Bite. Chew. Swallow. It is easier said than done. Particularly when faced with a deep fried tarantula the size of your hand or an embryonic egg, sevens weeks in the making. Travelling through Asia can challenge many of your attributes but none more acutely than your tastebuds and, perhaps, gag reflex. If you’re game, start chewing through this list and see where you end up.

When I ask Sitrin if I can ride with the Wisebird team to the Andong community a wide grin explodes across his face. He grasps at my hand and shouts “Yes! Of course Allan, of course!” Sitrin talks loudly and laughs even louder. He is confident, intelligent and has gentleness in his manner that makes [...]

Unlike the layer of sweat ever present upon my forehead, the shine and glitz of Phnom Penh has begun to wane. What Crikey readers might view as an interesting odd spot most likely serves as a mundane daily annoyance to me. Take shower heads for example. I concede I’m slightly tall, six foot or if [...]

Moving internationally to undertake an assignment in a developing country is a fairly challenging affair. Roles can be undefined, work plans unclear, language difficulties a barrier, plus a host of other basic problems that would leave even the most positive person feeling flat. Learning about these potential challenges at pre-departure training for my AYAD role [...]

Hello. My name is Allan and I’m an AYAD. Photo by Anthony Rae It stands for Australian Youth Ambassador for Development. Please don’t turn away when you read this. I swear it isn’t a political party or fanatic religious group. Sit down and let me explain. AYAD is an AusAid funded program that allows young [...]

Bartering in a South East Asian country isn’t easy. Particularly when you’re unable to speak the language and don’t want to rip people off. Instead, they get to rip you off! says Kevin O’Faircheallaigh.