Japan: Meeting the Famous Divers of Toba
In Toba Japan, the famous Ama divers are women who have practiced the art of diving for abalone, sea urchin, turban shells, sea cucumber, once for pearls.
Cultures & Festivals
Burma: Spending Time with the K’Cho, or Chin Women
Visiting the Chin people, famous for their tattooed women, in the rural countryside of Burma, and observing their animistic rituals like animal sacrifices.
India: Pulikali Festival, the Tiger Dance
In the southern state of Kerala, India, the Pulikali, or Tiger Dance involves body paint, a procession, and loud music. It’s a wild festival you should see!
San Francisco: Summer of Love Venues & Locations To See
2017 marks the 50th Anniversary of San Francisco’s Summer of Love. Here are some stops in San Francisco worth seeing pertaining to the festival’s history.
Peru: Visiting a Rural Waterfront Market
You can find monkeys, turtles, guinea pigs, alligator, parrots, your choice alive or dead at the Belen market in Peru.
Tanzania: Nomad Blacksmiths Who Create Beauty from Trash
Barbaig Nomads of Tanzania, who create arrows and artwork from discarded scrap metal that they melt down to reuse. Visiting the tribe in their village.
In Cerkno, Slovenia, the Carnival of Laufarija
Cerkno, Slovenia, A Carnival of Characters. A visit to the Laufarija (The Run), an event every February celebrating Carnival and bringing out special masks.
Pushkar Camel Fair: Getting Down and Dirty
The Pushkar Camel Fair near the village of Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan is a dusty affair, with men checking out the camels and fair food.
Tanzania: Africa’s Accidental Environmentalists
In Great Rift Valley of Tanzania, meeting the Iraqw people who have practiced innovative farming techniques and use cow dung to create methane for cooking.
Mongolia: Still the Land of Genghis Khan
A visit to the Naadam festival in Mongolia, with exciting horse races, archery competitions and experiencing the fierce Gobi desert, sleeping in Gers.
North Korea Moves to Modernity
In 2016, a visit to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea shows that cellphones have become ubiquitous and the country is fast becoming more modern.
Spello, Italy: The Infiorata Covers the Streets with Flowers
The Infiorata is an ancient ceremony in Spello Italy– streets are decorated with flowers, parts of flowers and petals, forming wide and colorful carpets.
Tokyo: Ten Good Things to Know Before You Go
Ten tips for western travelers who are going to Tokyo for the first time…bowing, presenting yourself, how to drink tea, slurp noodles and more.
Tak-Bat: Giving Alms in Vientiane Laos
In Vientiane, Laos, James Dorsey describes the important cultural tradition of Tak-Bat, or giving daily alms to monks who must not handle money after 12 pm.
The Hardest Country in the World to Visit: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a destination that few travelers will ever see, as tourist visas are not common. Madain Salih,The Lost City of Qaryat Al Fau are remarkable.
Rain on My Parade: The Gift of Late Rains in Northern Malawi
Visiting Northern Malawi during the rainy season makes travel treacherous, but yields some unforeseen benefits, Brittany Caumette discovers.
Hiking in Afghanistan’s Remote Wakhan Corridor
A horsepack adventure through Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, separating Tajikistan from Pakistan in the country’s far north. High altitude camping, hiking.
Wellfleet: Famous Oysters and Fall Festivals
Cape Cod Massachusetts is a fabled summer destination, but if you visit events like the Wellfleet Oyster Festival in the Fall, fewer crowds will greet you.