of food from home. Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (Korea), Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Bangkok (Thailand) all have fast food restaurants like McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut. Okay, so they may have added a few things to the menu for the local market tastes such as squid on pizza and a BigMac may cost you the $10 in Canadian dollars, but when the craving hits it seems worth it!!

Myth: All Asians are martial art masters.

Reality: While on average more Asians than Westerners may practise martial arts and have it as part of their high school physical education program, not EVERYONE practices and VERY FEW are considered Masters. It takes years to reach the level of master. The younger generation is being encouraged by some of the old masters to continue the traditions of Martial arts so that the old traditions will not be lost in the future. You can make this Asian tradition part of your life, in your own town, by learning one of these ancient martial arts.