I am a firm believer in getting out of my comfort zone once in a while, and South East Asia never fails to push my boundaries. Hong Kong did, and Bangkok certainly did it a couple of times. I think that part of the world is perfect for Westeners to widen their horizon.
Why? Because everything is exotic – the food, the smells, the colours, the gestures, the sounds and letters – but nothing is scary, intimidating or dangerous. Well, some encounters in the red-light-areas of Bangkok can be ... weird, for sure. But over all, the kindness and respectfulness of people, the genuine friendliness and hospitality, combined with a culture that seems to be uncapable of aggression – at least on the surface – makes for a perfect place to experience new things.