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Ask HN: Taking a sabbatical to somewhere in Asia. How can I make the most of it?

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Ask HN: Taking a sabbatical to somewhere in Asia. How can I make the most of it?

#1

Post by sabbatical13 »

Hi, I'm a 23 year old recent graduate and I posted this last week (http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2649888). After a combination of burnout and reading the encouraging comments, I've made the definite decision to head to somewhere in Asia for 3 months starting August (considering Thailand, Indonesia or Singapore) and budgeting around $3000-$5000 towards it. During that time, I plan to do some photography, re-learn front-end development, learn the local language and try out mediation and yoga.

For those who've done something similar:

- What were things you took into account / took care of before making the move?

- What else would you do besides what I listed to make the most of the time-off?

- For those in the region, any tips on how to make the most of what I've budgeted?

- What can I do while I'm away to prepare the best for when I get back?

I've never done anything like this before, and right now, I'm feeling what can only be described as a combination of extreme excitement and nervousness. Appreciate any recommendations and insights, particularly from frequent and long-time travelers. Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: Taking a sabbatical to somewhere in Asia. How can I make the most of it?

#2

Post by gbog »

Hi, why not going to China? It is the place where you will have the most interesting experience IMHO. Better go to inner China (i.e. not Shanghai or Beijing), to see the real thing. I think a fair part of the planet's future is played in places like Chongqing or in China's countryside, it is worth having a look. Disc: if you are hygienist (can't bear dirty toilets), better drop my advice.

Re: Ask HN: Taking a sabbatical to somewhere in Asia. How can I make the most of it?

#3

Post by friendstock »

Singapore is pricier than other countries, but might be a god starting point, given that it is English-speaking, very modern and has a startup community (hackerspace.sg).

As for Indonesia, I think Jakarta is not that pleasant to walk around... but there might be other cities that are better.

I would also put in a suggestion to visit Taipei.

Re: Ask HN: Taking a sabbatical to somewhere in Asia. How can I make the most of it?

#4

Post by rick888 »

friendstock wrote: post #3

Singapore is pricier than other countries, but might be a god starting point, given that it is English-speaking, very modern and has a startup community (hackerspace.sg). As for Indonesia, I think Jakarta is not that pleasant to walk around... but there might be other cities that are better. I would also put in a suggestion to visit Taipei.

I second Taipei. You also won't have to worry about the government filtering your Internet access.

Re: Ask HN: Taking a sabbatical to somewhere in Asia. How can I make the most of it?

#6

Post by jimmyjim »

gbog wrote: post #2

Hi, why not going to China? It is the place where you will have the most interesting experience IMHO. Better go to inner China (i.e. not Shanghai or Beijing), to see the real thing. I think a fair part of the planet's future is played in places like Chongqing or in China's countryside, it is worth having a look. Disc: if you are hygienist (can't bear dirty toilets), better drop my advice.

If the future is played in such places, that isn't a great reason for him to visiting them now -- not to mention the huge language barriers in undeveloped or rural areas. I think his time will be more beneficially spent in Shenzhen, if it's to be spent in China. I do agree though that China will be a better option than Thailand or Indonesia (with some assumptions made of what will be attractive to those with a hacker mentality).

Re: Ask HN: Taking a sabbatical to somewhere in Asia. How can I make the most of it?

#7

Post by madeinindia »

If you have not done it already, you must visit India. India has got an excellent mix of the old and the new. There are a wide array of languages you can chose to learn from. India is the cradle of Eastern philosophy so you can explore yoga and meditations in different forms and flavors. A strong tech community in the tier 1 cities and yes to plenty to capture in your camera!.

Re: Ask HN: Taking a sabbatical to somewhere in Asia. How can I make the most of it?

#8

Post by olalonde »

Feel free to come to Shenzhen, China. I'm the only HNer there as far as I know but the rent is low and the women love foreigners :) I'm about your age and working on a startup here.I can help set you up, find an apartment and maybe we can collaborate on some stuff as well. I swear you won't want to come back home! Contact in profile.

Re: Ask HN: Taking a sabbatical to somewhere in Asia. How can I make the most of it?

#9

Post by olalonde »

latch wrote: post #5

Given your budget, you'll likely want to avoid Hong Kong. It's generally considered a great intro to asia given how westernized it is...but hotels will kill.

Yep, Shenzhen is a 40 min ride from HK airport and the rent is 1/5 of HK.
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