Linda's Reviews > Smiles and Spices: journeys and encounters in east Asia

This book is a Wow to me! I won't be going to Southeast Asia, but I loved following the author around on her mostly solo journeys around China, Tibet, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Taiwan using all sorts of transportation modes. Carrie's stories are fun and easy to read, fascinating, educational and astonishing. Her "Toilet Experiences" were almost as scary as her cliffside narrow road adventures. Yikes! I appreciated hearing some history and cultural practices at places she went to, and to hear about her encounters with the local peoples. What incredible experiences! I am impressed by Carrie's very adventurous spirit and bravery and enjoyed being safe in my armchair while reading about her travels. (I had to look up what a "ute" with "tray" was. In the U.S. that's a pickup truck with a custom bed.)