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.
Cultures & Festivals
Festivals around the world and what cultures are all about are explored in these GoNOMAD Travel articles.
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!
Tanzania: Barbaig Blacksmiths Create Beauty from Trash
Barbaig blacksmith nomads of Tanzania 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: Graciously 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.
Saudi Arabia Used to Be One of the Hardest Countries to Get Into
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.