What I've Learned From Travelling and Living In Asia

Disclaimer: This blog post was written 2 years ago.

I've been living in Malaysia for 2 years and it has been one hell of a roller coaster! However, there's something magical about living in a different country, being exposed to a different culture and interacting with different people from different walks of life. 

Living in a totally different country comes with a whole lotta  adulting and a whole lotta wine bottles!  From contemplating on whether to pop into Monki to buy an outfit for a party or spending that money on things you actually need like groceries, or receiving your allowance late cause of the different time zones or even worse:when the money isn't reflecting in your account! Being an international student may seem fun but it surely isn't when you don't get to spend Christmas with family or when a hug from your mom is all you need to make you feel better. 

But, the fun part about living abroad is the exposure you gain in different aspects. Lets take a look at the few lessons I've learned from travelling and living in Asia:

• Living in Malaysia has made me more open minded about the Malaysian culture. I wouldn't have known how much food is at your disposal had I not lived here, and how Malaysians take eating quite seriously.  Peep my Instagram to check out all my food posts. 

• Pay no attention to people who judge you based on your skin colour, they're not worth your time and emotions. 

• Asians get fascinated by African hair and hairstyles. It gets a little too much at times though.

• Asians don't sleep! You can literally wake up from a nap at 8pm(yes, this is normal here) and decide to go out for dinner and you will encounter a traffic jam on your way. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating but you get what I mean!

• Time is money and food! 

• Travelling within Malaysia is quite affordable & exposes you to different ethnicities and cultures within the country.Read previous travel posts here

• Being the minority in my class was a way of changing the narrative about Africa. No, we're not from small villages and huts! And yes, our english is quite impressive! 

• Bargaining goes a long way when travelling. 

• Always pack light when travelling, you'll definitely return with a full suitcase. 

• Pop culture is big here! Don't ever feel weird about taking endless selfies or OOTD pictures in public,they get it! 

• Cafe Culture is a thing here. Thats where you have your 'me time', finish off your assignments or see bloggers and influencers taking the perfect flatlay picture of their espresso. 

• Some asians think every African is Nigerian cause majority of africans here are Nigerians. 

• People will always stare. 

• Be your own hype man-I have learned to trust in myself more,cheer for myself and not worry about the next person. It is after all your own journey. 

• Never take your eyes off the prize.

• Have responsible fun,be financially wise and take every hardship as a lesson. 

• Everything happens for a reason. Had I not moved to Malaysia or travelled in Asia I wouldn't have met the people i've met and be presented with numerous opportunities.

• Love is  a universal language. Give and show love wherever your go, it just makes living easier. 

I don't know how I would've gone through these past 2 years without God in my life, my family,  and friends. Travelling and living in Asia has been my masterclass and no amount of books or tutorials would've  taught me what I've learned and discovered thus far. 

"Travel is like an endless university. You never stop learning." ~Harvey Lloyd