Archive for the ‘Cultural Encounters’ Category

Old Quarter Hanoi

My Vietnamese guide Su Xuan lead me through the narrow alleyways of the Old quarter of Hanoi, pointing out the astonishing variety of street food delicacies from vendors’ stalls spilling out onto the pavement.  A blend of sweet, sour, and savory aromas overwhelmed me just as much as the need to be vigilant as we maneuvered through the congested street maze, along with motorbikes, bicycles, pedestrians, and cyclos. The street food scene in Old Hanoi was just the beginning. Before arriving in Vietnam, I had heard that Vietnamese cuisine was something to write home about. So what better way to get to know the culture, than to experiment with the local food? And this was truly as local as you could get.

Night Street Food Market

Su Xuan pointed to tropical fruits such as guavas, lychees, passion fruit, and jackfruit, as well as to exotic items like banana blossoms and lotus flower stems used in fresh green papaya salads. Colorful herbs and spices such as tamarind, local chilies, mustard, and lemongrass spread out in woven baskets on the ground, next to piles of homemade rice cakes, fresh spring rolls, and Banh xeo, crispy pork and shrimp pancakes. We continued past barbeque stalls spinning out skewers of chicken, pork, and freshly caught fish to queues of locals eyeing these tasty snacks. Despite some unsavory items catching my eye, I was building up the courage to experiment as my appetite set in. Su Xuan grabbed my hand and swiftly pulled me off the street and through a low doorway, motioning for me to follow her up a somewhat drab-looking stairway. The carved wooden sign outside read Cha Ca, which I recognized as a provincial dish of Hanoi, one I had been told I must try.

Fresh Pickled Vegetables

We ducked into the crowded restaurant and sat at low-lying tables, next to many other locals who had recently poured in for their lunch break. There is no menu at Cha Ca, as there is only one dish. Soon enough our server brought out a sizzling fry pan of onions and chile in oil and set it on the table over a small propane burner, along with a side bowl of a mix of fresh greens and herbs, several chile-fish dipping sauces and a bowl of thin rice noodles. Several minutes later, the fresh fish came out and was thrown into the pan, along with a handful of the herbs. Before I knew it, Su Xaun was using her chopsticks to dip the lightly fried fish and greens in the side sauces and mixing it with the rice noodles. I eagerly followed suit.

It was culinary experiences such as this day in Hanoi which provided me with insights into the daily life of locals during my recent journey to Vietnam. I found myself relishing in the regional differences in Vietnamese cuisine as I traveled the breadth of the country from north to south. Every steaming bowl of Pho, fresh rice paper spring roll, sweet and juicy tropical fruit, and tasty cup of Vietnamese coffee truly brought me closer to understanding the culture.

Interested in learning more about travel to Vietnam with Boundless Journeys? Please contact me at Ashley@boundlessjourneys.com, or call  1-800-941-8010. I’d love to hear from you!

About Boundless Journeys Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Guests distribute school supplies to children in Peru

Hello fellow travelers! I’m excited to be the newest member of the Boundless Journeys team, and I look forward to helping you plan your next dream trip. One of the many things that drew me to Boundless Journeys is their commitment to giving back to the places where they operate—whether making a conscious effort to lighten their travel footprint, bringing supplies to children in remote rural areas, or choosing sustainably minded local partners and hotels.

Recently, an NBC Nightly News “Making a Difference” report profiled a group of photographers that are also giving back in a way that has wider implications for the travel community at large. The project, called Virtual Photo Walks, uses new technology to help the disabled, elderly, and hospitalized experience some of the world’s most far-flung treasures. The premise is simple. Local photographers, armed with their cameras and an attached smart phone, use the Google+ “Hangout” feature (which allows multiple people to video chat simultaneously) to take groups of homebound residents from across the globe along with them on a shoot, experiencing what they do in real time—whether scouting for elephants on an African safari, or strolling a Hawaiian beach at sunset.

The story featured Monica Malone, a young woman with Lupus who dreams of walking the streets of Rome, but whose intense daily pain makes just climbing the flight of stairs to her apartment difficult. Virtual Photo Walks gave Malone the opportunity to finally see the city, and even offered her a glimpse of the Coliseum at night. “I thought, wow. If I could only have a cup of cappuccino, I’d feel like I was there,” she says in the piece.

Founded by photographer John Butterill, Virtual Photo Walks was created to offer the less fortunate the same ability to see the world that most of us take for granted. Although the project currently uses locally based photographers as volunteers, the idea holds real promise for travelers looking to give something back on their next trip. Would it be possible, for instance, to arrange a Google+ Hangout with homebound residents in your own community on that big trek up Machu Picchu, or hiking through Iceland? The need has always been great, and now the technology is available. After all, travel is a gift, and it’s worth sharing.

If you’re interested in learning more or making a donation to Virtual Photo Walks, visit: virtualphotowalks.org.

About Boundless Journeys Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Giving alms

It’s a picture postcard sight: a long line of orange-clad monks proceeding down a main street collecting alms from the town’s Buddhist faithful. Increasingly, tourists are flocking to witness the spectacle in Luang Prabang.

Follow these simple guidelines to help keep your experience as unobtrusive to others as possible. This will help keep the alms ritual a beautiful sight for fellow travelers to see as well:

1. Participate only if it is truly meaningful for you. Don’t just go through the motions.

2. If you are not participating, keep your distance and stay out of the way of the locals and the monks.

3. Don’t use a camera flash, and don’t get close to the line of monks. This is distracting to the monks, who are performing a walking meditation.

4. If you are giving alms, don’t position yourself higher than the monks. It’s a sign of diminished respect.

5. Don’t touch the monks or make eye contact.

6. Do remain silent.

7. Street vendors, sadly, contribute to an inappropriate marketplace atmosphere. Don’t buy anything from them. If you need to give alms, our guide will assist you with preparations beforehand.

8. Most importantly, this is a living tradition that you are lucky to witness. If you treat it only as a photo-op, it will lose its significance show future generations.

So if you don’t mind rising early, please do come and witness this moving scene typical of old Laos – but please do so respectfully.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Warm and inviting accommodations

The food, wine, sea, countryside and ancient archeological sites of Southern Sicily make the boutique hotel La Foresteria the perfect place in which to experience all the very best of the island, both past and present. Situated in the countryside of Menfi, the estate stands on a hill overlooking the surrounding vineyards and olive groves, with views of the Mediterranean. La Foresteria, is a new hotel and yet, at the same time, one deeply rooted in the history and customs of the land on which it has been built.

The contemporary feel at La Foresteria is carefully mixed with bright colors and warm woods giving one the feeling of being in a private home. Traditional blue and yellow ceramics from nearby Burgio and Caltagirone, along with antique furniture, provide a shabby-chic feel, and private terraces allow expansive views of rolling vineyards and medicinal herb gardens.

The spectacular infinity pool

At the end of a day on the trail, the infinity pool invites complete relaxation, and an ideal spot from where to admire some of the island’s most spectacular sunsets. In La Foresteria’s kitchen, the passion for the local countryside and the good food and wine produced here result in superlative Sicilian cuisine, served al fresco on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. Here we enjoy a cooking class, held in the hotel’s large professional teaching kitchen, as well as the sublime wines produced by the owners of La Foresteria, the Planeta family. We gain insight into production of Planeta wines with a tour of the nearby Ulmo winery and a sampling of their best vintages.

Spend two nights in this enchanting hotel on Boundless Journeys’ Italy: Ancient Sicily tour, and return to an oasis of calm at the end of the day.

Join us in Sicily, May 11-18 or September 22-29, and experience La Foresteria for yourself. For more information, please call 1-800-941-8010, or email Deborah@boundlessjourneys.com.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Leg rower on Inle Lake

As the temperatures drop well below zero degrees here in Vermont, I am looking forward to throwing together a summer wardrobe for my upcoming trip to Myanmar. There is a feeling of comfort and excitement for me when I prepare for a journey; the awareness that I will be leaving everything behind and going with just one bag, a good book, and an open mind. The anticipation of setting foot in an exotic land, savoring the distinct aromas, taking in the colorful sights, and engaging with people from other cultures, which will undoubtedly stretch my way of understanding and thinking about this large world we live in.

I will be joining a Boundless Journeys group on our new Ancient Passages journey to Myanmar. About a year ago I went over there to develop this tour. This was an exciting opportunity to create a Boundless Journeys experience in an off the beaten path destination. Immediately I was captivated by Myanmar. I arrived there about one week before Nobel Peace Prize winner and political figure Ang San Su Ki was to be elected to parliament, a huge triumph for a country that was recently making stride towards opening up to the outside world. And the energy was palpable. The Myanmar people seemed overtly hopeful about the prospect of Su Ki returning to the political stage after years of house arrest.

Temples of Bagan

Rather than getting into politics though, I would like to touch upon the country I visited last year and why I’m thrilled to be returning. As an adventure traveler at heart, there are so many reasons why I became enchanted with Myanmar. It truly and simply, compared to all of my travels to many unique parts of this world, felt untapped – like there was limitless possibility for exploration and discovery. From my daily interactions with the Myanmar people in the artisan markets of Mandalay and floating vegetable markets of Inle Lake, to setting off to lesser-known regions of Kalaw to visit a young, inspiring couple starting an elephant conservation center, I was continuously impressed with the open and welcoming nature of my hosts, the gracious hospitality, and the genuine way in which they not only shared their lives, but welcomed me in.

Buddhist nuns

Often when I travel I appreciate the time it allows for stepping outside of my ordinary world into something completely different and removed from my daily experience. Our Ancient Passages journey does just this. I look forward to joining our experienced local guides on an adventure that has been crafted for the traveler with an adventurous spirit. We will have the opportunity to explore the narrow streets of artisan markets in the famed city of Mandalay; slow down on the Irrawaddy River for two days on a boutique cruise boat; float around the back channels of Inle lake and share a traditional Intha meal with a family in a local home; hike through hill tribe villages and visit an elephant conservation center; and wander around the ancient temples of Bagan by horse and carriage to learn about the rich history of Myanmar.

If you are feeling spontaneous and would like to join us on this adventure, there are still a few spots left. For more details, please contact me at Ashley@boundlessjourneys.com, or call 1-800-941-8010. I’d love to hear from you!

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Often Boundless Journeys guests who are about to embark on one of our epic adventures around the world will ask the question, “what small item or gift can I bring to make a little contribution to the people and community of…?” This is a tricky question to answer, as there is no one way to go about it. In all of my travels, trekking the trails of the Himalaya and southern Patagonia, walking the red dirt pathways of East Africa, or visiting the golden temples of Southeast Asia, I have frequently found a stream of kids tagging along behind me begging for chocolate, bon bons, or sometimes money – something I have never felt I wanted to encourage or perpetuate.

As destination manager for Boundless Journeys, in response to this question asked by guests, I often suggest that they bring a few photos of their lives back home to share with the local people. This will often facilitate a simple exchange and simply “break the ice”, especially when there’s a language barrier. It may generate laughter and curiosity, and they may learn a little about your life and vice versa.

Another suggestion I make is to buy some school supplies, like pens and notebooks (even in the country you are visiting if you don’t want to carry from the US and that way you have a better sense for what schoolchildren in that particular country use), and bring these along to rural schools you may be visiting along the way (it is surprising how sometimes these most basic school supplies can be difficult to come by for children in remote areas). In this instance, your Boundless Journeys guide can facilitate how these donations are made to the schools.

I would emphasize that there’s no one way to go about it, but the bottom line is you will be visiting these places most likely for two weeks or less – not enough time to make a huge difference, but enough time to create meaningful exchanges with the local people, gaining some insight into their lives and perhaps sharing a little bit about where you come from.

On this note, I’d like to share a tale from a recent Boundless Journeys guest who traveled to Bhtuan and how she made a connection with the Bhutanese people she met along the way. Jill Appleyad just traveled on our 12-day A Journey into the Peaceful Kingdom trip that is an active walking journey from Western to Eastern Bhutan. She brought along with her five baby outfits, donated by Baby Teresa, a clothing company out of Australia. As she walked the mountain trails to remote monasteries, visited rural communities, drove over high Himalayan passes, and visited schools, she donated the baby outfits to families along the way. Visit this link to learn more about her experience in Bhutan. Included are wonderful images and small stories about each family who became a recipient of these baby outfits.

I’d like to thank Jill for sharing, and thanks to Baby Teresa for the donations and enriching the experience for all of our guests traveling as a part of this group. I am always warmed to hear when our guests come up with creative ways of making a small difference in the lives of the communities we visit.

As Africa Destination Manager for Boundless Journeys, I have the exciting responsibility of guiding guests in planning unforgettable, epic trips to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife and nature destinations. One of the most common questions I get is “when is the best time to go to… insert Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia?” When it comes to Namibia, the southern hemisphere summer “green season” (November through mid-June) is not necessarily considered the peak time to go. But watch the following video from our partner, Wilderness Safaris, and you’ll see Namibia’s summer season clearly has much to offer!

Spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife, beautiful camps, and fun guides. Pretty amazing, right? If you are interested in a safari in Namibia, check out our Best of Namibia safari – available on the dates that work for you – or call me to start the discussion of a custom safari to suit your interests.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

The Rock Islands of Palau

Every summer, UNESCO names new cultural and natural wonders to its World Heritage List for their outstanding universal value. This year’s crop of new wonders includes the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon in Palau. Comprising the world’s greatest collection of marine lakes (seawater lakes separated from the ocean), and a reef system with more than 385 species of coral, the Rock Islands sustain a large diversity of endemic plants, birds and marine life. Human traces stretch back more than 3,000 years, including 17th- and 18th-century stone working villages abandoned due to climate change and population pressure on the fragile ecosystem.

The Rock Islands and the surrounding reefs make up Palau’s popular snorkeling sites such as Blue Corner, Blue hole, German Channel, and the famed Jellyfish Lake, one of the many marine lakes in the Rock Islands that provides home and safety for several kinds of stingless jellyfish found only in Palau.

Featured in National Geographic 50 tours of a lifetime, Boundless Journeys Palau: Oceania Odyssey includes world-class sea kayaking and snorkeling amongst the Rock Islands and hikes to hidden lakes and waterfalls.

For more information, visit our Palau Web page, or call our Palau trip manager at 800.941.8010. We hope you can join us for this incredible journey!

Upcoming featured departure: January 29 – February 6, 2013; Reserve by September 14th and save 10%.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

 - Ashley Morton, Boundless Journeys

I had the fortunate opportunity to travel to Peru recently on a research trip to discover some new trails for Boundless Journeys. The first stop was the tiny airport of Puerto Maldanado and jumping off point for navigating the jungles and waterways of the Amazon River Basin. We were greeted by howler monkeys, capybaras, toucans, and caimans to list just some of the great diversity of wildlife that make their home in the private preserve surrounding Reserva Amazonica, our jungle retreat for the next few days. Each and every moment in the Amazon was exciting and memorable – from waking early to the sun illuminating the mist rising off the Madre de Dios river and paddling a dugout canoe in search of black caimens and giant river otters on remote lake Sandoval, to traversing the jungle canopy by swinging foot bridges, and venturing out on a night jungle walk while learning about the constellations of the southern hemisphere.

From the Amazon, we flew to the heights of the Andes to explore the ancient Inca city of Cusco and the pathways of the Sacred Valley, and of course to discover the magnificent sight of Machu Picchu nestled in mountains of remote cloud forests. We were fortunate to visit during the time of year where festivals abound. The cobblestone streets of Cusco, lined with impressive Incan stone walls and Spanish colonial cathedrals, were brimming with pilgrims from the far reaches of the Sacred Valley gathering for the famous annual festival of Corpus Christi. Feasting on typical dishes at long wooden picnic tables, fiesta-goers looked on as the famous Corpus Christi parade, featuring a mix of Incan and Chrisitian traditions, unfolded in the main Plaza de Armas. The energy of the event was contagious and shed light onto the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Peru.

After traveling the pathways and experiencing the highlights featured in our Peru trips with Boundless Journeys’ guide Harry Cavero (native of the Sacred Valley), and also discovering some more off the beaten path villages and hikes, I have returned to our home office with some new and exciting ideas for activities that we will weave into our Peru journeys. If you would like to experience Peru with us please contact Karen Cleary, Peru destination manager at 1-800-941-8010 or email Karen@boundlessjourneys.com.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

At Boundless Journeys, we often find ourselves chatting with potential travelers about where to go next. While our diverse collection of trips really does represent The World’s Great Adventures, each one being a worthy destination in its own right, there are five places I have found myself suggesting over and over again as one of THE places to go in the coming year.

Egypt
I know, Egypt has gotten some pretty poor coverage in the media lately, but as anyone who has ventured there since the Arab Spring will tell you, it is magical to witness the temples and tombs of the pharaohs in relative solitude. With presidential elections in May and June, there will be plenty of time for any dust to settle before the ideal traveling season begins again in November. Ask about special pricing to join our November 10-17 Nile Exploration.

Spain
Like much of Europe, the people of Spain have been feeling the strain of a weak European economy. We often talk about how traveling dollars can lift the economies and lives of developing countries, but in this case the same can be said for travel to Spain – or anywhere in Europe – in 2012.

Myanmar
Perhaps no destination has emerged in the past 10 years with more buzz than Myanmar, aka Burma. Its relative isolation from the changes that have swept the globe in recent decades have allowed it to rise to the top of our list of places to “get to before it changes”. Boundless Journeys’ staffer, Ashley Morton, spent part of the winter traveling the waterways and paths of Myanmar in search of the most unique and rewarding experiences this country has to offer. If you are interested in knowing more, send Ashley an e-mail at ashley@boundlessjourneys.com.

Peru
As a classic destination that never fails to entrance travelers with its vibrant culture, spectacular scenery, and iconic Inca ruins, most people who travel to Peru want to spend at least a day hiking on the Inca trail into Machu Picchu. Permits are required and issued first-come, first-served, and are non-transferable. In other words, once they are gone for the dates you want, they are gone. Plan ahead if you want to travel to Peru this year – permits are still available for most dates from September-December, but they are going fast!

Tour du Mont Blanc
For those who love a great hiking tour, and want the sense of accomplishment that comes from circumnavigating Western Europe’s highest mountain on foot, we’ve always known that our hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc is hard to beat. But since National Geographic Traveler named our trip as one of their 2012 “50 Tours of a Lifetime”, everyone else knows it too! We still have limited space on our June 23-July 1, July 14-22, and August 25-September 2 departures, but don’t delay as trips are quickly filling!

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.