Living in Asia

These are things that are important. These are things that can help you KEEP your sanity by retaining some creature comforts; and in the case of deodorant, you can keep your friends, too! It seems so insignificant, but it is SO important. Otherwise, you'll find yourself so MUCH alone.

Take a few cans or bottles of your favourite body scenting, friend-keeping essence: deodorant.

Tampons, so I'm told, are so hard to find in South Korea. Take your own stash with you, and have your bestest and closest friends do you the biggest and most personal favour, and send them to you. Otherwise, so I'm told, you'll find yourself surviving on bath-towel sized pads.

Where to find them:

In Taiwan, Watsons (owned by Boots) has a small and limited range of deodorants in most of their stores. Japan, I'm sorry, but I'm not sure. Please e-mail me at enquiries@winjeel.com on this... UPDATE: I now live in Nagoya, Japan, and I can say that many personal health and beauty stores have a small and Japanish supply. Japanish? I hear you ask, "Urban Woody" is one scent, Gatsby company products sometimes lets you down. Korea: let's put it this way, if you find any, DON'T tell anyone and buy them all up; even if it is Nivea powder spray!

Tampons? I'm sorry, I've never had to buy any, but pads are always in ready supply anywhere. I think you can find tampons in personal health stores in Japan and Taiwan. Otherwise you'll be relying on friends at home and your mum to SHARE.

How do the locals survive?

Well, they are lucky for some genetic reason not to need deodorant. They don't seem to get that after game stench! However, in the middle of the dog days of summer: when it rains - it pours! That is the time when you'd be opening the windows (despite the heat) and turning the air conditioner to the max! They just don't need deodorant otherwise. The tampon situation? Well, I'd like to say, 'I wish I knew', but I don't wish to know... if you can forgive me.