.

When we first arrived in Asia – through Indonesia in July – our bewilderment was complete. We thoughtlessly gave and received items with our left hand and wondered why locals looked at us funny.

We responded to street sellers with exaggerated politeness, unsure of the proper way to turn down an unwanted pitch.

Today, we navigate any market with mastery. We know what prices are fair and we can haggle like a pro. Sign in foreign languages no longer intimidate us. The wild flow of motorcycle is no stranger than a large rat scrambling across the sidewalk ahead of us.

This means it’s time to move on.

We see travel as a constant learning experience. It should take you out of your comfort zone, force you to consider different ways of doing things. It should swarm you with new sights, smells, and flavours. It should always make you feel a little out of place.

Here are the signs it’s time to say goodbye to Southeast Asia:

Driving a motorbike no longer scares me stupid.

I no longer want to try new foods. I tried enough to know what I like.

I start complaining about the locals.

I no longer try to learn the language.

I stop exploring hidden alleys. I know what I’ll find and what reception I’ll get.

An interesting attraction outside my current city no longer excites me.

I use my hotel TV a lot more.

Haggling stopped being a game and has become a routine burden.

Connecting with the locals is no longer my main goal.

I don’t have to remember to use my right hand. It’s become habit.