Explore Southern Asia

Explore Southern Asiahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asiaExplore Southern Asiahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/india/shillongs-unique-music-sceneIn a part of northeast India, known as the “Scotland of the East” for its rolling green hills, the indigenous Khasi people favor Western rock and roll over Bollywood, and their youth are YouTube stars in the making. 2023-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/india/shillongs-unique-music-scenehttps://www.worldnomads.comShillong is the capital of Meghalaya state in northeast India, known as the “Scotland of the East” for its cool temperatures, high, grassy hills, and evergreen forests. Once a popular spot for colonialists to get away from the heat of Kolkata, today the area is visited mostly by Indian holidaymakers seeking clean air, hikes in the rugged nature, and waterfalls that have put it on the map for adventure fiends. The indigenous Khasi people retain their own language and customs and see themselves as separate from the rest of the country – a stance that's reflected in the local food, clothing, religion, and a love for Western-style rock and roll. My trip to Shillong was a snap decision when a planned trip to the remote border between <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china">China</a>, <a href="/explore/southern-asia/bhutan">Bhutan</a>, and <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india">India</a> (known as the McMahon Line) was stymied by a cyclone. I had read briefly about Shillong but didn’t think I was going to have time to visit. Suddenly, I had five days with nothing else to do so took a train to a bus to a private taxi to get there – more than 10 hours of climbing the winding roads into the green hills. I had booked a sort of cabin in the hills about 6mi (10km) from Shillong city. <h2>Searching for Shillong’s rock and roll scene</h2> In Bollywood-obsessed India, a love for Western rock and roll is an oddity. The Khasi love of rock is written up in every article I’ve read about the place, and this made me curious. Their reputation as rockers goes back to the 1950s. Indian Ocean, a world-recognized jazz-folk-rock fusion band, is from Shillong, and in the recent past this obscure, hard-to-reach place has hosted bands such as The Scorpions and Michael Learns to Rock. On my second day, I hiked to a nearby man-made lake before breakfast. It was Saturday and there was a little crowd of people picnicking and doing laundry at the lakeside. A path wound around the lake and I followed it as it disappeared back into the hills and forests. The air was cool among the evergreen trees and from higher up I looked out onto rolling hills of grass where goats and cattle grazed. I could see why this place is compared with Scotland. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/india/shillong/rolling-hills.jpg" alt="Rolling green hills and fields in Shillong, northeast India." /> <figcaption>Hills and fields around Shillong. Image credit: John McMahon</figcaption></figure> Just as I thought I might be lost, a set of handmade steps led me up a steep hill to a garden where an old man was tending to his vegetables. If he was surprised to see me, he didn’t let on. His house and those of the surrounding village were the remaining holiday houses from the original hill station, looking like little English cottages with tin roofs punctuating the remote landscape. In the village, I asked everyone about rock bands. At a small cafe, a group of kids air-guitared and drummed on the table over noodles and momos, rattling off names of bands, but didn’t have the English to tell me where I could see them perform live. On day three, I hiked to Elephant Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by fern forest where the water was icy cold and seemed clean enough to drink. Instead of walking back to my accommodation I waved down one of the small, shared taxis and jammed myself into the front seat next to the driver. John was a recent graduate who had a plan to drive the taxi for three years and then branch out into doing private tours. I asked him about the local connection to rock and roll. He ran off a list of bands from Shillong as long as his arm, repeating a few that I had already heard such as Lou Majaw, a Bob Dylan-like figure in the local scene. But why? John figured it was something to do with Shillong’s long history of being a colonial seat and its connection to Western culture. It was then that I made the connection to the church. <h2>A mix of church and online culture</h2> The majority of Khasi people follow one branch of Christianity or another and in their churches, they sing the same hymns and learn the same rhythms as their brother and sister Episcopalians or Baptists in the UK or the US. I witnessed this the next morning when I stood discreetly just outside the doors of Mylliem Presbyterian Church and listened to the townsfolk sing throughout the meeting, dressed in their Sunday best. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/india/shillong/shillong-church.jpg" alt="Exterior of a Presbyterian church in Shillong, India." /> <figcaption>Mylliem Presbyterian Church in Shillong. Image credit: John McMahon</figcaption></figure> Most of the clubs in Shillong John had recommended to me were booked for private parties and one was closed. I wandered the streets searching for buskers who I had read would be out around the city's central park. Somewhere in the crowd I heard something – not singing, more like rapping – and I followed the beat to a group of young guys, late teens-early twenties, dressed in menacing urban streetwear, battle rapping. They rapped in Khasi and English about growing up in Shillong and the surrounding villages of Megahylan state where poverty rates are among the highest in the country and employment rates are near the lowest. They didn’t perform in clubs, said Shawn, the oldest and most recognized of the rappers. They filmed each other for TikTok and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwutp5LC1Y0" target="_blank">YouTube</a> where some of their videos get hundreds of thousands of views. This group of aspiring hip-hop artists listed the names of local rappers: Karmtak, J Donz, Big King, MC Gorka. They are YouTubers, but also stars on the streets of Shillong and perform at festivals all over the country in Khasi and English. It made sense. These kids were brought up in the church, but they are also the social media generation, and no matter where in this wide world one goes, everybody is using a smartphone, even if it’s being charged off a solar panel in a village with no other electric source. They were brought up on hip-hop and rap, beamed across the globe and made by people they could relate to: the underdogs, the poor, the ignored. And some had made it big just as these kids were dreaming of doing. <h2>Trip notes</h2> I arrived in Meghalaya via private taxi but left from nearby Shillong airport. Though only 18.5 mi (30km) from downtown Shillong the trip takes 1.5 hours. This kind of slow travel is the norm across Meghalaya State due to road conditions and chaotic traffic, which makes it a bit difficult to get around and see the famous sites. Scooters are available for rent in Shillong but as a seasoned motorcycle rider, I would say this is <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/asia">not the place to learn or even perfect your riding skills</a>. Most tourists book private guides from Guwahati, the capital of Assam state, which will have you riding around in the comfort of a large 4x4. Meghalaya and Shillong don’t get a lot of foreign travelers, so it takes some patience and adaptability to get there and enjoy yourself. And of course, don’t drink the water.Shillong Underground Cypher 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/5-national-parks-to-visitThe small island nation of Sri Lanka has a remarkable diversity of landscapes. Nomad Sarah shares some of her favorite places to spot leopards and elephants, snorkel with dolphins and turtles, and hike to spectacular views.2021-12-02T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/5-national-parks-to-visithttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#yala">Yala National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#wilpattu">Wilpattu National Park </a></li> <li><a href="#horton">World’s End at Horton Plains</a></li> <li><a href="#adam">Adam’s Bridge National Marine Park</a></li> <li><a href="#minneriya">Minneriya National Park</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="yala">Yala National Park</h2> With a savannah-like microclimate and bulbus tree trunks, it’s not surprising that Yala National Park has the highest concentration of leopards in Sri Lanka. It seems like perfect leopard territory – every rock, and every movement in the bushes makes me hold my breath in anticipation. Though Sri Lankan leopards are extremely rare, they’re the biggest draw at Yala. And when Mattala International Airport opened in 2013 (only 40 minutes away) making southeastern Sri Lanka easily accessible, rather than a long road trip from Colombo, Yala saw a sudden boom in popularity. It’s quieter during July to January due to monsoon season (excluding September, when it closes for maintenance). If the water levels are high, wildlife is more dispersed and can be harder to spot, but if the monsoon is lighter than normal, you may have a better chance. <h3>Hiring eco guides in Yala</h3> Sometimes even the most independent traveler needs a guide, and this would be one of those times. The local guides are extremely experienced in tracking the well-camouflaged leopard population. They’re also well-versed in animal behavior – let’s not forget leopards and elephants could do you some damage, so a self-drive tuk-tuk isn’t the safest way to see them. You need a driver in something substantial like a Jeep – US $60 (LKR 12,065) full day, with guide. The downside is some people, including even some guides, drive too fast around the park, which occasionally can lead to animals being struck and killed. Consider asking them not to focus so hard on finding leopards. There’s plenty of other wildlife in this remarkably diverse landscape, such as Bengal monitor lizards, mugger crocodiles, water buffaloes, langur monkeys, and maybe the occasional ruddy mongoose. The birdlife is also abundant, including green bee-eaters and crested serpent eagles. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/sri-lanka/national-parks/spotted-deer-yala-edhaens.jpg" alt="A herd of axis deer in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka." /> <figcaption>A herd of axis deer in Yala. Photo credit: Edwin d'Haens</figcaption></figure> The <a href="https://www.yalasrilanka.lk/visitor-guide.html">official website</a> has a lot of useful info on how to visit responsibly (and how to report any inappropriate behavior). Tickets are US $15/day (LKR 3,015/day) and it includes an option to book a full or half-day Jeep tour with approved guides. <h2 id="wilpattu">Wilpattu National Park</h2> Wilpattu National Park is less well-known than Yala, despite being the largest national park and one of the oldest in the country (established in 1938). Like Yala, it’s renowned for its leopards. I was fortunate enough to see one feasting its eyes upon a spotted deer from a thicket at sunset. However, it’s easier to get to than Yala as it’s on the west coast, not far from Anuradhapura. A 2015 survey by the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust photographed around 50 leopards in the park, but again, remember leopards are just the icing on the cake. You might see a sloth bear, and you’ll certainly see some magnificent scenery. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/sri-lanka/national-parks/croc-wilpattu-sarah-harvey.jpg" alt="A crocodile at the edge of a lake in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka." /> <figcaption>A crocodile in Wilpattu National Park. Image credit: Sarah Harvey</figcaption></figure> The most striking feature is the large number of sand-rimmed lakes formed by rainwater filling large depressions in the ground. As such, this 508mi2 (1,317km2) park is jam-packed with crocodiles and water buffaloes, reptiles such as monitor lizards, Indian pythons, and turtles, and wetland birds such as black-headed ibis, egrets, herons, and spoonbills. The lakes and tanks (reservoirs) also attract lots of elephants. Only 25% of the park is accessible to visitors, making it an incredible conservation area. The most popular time to visit is February to October, during the monsoon. As with Yala, it’s safer and <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-choose-an-ethical-tour-operator">more responsible</a> to search online for an eco-tour. Park entry is US $15 (LKR 3,015) and guided tours cost around US $100/LKR 21,000 (half day) to about US $130/LKR 26,140 (full day). A full day offers a better chance of seeing everything you want, although if you plan for two, it takes some of the pressure off the guide. <h2 id="horton">World’s End at Horton Plains</h2> For breathtaking scenery and hiking, World's End at Horton Plains in Uva Province is where to go. This verdant hike in Sri Lanka’s <a href="/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/exploring-haputale-and-sri-lankas-hill-country-by-train">Hill Country</a> brings you to a sheer cliff edge with 4,000ft (1,219m) drop. On a clear day, peaks, plateaus, and panoramas await you, peppered with tiny villages and maybe a glimpse of the sea 50mi (80km) away. It really does feel like you're standing on the edge of the world. If you visit in the afternoon, or during April-November, you’ll be confronted by a wall of mist and cloud swirling in the void right in front of you – but this can make for a dramatic experience, too. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/sri-lanka/national-parks/worlds-end-getty-512040216-goodolga.jpg" alt="The expansive view from World's End, Horton Plains, Sri Lanka." /> <figcaption>The view from World's End. Image credit: Getty Images / GoodOlga</figcaption></figure> Horton Plains is a plateau, so the <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/hiking-travel-insurance">hike</a> is not too challenging. The trail to the cliff is only 2.4 mi (4km). On the way back, the trail loops around to the impressive 65ft (20m) Baker’s Falls. The waterfall is just 1.2 mi (2km) down the trail from World’s End, then it’s only 2.1mi (3.5km) back to the trailhead. This 5.9mi (9.5km) circuit can be easily completed in three hours. Bring waterproof clothing and warm layers, because <a href="/explore/worldwide/3-epic-pilgrimage-routes">Hill Country</a> can be cold and damp, with sudden showers. But wear a t-shirt underneath because it can heat up quickly if the sun emerges. Warm yourself with a fortifying flask of milk tea from local tea plantations or ask your guesthouse to give you a packed breakfast. Entry is US $25 (LKR 5,025) and a guide is just US $4 (LKR 800) – if you’re a solo woman you may want to hire one for safety or make friends at your guesthouse/hotel to go with, as some have reported feeling unsafe. There are no guard rails at the precipice and there have been a few accidents so take care near the edge and don’t leave the path. <h2 id="adam">Adam’s Bridge National Marine Park</h2> This <a href="/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/5-things-to-know-before-visiting#sites">stunning park</a> in the Gulf of Mannar bears more than a passing resemblance to the neighboring <a href="/explore/southern-asia/maldives/budget-travel-in-the-maldives">Maldives</a> islands. It’s named after the famous former land bridge between India and Sri Lanka – the stuff of legends linked to Adam being cast out of the Garden of Eden and walking across the bridge to get to India. It’s also at the center of a debate over whether it’s natural or man-made. It seems many people used to use “Rama Setu” to get between the two countries before it was submerged over 600 years ago. You can still walk from Mannar Island across some of the sand dunes, but don’t try to wade the full 18mi (30km) to India unless you want to be detained as an illegal immigrant! <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/sri-lanka/national-parks/adams-bridge-credit-cc-by-sa planemad-wikimedia.jpg" alt="Adam's Bridge, a former land bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka." /> <figcaption>Adam's Bridge. Image credit: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam%27s_Bridge#/media/File:Adams_Bridge_aerial.jpg">CC-by-sa PlaneMadWikimedia</a></figcaption></figure> The extremely shallow turquoise waters (just 1-10m/3.2ft-32.8ft) attract all kinds of species including dolphins, porpoises, dugongs, and sea turtles. Snorkeling adds another dimension to the experience. Since the park isn’t very developed, hire snorkel gear from Mannar Island. In the clear waters with patches of seagrass, I spotted turtles and two dolphins. Take care not to stand on the coral as it kills it. The waist-deep water is also a popular kitesurfing spot, or it’s possible to hire a boat from Mannar Island to view the bridge from the water <h2 id="minneriya">Minneriya National Park</h2> If you’re visiting the Cultural Triangle and want to find a worthwhile national park nearby, Minneriya in the North Central Province is worth the visit. It’s most notable for attracting a few hundred elephants during dry season, the largest recurring Asian elephant gathering in the world – at times, up to 700 have assembled. They migrate from Wasgamuwa National Park annually in search of food and water. The lush land at Minneriya sustains them, along with enormous flocks of little cormorants, which add to the spectacle. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/sri-lanka/national-parks/minneriya-getty-stefan-huwiler.jpg" alt="A group of elephants near a lake in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka." /> <figcaption>A group of elephants in Minneriya . Image credit: Getty Images / Stefan Huwiler</figcaption></figure> Mammals including playful, purple-faced langurs and toque macaque as well as sambar deer and Sri Lankan axis deer also live here, and reportedly, rare species such as leopards, sloth bears, and even gray slender loris have been sighted. As you may have guessed, crocodiles live here too, so don’t get too close to the water, no matter what you’re told about local crocs. The Minneriya tank was built in the 3rd Century by King Mahasen. It was created by blocking the river with a 1.2mi (2km) long, 42ft (13m) high dam and can hold up to 20 billion gallons of water – quite the engineering feat. A few of the elephants here are known to be aggressive due to negative encounters with humans such as being shot at or hit by vehicles. So again, an eco-tour is usually safer than a hire car, and definitely don’t try it on foot. Entry is US $15 (LKR 3, 015) and eco tours are around US $40/LKR 8,045 (half day) to $60/LKR 12,065 (full day). <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> Bring binoculars – guides do their best to bring you close but leopards are hard to spot (pun intended.) If you can get one, bring a zoom lens to make the most of your safaris. Underwater camera housing or a GoPro is useful for the Marine Park. Just don’t risk cheap housing. Always wear sunscreen and bring extra sunscreen with you – you’re very close to the equator here. In the dustiest areas (such as Yala) you’ll be covered in red dust by the end of the tour so don’t wear your favorite clothes.Getty Images / uba-foto 1472539982 Getty Images A leopard walks across the grass in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/5-things-to-know-before-visitingNomad Sarah shares her tips for making the most of your Sri Lanka trip: off-the-beaten-path sites to visit, ways to connect with the locals, and Sri Lankan food not to be missed.2021-12-02T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/5-things-to-know-before-visitinghttps://www.worldnomads.comSharing fiery kithul (palm syrup) and ginger cookies seemed like the best way to compensate for my terrible Sinhala pronunciation while traveling through the remotest parts of Sri Lanka. During my year of living there, and during other years of visa runs from the Maldives to Sri Lanka (two hours away by plane), I became fond of hopping on the Sri Lankan bus network. From just US $1.30 a ticket, and with routes criss-crossing the country, it seemed a pretty appealing way to explore. It meant I often found myself in remote rural areas where nobody spoke any European languages, but it did lead to a lot of discoveries. Although many people speak English in Colombo and the touristy areas, only 23.8% of the population speaks English. If you’re heading off the beaten track, try to familiarize yourself with some basic Sinhalese <a href="http://mylanguages.org/sinhala_alphabet.php">pronunciation</a>. Pointing at an English-language map won’t cut it – the beautiful, swirly Sinhalese alphabet uses different characters. But sincere effort, a friendly attitude, and some cookies can get you a long way (literally). That was probably my first real lesson about Sri Lanka. Here are some others. <ul> <li><a href="#sites">Visit these off-the-beaten-path ancient sites</a></li> <li><a href="#crowds">Avoid the crowds at popular attractions </a></li> <li><a href="#connect">Connect with the locals</a></li> <li><a href="#seek">Seek out these unique Sri Lanka experiences</a></li> <li><a href="#dishes">Sri Lankan dishes you must try</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="sites">Visit these off-the-beaten-path ancient sites</h2> <h3>Adam’s Bridge</h3> In Mannar District, on the far northwest coast, Rama Setu (Adam’s Bridge) is an awe-inspiring 30 mi (48km) chain of limestone rocks and islets that are the remains of a land connection between India and Sri Lanka. According to Sanskrit legends, it was constructed by an ape-man army belonging to the god Rama, so he could rescue his wife from imprisonment in Sri Lanka. Several ancient Islamic texts refer to Adam’s Bridge as the point where Adam crossed into India after being expelled from the Garden of Eden. Since many parts of it are only about 3ft (1m) underwater, there’s evidence people once used it to cross between <a href="/explore/southern-asia/india">India</a> and Sri Lanka on foot until it became partially submerged after a cyclone in 1480 AD. Rumor has it that people have continued to wade across for centuries but today, Indian Immigration would not be impressed, so don’t try it! <h3>Maligawila Buddha</h3> If you’re heading east, the huge 7th-century buddha at Maligawila in Moneragala District is the tallest and finest example of an ancient freestanding buddha in the country. It stands at 37ft 10” (11.5m) tall and was constructed from a single piece of limestone on the orders of Prince Agrabodhi. The statue’s head towers among the treetops surrounding it. With its serene pose and a natural soundtrack of birdsong, it makes for a peaceful pitstop. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/sri-lanka/5-things/maligawila-sarah-harvey.jpg" alt="The huge 7th-century standing buddha at Maligawila, Sri Lanka." /> <figcaption>The 7th-century buddha at Maligawila. Photo credit: Sarah Harvey</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="crowds">Avoid the crowds at popular attractions</h2> If you visit a <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/respectful-travel">sacred site</a> during a religious festival, you’ll see pilgrims making offerings of sweet-smelling jasmine garlands and might find the bustle exciting. But if you want to avoid crowds, don’t visit during any national holidays (check the <a href="https://www.officeholidays.com/countries/sri-lanka/2021">calendar</a>), particularly weekends around Poya Day when attractions and public transport are thronged with domestic tourists. I once had to stand for six hours on the Ella-Kandy train. Poya Day is the monthly Theravada Buddhist holiday of Uposatha, and occurs during full moon. Theravada is the predominant form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and so Poya Days are always public holidays. Uposatha loosely translates as “entering to stay” and refers to the practice of coming together to reaffirm commitment to Buddhism. As such, the sale of alcohol is suspended out of respect for the religious holiday, and Sri Lankan families hit the road, en masse, to visit temples (both ancient and new), as well as pilgrimage sites such as <a href="/explore/worldwide/3-epic-pilgrimage-routes">Adam’s Peak</a>. <h2 id="connect">Connect with the locals</h2> <h3>Have your horoscope made</h3> For a unique Sri Lankan experience, ask any Sri Lankan to introduce you to a horoscope maker. In Sri Lankan culture, horoscopes are a very respectable part of local life. When a child is born, a very detailed horoscope is drawn up for them, if an entrepreneur is signing a deal, they’d check their horoscope to ensure they sign on a day which is auspicious for them, and when a couple wants to marry, they get their horoscopes checked to ensure they’re a match (or the wedding’s off). Even the time of arrival and departure at the wedding venue is decided by horoscope. Most towns and cities have a horoscope maker. However, you’ll probably need to bring a guide/translator with you. You give your full name, city and country of birth and time of birth, and they’ll draw up six very detailed charts for you, covering everything from love and finance to character and inheritances. <h3>Take a surfing lesson</h3> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/sri-lanka/5-things/surfers-arugam-bay.jpg" alt="Surfers at Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka." /> <figcaption>Surfers at Arugam Bay. Image credit: Getty Images / Mathilde Receveur</figcaption></figure> A very different way to interact with locals is by <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/surfing">surfing</a> at Arugam Bay in Ampara District, where the mellow consistent waves are perfect for beginners. Most local surf guides consider it a personal challenge to have you standing up on a board within an hour. There’s even a certain amount of rivalry between them to have the best beginner. If you’re lucky, like I was, your surf instructor might even let you drive the tuk-tuk home afterwards. Find a guide through your hotel/guesthouse, or simply ask at the beach near Whiskey Point. <h2 id="seek">Seek out these unique Sri Lanka experiences</h2> <h3>Stilt fishermen in Koggala</h3> If you’re taking a road trip south of Colombo, head for the coastal town of Koggala. From the road you’ll see dozens of locals perched on top of wooden poles planted in shallow water, and unusual looking but very smart method of fishing. By sitting on the poles, the stilt fishermen avoid casting a shadow to scare the fish, don’t disturb the water with their feet, and are able to trick shallow-water fish into biting the bait on their lines. This is the only place in Sri Lanka where you can still see this traditional practice. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/sri-lanka/5-things/stilt-fishermen-edhaens.jpg" alt="Traditional stilt fishermen in Koggala, Sri Lanka." /> <figcaption>Stilt fishermen in Koggala. Image credit: Edwin d'Haens</figcaption></figure> <h3>Fishing villages along the southern coast</h3> There are also plenty of pretty fishing villages to visit along this route, such as Dondra at the southernmost point of the island. There’s a gorgeous beach, the country’s tallest lighthouse, the ruins of Hindu shrines, and authentic cafes serving local catches. But avoid Mirissa – this beautiful spot was once peaceful but rapidly became packed with illegal beach bars and party crowds. Many bars were removed, but its charm has gone. <h3>Sleep inside an elephant</h3> Inside the belly of an enormous straw elephant is probably one of the most unusual places I’ve woken up. The Elephant Villa at <a href="https://www.kumbukriver.com/">Kumbuk River Eco Lodge</a> is the world’s largest straw elephant, and it sways ever so slightly when the breeze picks up, lulling you off to sleep. This Sri Lankan-owned boutique property is the perfect jumping-off point for <a href="/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/5-national-parks-to-visit">Yala National Park</a>, but it also channels funds into conservation projects and supporting rural communities in the area, as well as educating guests about biodiversity. <h2 id="dishes">Sri Lankan dishes you must try</h2> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/sri-lanka/5-things/selection-of-curries-ellen-hall.jpg" alt="A selection of traditional Sri Lankan curries and condiments." /> <figcaption>A selection of Sri Lankan curries and condiments. Image credit: Ellen Hall</figcaption></figure> Sri Lankan cuisine has many of the same spices you commonly find in Indian food, such as chili and cardamon, but also a subtle blend of more fragrant spices, such as local cinnamon. This gives it the additional, fragrant complexity of Thai or Malaysian cuisine. Coconuts are a huge component, as are other plentiful homegrown ingredients, such as lentils, onions, and pineapple. <h3>Rice and curry</h3> The national dish is simply called “rice and curry” but it actually features about five small curries. Usually four are vegetarian curries, such as dhal or pumpkin, plus there’s one meat or seafood curry. Try it with any of the infinite varieties of coconut sambal (an iconic Sri Lankan condiment) on the side. A traditional banana-leaf café is a great spot to enjoy rice and curry the way it’s been eaten for generations. These no-frills cafes serve your food upon an eco-friendly banana leaf. <h3>Sri Lankan street food</h3> The nation normally starts its day with the delicious street food known as “egg hoppers”, a sunny-side-up egg nestled in a crispy, crepe-like bowl made from rice flour and coconut milk. Kottu roti is my go-to if I want comfort food – think of it as the Sri Lankan mac and cheese. The hole-in-the-walls serving them make a big show of dicing up the roti (flatbread) with huge blades – just follow the clanging noise. Chili, onion, coconut, scrambled egg, spices and (optional) chicken are thrown into the mix.Getty Images / Elke Maitzel 1 891895880 Getty Images A man cooks street food in a market stall in Sri Lanka.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/maldives/budget-travel-in-the-maldivesThere's more to the Maldives than expensive resorts and honeymooners. Affordable guesthouses offer new ways to experience the local culture and connect with locals. 2021-10-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/maldives/budget-travel-in-the-maldiveshttps://www.worldnomads.comThe air is thick with humidity, and the stars this close to the equator are so huge and bright they seem near enough to touch. I’m trying not to get stuck to my white plastic chair on this typically warm Maldivian evening. The excitement in the crowd surrounding me is palpable. Almost all of Kamadhoo Island’s 495 residents have turned out tonight, and hundreds more have sailed to this inhabited island in Baa Atoll from rival islands for a <a href="https://minivannewsarchive.com/society/bodu-beru-the-beat-of-a-nation-66274">bodu beru</a> (big drum) contest. The Voice has nothing on what’s about to happen. About 15 men stroll on stage in crisp white shirts paired with black-and-white striped sarongs. Five of them are carrying bodu berus made from goatskin and coconut wood painted with glossy black, red, and gold stripes. A few hold bells and one grasps an onugandu (small piece of bamboo with grooves cut into it, which makes a raspy sound when scraped). The beat starts slowly, and the lead singer begins chanting in Dhivehi (and sometimes nonsense words) to the rhythm, gradually building up to a frantic crescendo. Songs of heroism, love stories, and satire punctuate the night air. It’s hypnotic, for performers and audience members. The beats pulse through us as they clap and pound their feet on the ground. It’s impossible to not join in. Performing bodu beru is known as “vibrating the island” in Dhivehi, the traditional language of the Maldives. I’m lucky to be one of the only foreign faces here, where a tin-roofed stage stands on the gritty coral by the harbor. But just 12 years ago, being here would have been almost impossible for an outsider. Community tourism wasn’t legalized in the Maldives until 2009. The new law permits locals to open guesthouses, giving them access to tourism dollars. Previously, travelers couldn’t mix with the majority of Maldivians because they were only allowed to stay at resorts on private islands, totally cut off from the community. <ul> <li><a href="#cultural">Organic cultural immersions in the Maldives </a></li> <li><a href="#rasdhoo">Discovering Rasdhoo Island</a></li> <li><a href="#rules">Local laws, rules, and cultural awareness</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Discovering the Maldives through food</a></li> <li><a href="#crafts">Support the local crafts</a></li> <li><a href="#trip-notes">Trip notes</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="cultural">Organic cultural immersions in the Maldives</h2> As guesthouses are located on inhabited islands, guests are fully immersed in the unique Maldivian culture. There are no indigenous people in the Maldives – the population is descended from fishermen, traders, shipwreck survivors, and pirates from Africa, India, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Malaysia, and China. Today, you can catch glimpses of its heritage through interactions with the community, such as catching a village bodu beru performance (which has strong West African influences) or discovering an artisan making lacquerware (Chinese origins). There are <a href="https://visitmaldives.com/en/guesthouses">hundreds</a> of guesthouses to choose from, from as little as US $50/night, with Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, and Guraidhoo among the most popular islands. Maafushi has the most guesthouses if you’re into socializing. Thulusdhoo is a super <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/surfing">surfing</a> spot. Guraidhoo has easy access to the main airport. Hulhumale is popular, but feels very suburban, as it’s an extension of the airport island. To get away from it all, consider a smaller island, like Rasdhoo Island in Rasdhoo Atoll, a popular spot for divers due to its proximity to <a href="https://www.rasdhoodivers.com/diving/dive-sites/">Hammerhead Point</a>. <h2 id="rasdhoo">Discovering Rasdhoo Island</h2> The island looks uninhabited when you approach by speedboat, but there are 75 homes hidden behind the lush coconut trees. It has the same turquoise waters as the resorts, plus two sandbanks. But a guesthouse here, such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brickwoodrasdhoo/">BrickWood Rasdhoo</a>, costs just US $55-95 per night, compared to the US $300 you’d pay for a room of this quality at a resort. All six contemporary rooms merge traditional elements such as coral walls with resort-style luxury design. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/maldives/beach-yoga.jpg " alt="A group of women do yoga on a beach in the Maldives." /> <figcaption> Beach yoga on Rasdhoo Island. Image credit: Sarah Harvey</figcaption></figure> BrickWood Manager, Mohamed Shaheen, says: “We want our guests to go home with as many cultural insights as they can get. That’s the advantage of an inhabited island. You spend time with the inhabitants and get an insight into everyday life with local artist workshops, Maldivian games, and Maldivian cooking classes.” Etiquette tip: alhough it’s possible to bag a guesthouse room for just under $50, the Maldives is an <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/maldives/overview">Upper Middle Income Country</a> with a higher cost of living. Tourism professionals urge visitors not to try to barter for a lower rate than $50 because it harms the local economy. <h2 id="rules">Local laws, rules, and cultural awareness</h2> Because the Maldives is a moderate Muslim nation striving to preserve its culture, visitors need a certain amount of cultural awareness when mixing with locals. It’s illegal to wear skimpy swimwear (bikinis/one-piece) on inhabited islands, but board shorts and a rash vest are fine. Women should cover shoulders and chest out of respect for the islanders’ conservative sensibilities. Many guesthouses offer private beaches, such as the 98ft (30m) beach at Rasdhoo, where skin-baring swimwear is allowed. Some guesthouses also offer trips to sandbanks or have private sundecks. Alcohol is illegal on inhabited islands, but guesthouses offer cheap day passes (US $60) to resorts so you can enjoy sundowners. The rules may seem strict, but Maldivians are extremely welcoming and curious. They’ll often call to you, wanting to know where you’re from, while they’re smoking a hookah or reclining in a joali hammock-chair under the shade of a breadfruit tree. <h2 id="food">Discovering the Maldives through food</h2> One of the best ways to get to know a country is through its food. Many guesthouses offer cooking workshops led by local women (which also helps women earn a small income – many families frown upon women working at resorts). Most of the food is grown locally in contrast to the Japanese Wagyu beef and Norwegian salmon flown in by resorts at a greater cost to the environment. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/maldives/cooking-class.jpg" alt="A group of women take a cooking class at a guest house in the Maldives." /> <figcaption>A cooking workshop at BrickWood Resort. Image credit: Sarah Harvey</figcaption></figure> A popular local dish is mas huni, a breakfast made from tuna, egg, onion, chili, and lime, and served with roshi (local flatbread). Once you've got your head around eating tuna for breakfast, you'll be addicted. It's light, healthy, and very Maldivian (tuna is the main export and fishing is the second biggest economy after tourism). “It’s all mixed up in traditional Maldivian style, using the hands,” explains Shaheen “There are different varieties, including a vegetarian version with local pumpkin.” <h2 id="crafts">Support the local crafts</h2> Lacquerware is one of the most traditional artforms here. Unlike items made from seashells, which harm the ecosystem, it’s an excellent <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/mindful-souvenir-shopping">eco-friendly souvenir</a>, made from sustainable coconut wood. Since the Maldives is on the frontline of climate change (most land is 4ft/1.2m above sea level), any steps you take to help the environment are welcome. Gifts such as lacquerware also help keep an ancient craft alive. The finest lacquerware in the Maldives is hand-crafted in Baa Atoll. The atoll is also so remarkable for its marine biodiversity that it’s a <a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/asia-and-the-pacific/maldives/baa-atoll">UNESCO</a> World Biosphere Reserve. Siraaj Mohamed recently built Atholhu Residence, an affordable private villa, on the tiny Baa Atoll island of Fehendhoo. “Guesthouses like mine are four-star, the only difference between this and a resort is it’s so much cheaper, and you don’t get alcohol,” explains Siraaj. “You can fish right off the beach (which isn’t allowed at resorts), take a canoe to find mantas, paddleboard in the lagoon, and meet locals,” he adds. Take a trip to neighboring Thulhaadhoo, the island best-known for its lacquerware, to watch local craftsmen shape coconut wood into bowls and vases, applying layers of black, red, and gold paint and polishing it with coconut leaves until it gleams brighter than the Maldivian sun. Centuries of history in the palm of a hand. <h2 id="trip-notes">Trip notes</h2> <a href="https://macl.aero/">Velana</a> International Airport is the main hub. Resort transfers cost US $200-700, but the (slower) <a href="https://transport.mtcc.mv/">public ferry</a> network has tickets from US $3. Sit on the roof for the best views, but <a href="/travel-safety/southern-asia/maldives/health-maldives">sunscreen up</a>! You can book a scheduled public or private speedboat transfer via your guesthouse or online agents such as <a href="https://www.atolltransfer.com/scheduled-speed-boat">Atoll Transfer</a> if it’s 1-3 hours away (US $60-100). USD is accepted as currency alongside the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). The best time to visit is November-April. Expect sunny days, with an average annual temperature of 86°F (30°C). If you take a gamble on (possible) rain during low season, you could save 30-60%. Pack light clothes but remember cover-ups such as sarongs so as not to offend islanders. Bring mosquito repellent, and buy a <a href="https://www.raidkillsbugs.com.au/en-au/products/raid-next-generation-fly-and-mosquito-protection">plug-in</a> mosquito killer from a local shop for your room (US $3-5). Mosquito nets aren’t used here, and you won’t find any hooks to hang yours up. All inhabited islands have a local café. Expect fish curries with roshi, plentiful pasta dishes, sandwiches, and burgers. Try a “tea house” for delicious “short eats” (Maldivian tapas), normally made of deep-fried fish and coconut. Village stores sell basic snacks.Sarah Harvey 0 Turquoise waters and white sand surround a small, inhabited island in the Maldives.

Dinner with Riaz | Sri Lanka Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/dinner-with-riazDinner with Riaz | Sri Lanka Travel StoryTue, 06 Oct 2020 18:59:36 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/dinner-with-riaz The Man Behind the Bell | India Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/the-man-behind-the-bell The Man Behind the Bell | India Travel StoryTue, 26 Nov 2019 23:26:39 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/the-man-behind-the-bellCaramel Chews and Kolkata, Painted Gold | Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/kolkota-india-painted-goldCaramel Chews and Kolkata, Painted Gold | Travel StoryTue, 29 Oct 2019 16:40:28 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/connection/kolkota-india-painted-goldVideo: A Friend at Komic the World's Highest Monastery https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/a-friend-at-komicVideo: A Friend at Komic the World's Highest Monastery Tue, 08 Oct 2019 16:33:29 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/a-friend-at-komicThe Death-Defying Wild-Honey Hunters of Nepal | Photoshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/photo-essay-wild-honey-hunters-of-nepalThe Death-Defying Wild-Honey Hunters of Nepal | PhotosSat, 05 Oct 2019 00:57:03 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/photo-essay-wild-honey-hunters-of-nepalInitiation by Indian Railways | Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/initiation-by-indian-railwaysInitiation by Indian Railways | Travel StoryFri, 09 Aug 2019 18:25:06 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/initiation-by-indian-railwayshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/bangladesh/the-world-nomads-podcast-bangladeshIn this episode we explore Bangladesh, hear about the unparalleled friendliness and curiosity of its people, why its food sets it apart and creating the perfect lunchbox.2019-07-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/bangladesh/the-world-nomads-podcast-bangladeshhttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>The World Nomads Podcast: Bangladesh</h2> It’s the unparalleled friendliness and hospitality of the Bangladeshi people that really sticks out in this episode. A country known for its cuisine from home kitchens to street food, we discuss emigrating from Bangladesh as a child and the challenges of creating the perfect school lunch. <h2>What’s in the Episode</h2> 00:32 What is it about Bangladesh 01:56 Uncornered Market 04:55 Are you from Japan? 08:35 Enjoy sunrise and sunset on the river 11:42 Tips for first time visitors 15:64 "A six-foot tall ginger bloke." 20:32 Travel News 24:01 Ash's story of emigrating to Australia 27:35 Home cooking 30:18 Street food in Bangladesh 34:33 Sarah skips America to live in Europe 42:32 Chernobyl 43:33 Next week  <h2>Quotes from the Episode</h2> "So Bangladesh is not your typical tourist or travel destination still, and my top tip is to go with... it sounds cheesy, but an open mind." - Audrey "The traffic in the cities is really quite something. The density of the traffic at rush hour in Dhaka and in Chittagong was phenomenal." - Stuart "I feel like I have a connection to both cultures, Kim. There's a part of me that's very distinctly Bangladeshi that I can't change and there's a part of me that's very distinctly Australian that I can't change either." - Ash "...I truly believe that travel and living abroad is the most effective form of diplomacy." - Sarah <h2>Who is in the Episode</h2> Sarah Mitukel is an American expat and fellow podcaster who has moved to several countries on her own, inspiring her to start her own travel podcast <a href="https://postcardacademy.co/podcast">Postcard Academy</a>. in 2010, she left New York, moved to Italy, and became a citizen within two months thanks to jus sanguinis — the right of blood. Stuart Forster is a travel writer and photographer whose work has been published by National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust and BBC Good Food. Read the article he wrote for World Nomads, <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southern-asia/bangladesh/what-surprised-me-when-i-traveled-to-bangladesh">7 Things That Surprised Me About Bangladesh</a>. Audrey Scott and her husband Dan Noll have been described as adventurers, professionals, and – most recently – as world travelers and storytellers. Check out their site <a href="https://uncorneredmarket.com/about-us/">Uncornered Market</a>. You can also them on <a href="mailto:@umarket">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UncorneredMarket/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uncornered_market/">Instagram. </a> Ash Zaman works for World Nomads at our headquarters in Sydney. He emigrated to Australia from Bangladesh at age 5. <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/podcast/Ash pix_750x490.jpg" /> <figcaption> Ash with is mum (right) and one of his aunties (left) at his childhood home in Dhaka, and just after arriving in Australia.</figcaption></figure> <h2>Resources & Links</h2> Scholarships Newsletter: <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create">Sign up for scholarships news and see what opportunities are live here</a>. Bangladesh Beginner's Guide:<a href="https://uncorneredmarket.com/bangladesh-travel/"> https://uncorneredmarket.com/bangladesh-travel/</a> Bangladeshi Food: <a href="https://uncorneredmarket.com/bangladeshi-food/">https://uncorneredmarket.com/bangladeshi-food/</a> Little known facts about Bangladesh: <a href="https://uncorneredmarket.com/what-is-bangladesh/">https://uncorneredmarket.com/what-is-bangladesh/</a> Questions Bangladeshis ask:<a href="https://uncorneredmarket.com/bangladesh-faces-questions-people/"> https://uncorneredmarket.com/bangladesh-faces-questions-people/</a> Recommended list of offbeat destinations: <a href="https://uncorneredmarket.com/off-beat-travel-destinations/">https://uncorneredmarket.com/off-beat-travel-destinations/</a> <a href="http://www.traveller.com.au/backpackers-fined-1500-kicked-out-of-venice-over-morning-coffee-h1gf3w">Check out</a> the backpackers spotted by a local using a camping stove to heat their morning coffee. <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/eastern-europe/ukraine/the-world-nomads-podcast-chernobyl">Listen</a> to our podcast on Chernobyl. <a href="https://postcardacademy.co/blog/how-to-become-italian-citizen-ancestory-exact-steps">Read</a> Sarah's article on applying for Italian citizenship through ancestry. <h2>Want to Republish This Episode.</h2>  <iframe src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/402996?theme=light" height="190" width="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay"></iframe> Next Episode: Miles Rowland. <h2>About World Nomads & the Podcast</h2> Explore your boundaries and discover your next adventure with The World Nomads Podcast. Hosted by Podcast Producer Kim Napier and World Nomads Phil Sylvester, each episode will take you around the world with insights into destinations from travelers and experts. They’ll share the latest in travel news, answer your travel questions and fill you in on what World Nomads is up to, including the latest scholarships and guides. <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">World Nomads</a> is a fast-growing online travel company that provides inspiration, advice, safety tips and specialized travel insurance for independent, volunteer and student travelers traveling and studying most anywhere in the world. Our online global travel insurance covers travelers from more than 135 countries and allows you to buy and claim online, 24/7, even while already traveling. The World Nomads Podcast is not your usual travel Podcast. It’s everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today. You can get in touch with us by emailing <a href="mailto:podcast@worldnomads.com">podcast@worldnomads.com</a>. We use the <a href="https://www.rode.com/rodecasterpro">Rodecaster Pro</a> to record our episodes and interviews when in the studio, made possible with the kind support of Rode. <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Full Transcript of the Episode</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> Speaker 1: Welcome to the World Nomads Podcast delivered by World Nomads, the travel, lifestyle and insurance brand. It's not your usual travel podcast. It's everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Kim: Well, thanks for tuning in as we deliver your destination episode after a couple of special eps, one on Chernobyl and another on Vanlife that if you haven't listened to, you should. So this time, we're looking at travel to Bangladesh. Phil: Look, we're told it's the unparalleled friendliness and hospitality of the Bangladeshi people that really sticks out, or so we hear in this episode anyway. But it's also a country known for its cuisine, from home kitchens to street food. It's rich in culture, and the countryside is almost entirely flat, and that's because it lies in the world's biggest river delta, of course the delta from the Ganges. Kim: Well, in this episode we do hear from Ash who we work with here at World Nomads. He emigrated from Bangladesh aged 5, and we find out a few things about Bangladesh that you probably wouldn't have thought of. But let's kick off with Audrey, and together, she and her husband Dan have been described as adventurous professionals and, most recently, Phil, as world travelers and storytellers. So where did all that begin? Audrey: I laugh because I'm thinking, "Where to begin?" So Uncornered Market originally started, I guess it's about 12 years ago. We were kind of one of the first bloggers. It originally began on a round-the-world journey that my husband Dan and I were taking and we thought, "Well, we'll document our travels and we'll use Uncornered Market as sort of portfolio of the creative work that we wanted to do in terms of writing and photography and videos and things like that." What we didn't know back then, because we thought we were just going to travel for about 12 or 18 months, is that Uncornered Market kind of took on a life of its own and it kind of grew as blogging grew and so it turned into a business and kind of a website of exploration. And our focus and our goal has always been to explore places that perhaps are not very well known and tell a different story or perhaps tell a story that doesn't usually get told, and so that's one of the things that brought us to Bangladesh. Phil: Anna [Xu 00:02:17] was the scholar. Audrey: Yes. Yeah. Also Australian, I believe, or New Zealand. Phil: Yes, that's right. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Beautiful photographs. Absolutely. Now look, so one of the things that you've got on your site is A Beginner's Guide to Bangladesh. What are the top tips you give to somebody when they're heading over to Bangladesh? Audrey: So Bangladesh is not your typical tourist or travel destination still, and my top tip is to go with... it sounds cheesy, bu an open mind. I mean, Bangladesh is very different from many other destinations, and it's right next door to India, so some people think, "Oh, well, it's going to be like traveling in India," but it's a unique place and culture in and of itself. And Bangladesh doesn't get very many travelers, and so as a traveler, especially a Western traveler, you might find yourself the object of attention. And it's because everyone is just so curious. I mean, the questions we got from people everywhere we traveled in Bangladesh were wonderful. Everyone was just really interested to know where we were from, what we thought of their country, and they were so happy that we visited. You don't necessarily go to Bangladesh to see famous sites or incredible buildings. You really go there for the people and the culture and just the experience of being in a very unique place. The sheer number of humanity and people in Bangladesh can be quite intense, but it's also quite remarkable when you realize they're all there. Dan and I used to joke that when we walked down the street, we couldn't stop because otherwise people would start gathering around. And it wasn't anything ominous, it was just people were really curious and they wanted to connect with us. It really is quite an interesting place. Kim: That is consistent with a chat that we're going to be having later in the podcast with a guy who says exactly the same thing, that normally he would travel and be respectful and not take photos, but in Bangladesh, they want you to take their photos, they want to have photos taken with you, so they're very, very curious people. Audrey: Yeah. We kind of joke that we must be on hundreds, if not thousands, of people's cell phones or mobile phones after our trip, because we would kind of walk down the street, all of a sudden we would look, and everyone was taking photos. And it wasn't anything malicious, it was just a curiosity. And one of the things that maybe shows how kind of unique or how curious people are, and just the fact that not many travelers go to Bangladesh... we were there for over five weeks, and I think we saw four foreign travelers in the course of that time. And at the beginning, people would come up to us and ask if we were from Japan. And Dan and I are white. We're American, European descent. We don't look at all Japanese. And we were kind of confused. We don't look at all Japanese. Why are they asking this? And it turns out the first travelers that started coming to Bangladesh were Japanese, and so after that, they started associating all foreigners with Japan. So it just kind of shows, again, this curiosity and the fact that they don't have very much interaction with other parts of the world and other travelers. Phil: Japanese a generic term for tourist in Bangladesh? Audrey: Yeah, exactly. It was also... and I use the word innocence in a very positive way. The questions, I think because we were foreigners, we would get questions about our home country and what we thought about Bangladesh, but also I found that people would ask us things and they almost wanted to ask our opinion about things in their life. I had a young woman asking me about my relationship with my mother-in-law. And at first, I was really confused, and it turns out she was going through these questions of, she was about to get married and she was trying to figure out how she would interact and her relationship with her mother-in-law, who takes a very big role. So it was a really... I was going to say, even in train rides and bus rides, we ended up getting into some really interesting conversations that went beyond just, "What's your name? Where are you from?", but kind of went into the culture and life as well. Phil: And long may that reign. That sounds to me like the true essence of travel, isn't it? Where it's not about the sites, as you say. You can go there and enjoy the people, and there is an openness which is what, to me, travel's all about. Audrey: Yes, and in Bangladesh, especially when you get outside the cities and you go into some of the more rural areas or communities, it's a little less overwhelming. And the reason why I say that is, the cities can be quite crowded and full of people. But it's kind of the pace comes down and you really have more time, and people aren't afraid to come up to you and talk to you. Kim: We're going to be chatting about the food in Bangladesh which is quite yummy and unique, apparently, also in this podcast. So you say it's not about visiting places or things, but if you are in Bangladesh, outside of these wonderful people, what would you recommend doing? Audrey: So one of our favorite experiences was taking the Rocket Steamer... I think it's called the Rocket Steamer or the Rocket Boat, which is... it's a very long journey, as in I think it was about 24 hours maybe from Dhaka, the capital city, and it goes south towards... Where it actually lands depends on the day, because we didn't end up landing where we thought we were because of the water levels... but it basically takes you south and is kind of a connector to go into the Sundurbans. And one of the things that was really nice about this boat journey is... if you've ever watched the news, there have been some boats that have sunk or turned over in Bangladesh, but the Rocket Steamer is actually an old British ship that I think dates back to 1800s, and it's never sunk. It's very safe. It's slow. And if you end up buying a first-class ticket... which at this point, I don't know exactly how much it costs, but it's not very much... it ends up being a really nice experience because you're sitting at the front of the boat and you kind of watch... you leave Dhaka, the capital city, and you kind of decompress from the craziness of Dhaka into the river and then you're able to enjoy the sunset and the sunrise on the rivers. Because Bangladesh is really, it's a country of rivers. Everything is connected by rivers, and you could see the fishermen on their boats and making their dinners on their little tiny boats at night. And also the Sundurbans, which is one of the areas where there are wild tigers. And you generally go on a two- or three-night boat ride again, and for us, it was quite interesting, because the journey that we were on, or the trip that we were on, we were actually with all Bangladeshi travelers. So it ended up being quite an interesting experience, kind of us with other city folk from Dhaka who are going down to the Sundurbans. And you're tracking tigers. To be honest, we never saw a tiger. We saw some footprints. But at the same time, it's a really nice experience because you're able to get on these beaches and go through these mangroves and also just being on the water is incredibly relaxing. The other experience that we really liked... and I don't know if it's still going on now, but I'm sure that there's other ones... is an overnight or spending a few days with a homestay in a village. It's a way to connect with rural Bangladesh, which is also quite special in terms of the agriculture and the people and the culture and the food. Some of the best food we had on our trip was in this homestay. And then we also really enjoyed going into the Chittagong Hill Tracts. And that's above the city of Chittagong, there's an area where there's a lot of ethnic minorities. Many of them are from Myanmar. They did not come with the recent wave of refugees that are Rohingya, but some of them have been there for, I don't know, 40, 50, 60 years. And so you're able to visit different villages and also learn about different... many of them are Buddhist cultures. And the markets are different, and the food is a little bit different, and there's actually alcohol there which is legal. It's the only place in Bangladesh where alcohol is legal. There's these beautiful hills and Buddhist temples and that's an also another beautiful area. Kim: And if anyone's panicking about the fact that you went first-class, at the time that you did it on this boat, it was $25 American for the two of you. Audrey: Yes, and I'm sure the price has gone up a little bit, and I think each meal was, I think, about two or three dollars on the boat. Kim: That was a fabulous insight. Thank you so, so much. Phil: Appreciate that [inaudible 00:10:59]. Audrey: I just have actually one more thing that I realized I wanted to add. And this isn't necessarily a site, but I would also say that when traveling in Bangladesh, try and travel by train as much as possible. The trains are wonderful. They're another opportunity to interact and talk and connect with people. And they also tend to be a little less hair-raising than the buses. The roads tend to be a... they can be a bit intense in times. So my other suggestion is to, as much as possible, travel by train. Kim: Well, I think Stuart is about to give similar advice, so thanks for that, Audrey. Now, travel to Bangladesh is on the increase, Phil, we know that, but there are still many unknowns for first-time visitors. And Stuart is a World Nomads contributor. He's written an article titled "Seven Things that Surprised Me about Bangladesh." So Stuart, what did you discover? Stuart: How great it is to travel there by waterway. To jump on the ferry there and to head along the river, it's not just about seeing the landscape... and obviously, when you're on a boat, you got lots of time to take things in and to look about, to move about, but it's also the interactions with the people. While I was on there, got chatting with various people because I'm guessing that they don't get masses of foreign travelers on the ferries. And so to some degree, people were curious as to what I was doing on the ferry and why, and it was just really nice because I had lots of lovely little informal conversations with people inside and on the decks, on the outside when I was looking at the scenery. And it was fantastic because it was just such a lovely, lovely way of slow travel. And what I didn't realize is just how extensive the network of boats is there. Phil: And there's a fair bit of water there. I mean, when you look at it on the map, it's a massive river delta, the whole country, it really is. So tons of water. Stuart: Yeah. I mean, that's absolutely right. The waterways play an incredibly important role in everyday life there. And I was told that the network structures were something like 8,000 kilometers, so roughly 5,000 miles, through the country, and that is phenomenal. So in many respects, the fact that the Ganges, you know, the rivers are starting to open up through the delta there, if you don't travel on it, you don't, to some degree, experience the full nature of the countryside in Bangladesh. I thought Bangladesh was a lovely, lovely place to photograph. Because if you enjoy your street photography and you enjoy people photography, and you travel, you'd be aware that in a lot of places, it can be awkward. People can not want to be photographed. People can turn their backs. In certain countries, it might be slightly difficult to photograph women. But in Bangladesh, I loved the openness of the people. Because the first experience that I had of this was when I was still in Dhaka, and one of the first things I did, I went down to the market, the wholesale fruit and veg market. Course, I had the camera in my hand, and people started to notice that, and they began asking to be photographed. It was like fear of missing out, almost. That's how it seemed to me. People go, "Photograph me mate. Can you photograph me?" And so of course, I ended up getting a whole load of lovely, lovely portrait photographs of people working at the market. That was pretty much true throughout my travels in the country. But one of the absolutely lovely things is it was a two-way process, because people come up to me with their smartphones and ask to have either photographs taken with me or, occasionally, "Can you hold the child and we'll get a photograph of us all together?" It was absolutely lovely. Obviously, people are a lot more reticent of doing that kind of thing in a lot of Western countries. But I guess when you put a six-foot-four ginger bloke on the streets in Dhaka, then I kind of stood out and people did come up and chat. And it was just a lovely, lovely experience because it shows that the country's not one of those places that's overrun by tourism and how people are welcoming to foreigners, I thought. Kim: You could have started your story with, "I'm a six-foot-four ginger." So hence the interest. Stuart: That's when a few people might have switched off this ginger [crosstalk 00:15:54]. Kim: We're going to be chatting food later in the episode, because you also mention how wonderful Bangladeshi food is, but it's always great to give listeners, travelers, some tips. And one of yours is... and in fact, Phil, the last couple of destination podcasts we've done, we've featured road trips, but Stuart, this is not something that you advise in Bangladesh. Phil: Oh, the roads. Stuart: The roads are a bit... it's like being on the moon in places. There's big potholes. The traffic in the cities is really quite something. The density of the traffic at rush hour in Dhaka and in Chittagong was phenomenal. I mean, looking out from where I was sitting, I could see battered buses, scrapes. It was interesting in many ways to be stuck in traffic for that long, because as you're jockeying up the street, you see the same people in the bus the whole time. You start staring and waving at each other. But it was interesting to see the rickshaws, how they were kind of weaving in and out and not actually making things any quicker at all [inaudible 00:17:13] to shift lanes, so it was interesting. The journey from the airport to my hotel, which was downtown, on the first evening, took over three hours. I think that it wasn't even a super long journey. It was something that really could be easily done within thirty to forty minutes on a clearer road. And one of the fellows, brilliantly, he was told, "Oh, it's just a short journey." And he needed the loo before he got onto the bus, but he thought, "I'm going to be at the hotel soon." Well, of course, he was in desperate [crosstalk 00:17:56] we actually got there. So that was interesting. Phil: Speaking of which, how did you get on with the food in Bangladesh? Because it's got a bad reputation. I mean, I know it's delicious, but did you get sick? Stuart: No. No. I'll come back to the sickness, but anyway, the food itself was phenomenal. Because what I didn't realize is how prevalent mash is there. I always thought Northeast Indian subcontinent, it's going to be a lot of white rice. And certainly white rice is served, but way more prevalent on the homestays is mash made with mustard oil, so it's got a lot of flavor. Really, really tasty. And dal, various variations on dal. A lot of vegetarian dishes are served. I love the fact that you sit together with people during meals and kind of share, so it's a very social experience, and that was good. But I did... after, as I was getting home, I came down with something, and I reckon it was from the tea stalls, because I was drinking a lot of tea from the street side stalls. The tummy just went haywire after I got back, and I was in a bit of a state for a couple of weeks to be honest. But the precise cause of that, I don't know. So it's definitely worth making sure you get your bottled water and your Coke or whatever if you've got a bit of a dicky tummy, though. Kim: Leave us with one other tip that travelers might like to know about Bangladesh. Stuart: Go there with an open mind. Because I think when I was chatting to people in hotels at the end of the day, foreign travelers were saying, "Didn't really expect the place to be this friendly." There was a little bit of fear that they could be targeted for some bad stuff because they were foreign. Pretty much everybody sat around recounting really positive experiences to what had happened to them when they met people. So I mean, I think, the story type is one of poverty and it's definitely, definitely not a rich country, but it's a place where the people, they're absolutely fantastic. Kim: Stuart's article is in show notes. Phil, what's travel news? Phil: All right. It sounded like a German couple have been fined 950 euros and kicked out of Venice for making coffee on the steps of the Rialto Bridge. Come on, what were they thinking? There's a picture. We'll put it in show notes. There they are, set up just on the edge of the canal there, got little mats set out, little cups, and they're brewing up on the edge of Rialto Bridge. Look, many Italian towns are cracking down on backpacker behavior, especially eating and drinking whilst you're on church steps and what-have-you. And of course, Venice is working on its overtourism problem. They say with the stated aim of improving the lives for locals. But what made this couple think they were exempt? Kim: When coffee calls, Phil. You know that. Phil: Also, you're in Italy. Do you reckon you can get a coffee somewhere? But serious one, authorities in Costa Rica have issued an alert to travelers after 20 people died... this is since the beginning of June... 20 people after consuming drinks tainted with methanol. The authorities are saying methanol is sometimes added to boost the alcohol content of drinks sold over the bar, but I don't think that's what's happening here. We've seen this before in Bali, and I think it's happened in Hungary as well. Some of the unethical bar owners try to boost their profits by brewing their own spirits in the back yard. And it's actually quite a difficult process, because if you don't get the temperature control right, one degree difference, you make methanol instead of alcohol. And as you can see, it has disastrous consequences. Kim, have you seen the YouTube video of the model Naomi Campbell and her aircraft boarding routine that she goes through when she gets on a plane? And she's going up the pointy end, as well, by the way, she's going up business class end. She puts on rubber gloves... Kim: Yes! I saw it. I saw it. Phil: ... and puts on a mask, and she uses antiseptic wipes and she wipes down everything. The seat, the armrest, the TV screen, the table, everything, and then she comes in in a blanket, and then she sits there for the entire flight with this mask on. And she insists it stops her from getting sick because whenever planes descend, people start coughing and sneezing. Having to travel with the general public, Naomi. Kim: Well, I thought of you when I saw that because you say that you wipe down your table tray... Phil: I do. I do. Kim: ... and the remote for the TV. Phil: Yeah. Yeah. Well, I do it at home as well. I've seen what my kids get up to. Yeah, but I mean, you can just have like one little antiseptic wipe. You just give everything a quick rubdown. But you don't have to get the spray bottle out and put rubber gloves on. That's a bit over the top, Naomi. Get a grip there, would you? Kim: I do agree. Phil: What do you do with your houseplants when you go away, Kim? Do you just let them die? Kim: Yes. Unfortunately, that is what happens. Phil: Well, Contiki, who are partners of World Nomads, they've started, in London, for their travelers that are there, a plant hotel. You can book them into Contiki's plant hotel. Kim: Love it. Thanks for that, Phil. Phil: No worries. Kim: Phil, we're very lucky at World Nomads to have a culturally diverse team of people. And one of those... as he smiles... one of our team members is Ash, who happens to be from Bangladesh. It's a shame it wasn't Bangladash. Ash from Bangladash. Ash: Oh my god, wouldn't that be something? That would make it much more memorable. Because Ash can be a bit common sometimes, can't it? But Ash from Bangladash... Kim: Is it Ash shortened from something? Ash: Yeah, it is. It's Ashwak, so there you go, so it's not quite Ash. Kim: Okay. All right. So let's get your story first before we chat about food. How did you come to be in Australia? Ash: So yeah. It's a very good question, Kim, before we get into the food. Kim: Thank you. Phil: Well done. Well done. Ash: It was. You threw me off there. I thought we're just going to talk about food for the entire [crosstalk 00:24:36]. Phil: There's always a bit of warmup. Ash: Yeah, there's a bit of fluffing going on in the setup. So Kim, my parents actually immigrated over here when I was about five years old. Kim: Why? Ash: So my dad, he studied overseas when he was in uni, right? He studied in the US, actually, of all places. When he went back to Bangladesh, I think he enjoyed living in the West, if you will, and he was kind of thinking of countries to go to. And I don't think America was somewhere he wanted to take his young family to at that time. It was kind of late 80s, early 90s. I think he had lived in Washington DC at the peak of the crack epidemic. Chatting to my dad, he kind of shortlisted it down to Canada and Australia were the two places. If you look at the pattern of immigration to those two countries, there is quite a distinct, if you will, community from the subcontinent in both Canada and now kind of developing in Australia. And I don't know what it is, maybe it's the whole former colony commonwealth thing going on there, but my dad decided to come to Australia. Kim: As a 5-year-old then, when you arrived here, did you speak any English? Because it's kind of school age. Ash: Yeah, it is. No, I didn't. I didn't speak English. So I was enrolled in what's called ESL, which is like English as a Secondary Language. I actually came just as kindergarten was starting. I remember the week would be divided between "regular" kindergarten class and then me and a few other kids that had English as a secondary language or didn't speak English at all would go off to our ESL special class to pronounce things like chair and ball and just some of those elemental things that you take for granted. Kim: Now, obviously, as a grownup man, apart from looking at you, there's kind of no sign that you are from Bangladesh. Does that make you sad or have you kept in touch with your roots? Ash: Well, firstly, thank you for calling me a man. That's good. Phil: You are. You're a fully grown man. Ash: Yeah, thank you. I'm a fully grown man, not a child anymore. To the second part, does it make me sad? No. I feel like I have a connection to both cultures, Kim. There's a part of me that's very distinctly Bangladeshi that I can't change and there's a part of me that's very distinctly Australian that I can't change either. At times growing up, I did feel like I didn't necessarily belong to any of the one two cultures. I was kind of in this no man's land and I know anyone that's listening that has emigrated and is second, third generation living where they are, they may have gone through something similar. It's kind of not until in the last few years that I've kind of been comfortable with my identity. Kim: See, I kind of get what you're saying when you said there was a point there where you didn't feel that you were either Bangladeshi or Australian- Ash: Right, like belonging to either culture fully. Kim: And that ought have been magnified going to school and sitting with kids eating Vegemite sandwiches... sounds clichéd, but it's true... and then going home and what sort of cuisine was your mother cooking or your father? Ash: My parents both cook. My dad is really into his cooking as well, which is where I picked up a lot of my cooking skills, from watching them both. Yeah, certainly weren't many Vegemite sandwiches at home growing up. Maybe chutney sandwiches, perhaps? Kim: That's very cosmopolitan. Ash: Now it is, but back then not so much. You take a chutney sandwich or a bit of chutney rice and curry to school and the waft would probably scare most people off. Kim: Is that what you took to school? Ash: Yeah, I did for the most part. It was funny. I mean, if I think back through primary school, I think it was my mom was just trying to get a lay of the land and figure out what kids took to school in Australia. Yeah, initially, it was very much whatever we had at home, get packed up, and I remember there was a canteen lady who was nice enough to heat it up for me during lunch which is nice. Kim: He's the little Bangladeshi kiddie. Ash: The little Bangladeshi kid. Look, as if I didn't stick out visually, now you could smell me. Just to make it- Kim: And all your mum needed to do was put either jam, peanut butter or Vegemite and couple of biscuits. Ash: Well, this is the thing. I think she wised up later on, saying like, "Why am I going through all this hassle of packing all this food when I can just get couple of slices of bread, some cold cuts and some cheese and well, I'm done." So instead of having to spend several minutes, I can do it in under a minute. Kim: What were they cooking at home? Ash: At home... So Bangladeshi food, being in the subcontinent, it's not all that dissimilar to food from the neighboring countries like India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan... any of you that are familiar with that type of cuisine... but there are some differences there. There's kind of like a running joke in the subcontinent that Bangladeshis and fish, we love our fish. So Bangladesh, geographically, there's a lot of rivers and lakes throughout the country. And if you go back to kind of the necessity of sourcing cheap protein, that was it. Instead of trying to grow cattle, which is expensive, or chickens or whatever, you just chuck in a net and get fish. And it's almost similar to... and it is an old stereotype of Irish and potatoes. In the subcontinent, as soon as you say Bangladeshi, fish comes in. Phil: Fish jokes. Ash: Fish jokes come in left, right and center. So a lot of fish curries, different styles of fish curries, preserved fish. Pretty much all savory meals will have some form of rice. And a lot of lamb, chicken. Again, curries of 101 varieties essentially. Kim: Now you also said to me that you have been back to Bangladesh as an adult and you experienced something that you didn't get to experience as a child. Ash: The main thing that I didn't get to experience... I talked about my parents cooking at home, traditional Bangladeshi food like rice and curries of different varieties... the one thing I didn't get to experience was street food or the street food scene, which is massive in Bangladesh, especially the larger cities. If you've seen footage of that part of the world, the hustle and bustle 24/7, you know? Elbow-to-elbow pretty much 24/7. People are busy. They need something that's inexpensive on the go, and that's where kind of the street food scene comes up. There's so much variety of it. There's snacks like rice-based snacks, meat-based snacks. Kim: Is it healthy? Do you have to watch your tummy? Ash: Yeah, that's a very good question. Kind of the rules that you apply when eating street food in any other country apply here. The things to look out for, does that place have high turnover? What kind of a crowd does it draw? So yeah, it's hit and miss. There are certainly some that may give you "Delhi belly" or Dhaka belly. For the most part, it's not taking a toll on his stomach. Phil: They give you the Bangladash. You have to dash to the toilet. Ash: Dash. Very good. Kim: Dad joke. Phil: Dad joke. Ash: I like that dad joke. Kim: Okay, what about etiquette if we're traveling there? I've also noticed there's a lot of eating with your hands? Ash: Yeah, the utensils of the subcontinent, your right hand essentially. So right hand for eating, left hand for cleaning. Not simultaneously, you'd hope. I mean, that is a graphic- Phil: Well, it depends. It depends if you've got the- Ash: If you get the Bangladash. It's like an unspoken rule. If you're shaking hands, you wouldn't extend your left hand. Even if you're left-handed, it would generally be the right hand because that's seen as the hand that you clean with. Phil: What about drinks? You got any special drinks? Ash: Any special drinks? Are you talking about alcoholic beverages? Phil: No, no. Like lassis or something like that. Ash: Oh, generally. Okay, yeah, of course. Well, I'll cover the alcoholic part up first. It's probably more available in the major cities. Once you go outside, it's probably a little bit more difficult to get. But in terms of drinks, yeah, lassi is very popular there as well. One, it's kind of a drink and a dessert at the same time, so it's got liquid and solid parts to it. Phil: It's a left-hand, right-hand... Ash: It's called falooda. I don't know if you guys have heard of it. Phil: Nope. Kim: Nope. Ash: So it's kind of milk-based with a little bit of rose water, little bit of ice cream through it, lychees, jelly, apples. Kim: Sounds Turkish. Ash: It probably came from that part of the world. Because if you look at the history of the subcontinent before the British ruled it, it was the Moghuls who ruled it for, I believe, three or four hundred years, the entire subcontinent, and they are of Turkic descent. So you'll find that, not just in Bangladesh, but across the subcontinent, desserts that have kind of almost Persian or Turkish or Central Asian inspired. Kim: Okay. Final question. If your family hadn't have immigrated, what would your life look like? Ash: If I had stayed in Bangladesh? Well, that's a very deep, profound question. How do I...? Phil: President. Ash: President? Phil: Maybe. Ash: President of the Street Food Association. Phil: Yes. That's more like it. Kim: But you would have an idea, though, given... obviously your father's educated, so that would have set you apart from [crosstalk 00:33:16]. Ash: Yeah. So my background, my dad and my grandfather before him, very... I guess you'd call them middle-class public servant kind of roles. I imagine I would have been something similar. That country has changed a lot, though, since my parents came here. And even in the few times I've been back a few years apart, there's a noticeable difference in terms of wealth being created for people that were poorer being pulled out of poverty into the middle classes, so lot happening there. It's difficult to say. Maybe I'd be doing something similar to what I'm doing here working in travel insurance. Phil: Digital marketing, something like that. Ash: Digital marketing, yeah. Kim: Nice answer. Phil: That's a great question. Ash: That's a great question. Yeah. Phil: I like that one. Ash: Isn't it fascinating when you think about the fork in the road- Kim: Sliding doors. Phil: Sliding doors. Ash: Yeah, the sliding doors, the one decision that someone made a couple generations back that's led you to this point. Kim: Thank you so much for sharing that with us. Ash: Thanks for having me, guys. Pleasure. Kim: Pleasure. Phil: I love having people in the studio. It's great. Kim: It is. Phil: Thanks, Ash. Kim: Cheers. Sarah is the creator and the host of the podcast Postcard Academy, where each week she interviews people who've packed up everything to start a new adventure in another part of the world. Now, Sarah fits in well with this podcast... I thought so anyway, after listening to Ash whose parents immigrated from Bangladesh to Australia. And Phil, your parents too, from the UK to Australia. Phil: Yeah. Look, Sarah's American, but after a trip to the UK, she decided she wanted to live there. So how did she do it? Sarah: I spent a semester in London and really fell in love with the city, and I did not want to leave. But as an American, I couldn't figure out a way to stay there. So after that semester, I went back to the States, and many years went by before I did any international travel again. Then at some point when I was living in New York, I realized just by chance that I might be eligible for Italian citizenship through my Italian ancestry. And I got really excited about that and started to do research and gather all the documents that I needed. And those documents went back generations, and they had so many misspellings, and it a very complicated process to apply in America, but I wanted to do it. And so I found a woman online to translate my documents for me, because I had to get them from English to Italian. And she said, "You know, it could take you up to a year if you stay here in the States and apply here. But if you move to Italy, you could probably get your passport in like a month or two." I was like, "Really? Okay, stranger I've never met before." So based on this advice from this person who was helping me out online, in 2010, I left New York and moved to Italy, and I became an EU citizen and an Italian citizen. And I've been here ever since. Kim: Wow. So how far back did your ancestry go? Sarah: It was my great-grandparents. I think I had realized a number of years ago that citizenship was possible through bloodline, but I had always thought it was your grandparents. But for Italy, it's not. You can go back much further than that as long as you can prove your bloodline. Kim: Okay. There will be a few people listening now that will be going back through their family tree. Sarah: There's a few bureaucratic, like very arbitrary rules. So if my great-grandparents had naturalized before my grandfather was born, I would have been ineligible. But because they waited to naturalize as US citizens after he was born, then all of the generations that came after were considered Italian in a certain way, and so that's why I was eligible for citizenship. But yes, if you think you might be eligible, go for it. It's amazing having a second passport. Kim: I can only imagine. So how has travel changed you then, Sarah? Sarah: Well, I've been thinking a lot about this lately. I originally wanted to live abroad because I love traveling and learning about different cultures and trying new food. But I did not expect that living abroad would transform my values, and it really has. When I was living in New York, I thought we were the most enlightened, open-minded people in the world. I didn't realize how caught up I was in my own culture, especially the work culture. I had really amazing colleagues, but when I think about our lifestyle back then, it was just the stereotypical American lifestyle, just always on the clock, coming in when you're sick, eating lunch at your desk everyday, having a handful of vacation days a year. And then we would look at the Europeans and just be like, "Ugh. They're on vacation again. They're so lazy. They need to get their priorities in order." And now I realize, oh, those Europeans had the right priorities. They have lives, and they prioritize health and family and free time. And I'm generalizing here, not every country is like that, not every person is like that, but these are values that I think people in the US say they want, but it's how people in other parts of the world actually live. So now I believe it's important to prioritize the people and the things that we love and make our work life fit around that rather than the reverse. Kim: Your travel, it led you to podcasting, which is one of the reasons we're turning to you. But primarily, you focus on female guests, so why have you chosen to do that? Sarah: I got the idea for Postcard Academy, my travel podcast, when I was working really crazy hours at a tech startup. And as an American expat, I still wanted to make the most of my time in Europe and travel. So even though I didn't have a ton of time to plan, I just wanted to get on a plane on the weekends and just sit back in my seat and listen to a podcast about the insider cool things to do in whatever city I was going to. And I couldn't find the show that I was looking for, so I decided to create it myself later after I left that job when I had more time. So I combined podcasts and travel to create Postcard Academy. And it's for anyone who loves travel and is interested in living abroad. I'm especially interested in featuring women as my guests because I was seeing a stereotype of women who travel. Either women running around in bikinis living the perfect life on Instagram or, in books and in films, women traveling because they were in some kind of crisis. They were either trying to get over a divorce or some other trauma. And I think those stories are very important and travel can be very healing, but I wanted to share stories of women who packed up everything and just set off on an adventure for the love of it. Kim: So smashing the Eat, Pray, Love theory. Sarah: Exactly. Yeah. I mean, there's been many films and books. And it's just actually not the same for guys. I realized I was giving Hollywood a pass. Because when I was seeing those sort of anguished memoirs coming out, I thought, "Oh, well, maybe happy stories just don't have the narrative arc that they're looking for." But then I realized, guys who have travel shows and write travel books, they are just swashbuckling around and drinking beer and having the best time, and they don't have to give a reason for it or anguish over why they're doing this. They just do it. And women out there are doing it, too, they're just not getting featured as much. So that's why I chose this theme and these kinds of guests, because I wanted to put them in the spotlight. Kim: So why do you believe that travel is important? You've touched on that a little in the conversation so far, but if you could sum it up. Sarah: Well, I would say, I think travel and experiencing new cultures and meeting diverse people has never been more important. Unfortunately, nationalism is rising around the world. If you listen to the news on any day, you're probably going to hear some politician around the world railing about how horrible the foreigners are, and they're coming to get us. Thankfully, we are not our governments. We as individuals can go out and meet each other and learn from each other and realize that the world is not as scary and as bad as the media and world leaders would make it out to be. So I truly believe that travel and living abroad is the most effective form of diplomacy. Phil: Well said, Sarah. Links to her site and podcast in our show notes. A couple of practical things to know about Bangladesh. Passports must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay. That's fairly standard, but they're pretty strict on it there. You do need a visa to get into Bangladesh, and of course, you must have an onward ticket. Kim: Now we mentioned earlier we had recently featured a couple of special podcast episodes in place of our destination episodes, including Chernobyl. Now, if you haven't listened and you've watched the TV show, tune in. Speaker 8: Having that place become a big disaster tourist amusement park where young people, who are going to hopefully go on and procreate, visit in the hundreds of thousands? That's a terrible idea. It's also a pretty disrespectful idea. I mean, people suffered greatly from that accident, and then to make it a form of entertainment and tourism is, I think, a little unconscionable. Kim: Well, that wraps up this episode. You can get in touch with us with ideas or feedback by emailing podcast@worldnomads.com. And to listen to our episodes, grab them from wherever you get your favorite podcasts. And if you enjoy, subscribe so you don't miss an episode, and feel free to share the episodes and rate them also among your network. And you can give us a rating, as I said. What's next, Phil? Phil: Yep. Tell your friends about us. That would be great. Australian filmmaker Miles Rowland, he was recently filming with environmentalist Tim Jarvis on the 25zero Project and then ended up in Tanzania in the middle of a Maasai circumcision ceremony. Kim: Whoa. See you next week. Phil: Ow. Kim: Bye. Phil: See ya. Speaker 1: The World Nomads Podcast. Explore your boundaries.   </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/RubyRascal 0861365136 Getty Images River transportation in Bangladesh

The Yamuna - Dead River Full of Life | Photo Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/the-yamuna-dead-river-full-of-lifeThe Yamuna - Dead River Full of Life | Photo StoryFri, 26 Jul 2019 23:52:01 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/discovery/the-yamuna-dead-river-full-of-lifehttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/bhutan/the-world-nomads-podcast-bhutanWe uncover Bhutan’s phallic obsession, question the daily tariff for inbound travelers and hear why the local pigs don’t fly but do get high.2019-04-02T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/bhutan/the-world-nomads-podcast-bhutanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>The World Nomads Podcast: Bhutan</h2> In this episode, we venture far and wide from discussing the daily tariff for inbound travelers to the 10-inch wooden phallus monks use to bless you. <div> <script>// <![CDATA[ (function(t,e,s,n){var o,a,c;t.SMCX=t.SMCX||[],e.getElementById(n)||(o=e.getElementsByTagName(s),a=o[o.length-1],c=e.createElement(s),c.type="text/javascript",c.async=!0,c.id=n,c.src=["https:"===location.protocol?"https://":"http://","widget.surveymonkey.com/collect/website/js/tRaiETqnLgj758hTBazgdzDiJndf0ALQHsnMpeesxexvrH_2FSGy1QIQJZ_2Fw5nHxVF.js"].join(""),a.parentNode.insertBefore(c,a))})(window,document,"script","smcx-sdk"); // ]]></script> <a style="font: 12px Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #999; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com"> Create your own user feedback survey </a></div> <h2>What’s in the Episode</h2> 00:20 What we have learnt about Bhutan 02:22 Bhutan's daily tariff, is it worth it?  05:49 "I think travel is inherently a privilege." - Alex Reynolds 10:15 Long live the King 12:40 Phallic obsession -"And next thing you know I'm being blessed by the monk, in other <g class="gr_ gr_835 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="835" data-gr-id="835">words</g> he's tapping me on the head with a wooden phallus and yes I was blessed. I had no idea why." - Marie Javins. 18:40 Bhutan's conflicting needs 21:30 Pigs don't fly 22:00 Travel News 26:40 Traveling sustainably 32:46 Bhutan Homestay 39:46 Stumbling across a festival 41:15 Our podcast survey 41:40 Next episode <h2>Who is in the Episode</h2> <a href="http://www.mariesworldtour.com/">Marie Javins</a> is an ex-New Yorker who started a blog "No Hurry in Africa" in 2005, then moved to Kuwait and Cairo to make comic books and circumnavigated the world for the second time in 2011. In this episode, Marie tells us about her <a href="http://www.mariesworldtour.com/search/label/Bhutan">visit to Bhutan</a> and its phallic obsession. Look out for Marie in an upcoming Amazing Nomads episode. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/podcast/bhutan.jpg" /> <figcaption> Photo Credit: Marie Javins </figcaption></figure> <a href="https://www.lostwithpurpose.com/about/">Alex Reynolds</a> is a traveler with a blog called <a href="https://www.lostwithpurpose.com/bhutan-tourist-fee/">Lost with Purpose</a>. We caught up with Alex to discuss Bhutan’s daily tariff. <a href="https://blog.ecobags.com/2016/04/11/how-to-socially-responsible-travel/">Mollie Mac</a> has traveled independently to 40 countries, always with an eye to environmental and social sustainability. She works for <a href="https://www.ecobags.com/About-Us">Eco Bags</a>, cleaning up the planet one bag at a time. Ulrike Cokl from <a href="https://www.bhutanhomestay.com/portfolio/our-approach/">Bhutan Homestay</a> has lived in Bhutan on and off for many years and has conducted ethnographic research on traditional hospitality practices, traveling & gift-exchange in rural communities. So, she is very familiar with <g class="gr_ gr_928 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="928" data-gr-id="928">village</g> livelihoods all over Bhutan. Follow Bhutan Homestay on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bhutanhomestay/">Facebook</a>. <h2>Resources & Links</h2> Ulrike is also co-founder of the <a href="https://www.bhutan-network.org/team/">Bhutan Network</a>, an Austrian based association to facilitate equal exchange between people in Bhutan and Europe. You can follow the Network on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bhutannetwork/">Facebook</a>. Scholarships Newsletter: <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create">Sign up for scholarships news and see what opportunities are live here</a>. <h2>Want to Republish This Episode?</h2> Embed this code in your web page. <div class="whooshkaa-widget-player" data-episode-id="352019" data-theme="light" data-height="190" ></div> <script src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/js/widget/loader.umd.min.js"></script> <h4>Next Episode: Amazing Nomad Angie Davis.</h4> <h2>About World Nomads & the Podcast</h2> Explore your boundaries and discover your next adventure with The World Nomads Podcast. Hosted by Podcast Producer Kim Napier and World Nomads Phil Sylvester, each episode will take you around the world with insights into destinations from travelers and experts. They’ll share the latest in travel news, answer your travel questions and fill you in on what World Nomads is up to, including the latest scholarships and guides. <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">World Nomads</a> is a fast-growing online travel company that provides inspiration, advice, safety tips and specialized travel insurance for independent, volunteer and student travelers traveling and studying most anywhere in the world. Our online global travel insurance covers travelers from more than 135 countries and allows you to buy and claim online, 24/7, even while already traveling. The World Nomads Podcast is not your usual travel Podcast. It’s everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today. You can get in touch with us by emailing <a href="mailto:podcast@worldnomads.com">podcast@worldnomads.com</a>. We use the <a href="https://www.rode.com/rodecasterpro">Rodecaster Pro</a> to record our episodes, made possible with the kind support of Rode.   <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Full Transcript of the Episode</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=lNZDuLDQzvlkNsfkuEuFMbV72GDdcwVBvwp7hoE-Tm3zxxvEmx289ORYVUdLaAH0V4vfX22Is7rNW-zrLR7l05MRBpE&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=0.89">Speaker 1:</a> Welcome to the World Nomads podcast. Delivered by World Nomads, the travel lifestyle and insurance brand. It's not your usual travel podcast. It's everything for the adventurous independent traveler. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=5s8d8rBg2gvFF901Vsz2_6GvvyY72vdc8psLa7SKAOG5nfIOiRzfkpjRHxF49VWaZ3OaHXzQtPyYO41-iOH3fBrYpdw&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=12">Kim:</a> Thank you for hitting play on this episode of the World Nomads podcast, with Phil and myself, Kim. In which we feature Bhutan. Look a few things I've <g class="gr_ gr_847 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="847" data-gr-id="847">learnt</g> only carbon sink in the world, <g class="gr_ gr_846 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="846" data-gr-id="846">highest</g> unclimbed mountain in the world. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=Y2SgskW1Rb5ZXp7r0_9GbZ83dZnVZMjcg3Eh1Pjwsd-A0ABzPxHPgL6JEZELzd5F80iV9zhxwpMvRJpLbCgMMIjEeNU&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=24.56">Phil:</a> What? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=JZblV2q0UirK3MOdDWFV62xO_5uvXVnw5g1enNNEplzZ0--YoRiFuxhz3rMXaRgxAQXy6nIrQ_nWEMO2vf4w7GWSnxk&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=24.59">Kim:</a> 72<g class="gr_ gr_995 gr-alert gr_tiny gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="995" data-gr-id="995">%</g> forest cover. Yep. Highest unclimbed mountain. Happiest country in the world, we'll find out why a little later. Total tobacco ban or at least what the pigs are. No traffic lights in the entire country and television <g class="gr_ gr_996 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="996" data-gr-id="996">was</g> banned until 1999. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=1xNfqA2a83k-tG7BcY4QDhTr_3wXnWC1BvI8f3ueYVofNnuA0JZuQfW3TuRceS_CfvVurucoF5PS_TioCtP5Cx6xqH0&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=40.3">Kim:</a> Now in this episode we will venture, be prepared, far and wide. From discussing the daily tariff, which could be a little off putting to some people. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=TeVl2Zv95EiAWl3n6JFkB3uxTq_HmeBPyjbXe5THzxlB-nLsDDOPIbARXsNz5AeIJN9gEegnSNMJaSherk958YOBdZI&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=50.25">Phil:</a> For inbound tourists you mean? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=V4r_3Mo6kHvToTIMI_OjZths7Fayy5kZHXV9qIb6JBqdW6gqVlvYZ3eOftiJ-D5DKlajUi_Ips3M8mj0sXLBycXHMxw&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=51.8">Kim:</a> Yeah exactly. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=NTeoIGvE3J5Iwq7XC4EFoSFX-nL9tZPLQl2aAL_h_K92wm5OaSk1Z5_dQj8D40I5C-qBJbWV0L8Lhc69-teUp7z-fHU&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=52.78">Phil:</a> Okay, yeah. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=h-gaQz-kFayNPVVtdv9KIS6flSv329oFoNoMj0wi5q8yFoHJJ77A_gtxTPmYDzREr8eiHmdIloxVv64n-58K_D7CO4k&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=52.94">Kim:</a> To the 10-inch wooden phallus that monks use to bless you. I'm loving this country. Why would a nomad want to experience Bhutan, Phil? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=Q9Il_CU2zJ-kuKnLAkh2g0A3qancSDvgq2t6ZleYTGYBc-YiyDl0eMNX5IvPgULR6N-8Qq81CACrIOpClPh19J4b6A8&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=61.42">Phil:</a> Do you mean because of the daily tariff? You have to fork out a couple of hundred US dollars a day just for the privilege of traveling there. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=ElVWgyclTNk9V6o4fR2p4iK6DApjsTx8LIuz6yx-qp4kAa55i_liV6cUWYPSv7gtvmqg5rx2Tqj6ck8OolpGw-e2SQQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=68.68">Kim:</a> That's off season yeah. And a little more when it's popular. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=w3FfA0Dk-7I7WYsHTbUtcq5z3zt3lhEI0Lehy4_RdUn5EprmsvTwdoFrgj2Tv3p_gIV3jtLDeMXWyWDSDNMfy3I0il4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=72.29">Phil:</a> Yeah. Look I think we've discussed this before when talking about over tourism. I think everybody's got a right to travel but it's a bit of a privilege. And I think you may have to pay for that privilege sometimes. And being a World Nomads not all about getting by on five bucks a day or what have you. There are some experiences out there that will be worth having, like visiting Bhutan. And it's about getting value for, however much money it's cost you. So even if you're spending a few hundred dollars a day, I think Bhutan should be high on the list for a World Nomad because it is such a unique place, it's so different and it is so culturally rich. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=udfXulsqs_K7DPpdhDkzoPBsbpdxQEkUQR9m2THpn3Nn9sv4KFDey40JDgBqDGc-eF0W9n6d8wrdwKGxcq7TLeZB1Uw&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=115.25">Kim:</a> You are not kidding, as you will find out in this episode. Alex is a traveler with a blog called Lost with Purpose. Now, this is a girl you won't find sipping coconut water on a beach in Bali. She prefers places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran <g class="gr_ gr_963 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="963" data-gr-id="963">and</g> Bhutan. I've got all the an's in there. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=t0XU5H-h26c7Z6ys9693UVmeaDcNyuBH_MnMzsRh0eOjEPa2PdJthcy8t4pkUzZIep7VTMFmIzy-Li_eH6wPTL-VLD4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=131.19">Phil:</a> The stan's and then there's the an's. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=AuFGPgPUM9-Pf_sg-Ww5Td9Ihihc06TUMCDSS17MyInid-E0w3MTsM2ny54mGTZzIYvHPxgZKEgRcIwyJLMhla1mqw0&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=135.06">Kim:</a> The an's yeah. We caught up with her to talk about Bhutan's daily tariff that Phil just touched on and asked the big question, look, is it worth it? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=NFUlja2JH70sv88x666sjrOg1Bakjp3krh1-PtSn726ztjxfLGg2XNkozaUaTUhyPv85Tu8L_t05f5xPMdunKAXevP8&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=143.4">Alex:</a> A lot of people cringe when you think of the, or when you hear of the 200 to 250 a day fee. But it's not so much a tourist tax as it is an all inclusive fee. You're basically paying to go on a tour in Bhutan. And so the 250 a day includes your accommodation, your transportation, your guides fees, your food, entry fees for wherever you're going that day, et cetera, et cetera. And so it seems like a lot especially relative to other countries in the region. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=1GwWHlC2vFp2yv5Xyn9kIoNdyfGCR8KsIPylqNjJfTjPMwVcqNApIM5LG1ypEnlp5Hnu7gPeukoaGlczLi6cCUJQ9PA&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=174.65">Alex:</a> What Bhutan is doing with that money is actually quite good. A good portion of that money goes towards sustainable developments within the country. So building infrastructure, providing free health care and education for everyone. Stuff like that. So your money is not just disappearing into some deep dark governmental pocket. It's actually being put to good use and for the most part covering basic tour expenditures. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=82y6v98dlN1qMc72sdjC-fHpTEDmqUGgChseF1-VrxIpNJGv2nCDjUpHIjr0Z2ZUOZLgTIJm7lZitxviCy_tooCXbBA&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=199.46">Phil:</a> Well because Bhutan is one of the first countries, and maybe the only country that not only measures GDP but it measures happiness. It has a happiness index as well which is part of government policy. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=eM5wBat6VbOxamE9ZfXiEZUB6JJUjPX7iUoto_Ljpa7duyJiPeJ_eyH4ms86EOSjZVdKqzqFRyNOtbaE9kifD_AjEWk&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=213.1">Alex:</a> Yeah, whether or not they actually measure happiness that much or not measure happiness but hold it to that higher regard within the country, I'm not entirely sure about that. That wasn't necessarily so evident when I was there. I think people are generally somewhat content. They're content but I wouldn't say that there's an immense amount of happiness within the country necessarily. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=omdGy2Wrlb55z5fNE7uNkxU3OmGBafj32wOZVt6UdXlIbM6qHv3uPdr3vonGR4qrOPimqvEDaYYZZWqVerEU-ClsKVI&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=239.92">Phil:</a> Ah no but it ... <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=JznOwAIVmw4AZ29FOYK4DklSFqeWQb98NQJ6ysZQs9nnb8YicNtSq88VHI8uKEeHGylwST3x7kTUjCdiXkdXzYM7E40&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=240.11">Alex:</a> But it's more of like a media stand. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=_b1Y4hpSRlPKyvZoJpe5vTTtcaURzfJw3bmc_QMC_V71t6qareI_AiNwFiykjV6WJKNvW__CnhwqZrQRqE_-wOtTY3o&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=242.78">Phil:</a> Yeah but at least it's on the radar of the government is one of the priorities that they want, which is kinda cool. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=y_Wq5FcuK_550CLO8Dqw6kjXrwrKSFGwJyqF-8st2nlRelXEM2I7Vl3wKJOwzMlLYhI2yqYXuPznD-ZE6usO0ajUPMc&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=248.48">Alex:</a> Yes the government definitely prioritizes the important things. Like they do value the well being of their people. Something that I really admire is that they put a strong value on maintaining forest coverage in the country. I believe it has to be a minimum of 60% or something like that. And <g class="gr_ gr_1023 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1023" data-gr-id="1023">currently</g> it's around 70 something % so the government has the environment at the forefront of its plans. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=BI_4lDcQWDG_IMDaPWjRy-7bVOqv1tDL03_uZmY1rDyu3RbFocQcusBoicqQ66SdjnQwmqsDnGOgyAU_25xip4X_Jso&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=273.5">Kim:</a> Is Bhutan worth the money? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=tsCemiKC0yl_qGb5JapGu11QFxxDyy1TmwpI_IBGj2jny7ucQ_45iQnzYh6xZvOkfYEQGZ92-Re304VRCbj_327JJvk&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=275.15">Alex:</a> I think Bhutan is absolutely worth the money. If you have the money it's worth the money. It's hard to find a country that's finding such a healthy balance between kind of traditions from the days of yore and modernity. Like more globalized aspects of culture are starting to creep in. You'll see kids walking around in Nike's in the capital. Everyone has smart phones in <g class="gr_ gr_1018 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="1018" data-gr-id="1018">the bigger</g> cities. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=nGFlODM3ipp_D01Y7K3valSD5y2FhCl5PU0fvAgr4sM0TeQcms_oC5l468mCxG6nac5HRRQeLkTkMUXIZhLqCUHQ8Wo&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=301">Alex:</a> But I think that it's generally been quite well preserved but not in a museum sort of sense. They're not being forced to maintain any kind of traditions. It's not like super contrived. This is just the way that things are and because the government really puts maintaining it's <g class="gr_ gr_989 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="989" data-gr-id="989">culture</g> at the forefront of <g class="gr_ gr_990 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="990" data-gr-id="990">it's</g> planning, yeah it comes off as quite authentic without being contrived. So I think that itself makes it worth the money. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=XbPTLoQ9I74PcPsjIX5rf0vbX9dOsjsZXMsMpfTgpnEzYS-r4ts5_-VHw6EFhogat-bdRiyiBxy7KB-yxOc3Qf1Pnjc&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=326.87">Phil:</a> Yeah I'm glad to hear you say that it's still authentic but I do worry about it being kept as somewhere that's a privilege to go to or somewhere that is kind of cast in concrete and never changes. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=2ZcifcTnDsfBFj5hHbd7q1Y9W-dMZqm22yzl6oMngynSXKcnoRfkjaqOmkEhyT6iknY9H8vtCFEkgcFa3JAlnoVw6rM&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=346.85">Alex:</a> I think travel is inherently a privilege regardless of where you're going. It's a privilege <g class="gr_ gr_972 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="972" data-gr-id="972">not</g> a right. And I think that if the cost barrier makes it a luxury privilege <g class="gr_ gr_973 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="973" data-gr-id="973">only,</g> if that's what it takes to maintain the country's wellbeing then so be it. And other countries in the region like Nepal or India that are just totally overrun with back packers and some of them are culturally quite sensitive and others are just there to smoke as much weed as humanly possible. And bob around somewhere for as cheap as possible. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=nj2FdTCO-v187dgd-SDuU7w-JxAGDAVwCPagZgGQahq5YGZ_Lxvx8HhzZyVu47It_kboJThRqzuLObcMSOW4lut-Mi8&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=379.38">Alex:</a> I think in a country like Bhutan that only has what 800,000 people in the country, I think it's good to try and maintain a balance between foreigners swooping in and doing as they will and the local population maintaining a normal way of life. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=22bJJUJWuJRM99pEsJKKoPSJnXTvahvwpH78XdVuq26vY9e03SWeH05jc_XFVAbWxMteeRc7yhkMnk6ZKAnRXNSKnEQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=393.58">Phil:</a> I guess what bothers me is that it's kind of a, you know, given that most travelers that go to South East Asia, it's a very western thing to have the ability to travel in that way and then as you say, swooping in in your elephant pants and smoking weed is one kind of cultural imperialism. But then it kinda bothers me that Bhutan, I mean and to expect 250 dollars a day is a lot of money so kind of is that making it a luxury enclave or a place only for the rich. I don't know I feel I'm conflicted by that. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=CfjAS3I5sSA3QBqaHmsUitOZVdTMmiiHKH0ZruLquCyg8Rv-tc_37J3pPJcVS6ALuOAxZigbviKRTIStGX1bhbpn5xQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=431.42">Alex:</a> Yeah I was also quite conflicted about that because I went to Bhutan as part of a sponsored trip. It was a place that I would never be able to go, to afford to go to, any time in the near future. Possibly never. But it wasn't really something that I questioned because I understood that it was a manner of filtering out kind of people who are less concerned about the country they're visiting so much as just trying to check something off of a bucket list. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=O0zhKSZiwyXYbIT-U9jZl5ephWnzMEYkvBILHGamgklHhH6Y9FDqTF6IP5lZaXROk33VOnk18CWOfQ7rEVJgNUPrXGg&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=456.91">Phil:</a> Yeah. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=afT_fqK9s6wZngPxHu7-QglnJWIgo3kiuxaFgDyfeH-uN_VGc_CA2GUP0blbm-ra-SCAQI1lMlpwuC7U8FyRmDeIcLY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=457.33">Alex:</a> Or hit up every country and all of the tourism officials and people in the industry that I spoke to in the country, they all agreed that they thought it was a very effective way of screening tourists. They said that all the tourists that they had were incredibly respectful of the local cultures and much more engaged and interested in the country because of the effort and finances that they had to put forward to visit the country. And they said that they weren't just getting immensely wealthy people, there are people who had been saving for years and years and years to go to the country. So it's not just an enclave for the rich tourists. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=_6psa8VSlajE6m7MUhkjnjd3TqkcRtrhd5defakBTVh9pAQ_S8UVpk6LO-WXeQhWhnj58S-xZjUTHsgSB4mY0r9hjro&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=491.45">Kim:</a> But what sort of experience do you have once you're there? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=atleySpdcbkrW7T56NdevIo6f4cX4oEFLyJ_H4W98a0HvH-NAXN3Rr2wugzde08kDQocGCvirsAQPyhapGy4X6keVjQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=494.21">Alex:</a> So once you're there, it kind of depends on where you choose to go. A lot of the people are just choosing to go to, they go to Thimphu the capital. They go to Paro to see the Tigers Nest, which is the famous monastery up in the mountainside. They go to Punakha to see <g class="gr_ gr_985 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="985" data-gr-id="985">the one</g> of the largest Dzong's fortresses in the country. And so there it is a kind of like, show up see the highlights. See a pretty fortress, see some fancy Buddhist things, done and over. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=KH6N6uRurb5rhU9PRACou2xi641udSYl5BV4zg6w2xNdtICkPFv-efMUoZ8ol-WIDQ_dshbD6cbApc-f_6eACik2_4I&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=520.35">Alex:</a> But as the country starts to kind of increase in popularity and gets some repeat tourists, more people are branching a bit further out into the country. Going to the far north or the far east. I myself started in the south of the country that very few people go to. People were really surprised to see foreigners there <g class="gr_ gr_1048 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1048" data-gr-id="1048">to</g> begin with. Why would you even want to come here? And so there it was more like very quiet villages, that's really idyllic little picture perfect houses on the mountainside and a lot of rice terraces and there was just. A lot of my days were kind of wandering around and chatting with people that I encountered. Sometimes with a guide, sometimes without. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=KqqZgz48svG4ADJV0I09QBcoz-9VnmHiELJsPghE0CThly6qxH7V8QGoHPtnQOWQt_QLQ_UW0gLCLc1fZ9WJB9u87Tk&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=560.24">Alex:</a> For part of my tour I had a private guide and he was immensely flexible. He was like okay what do you want to do? We could do this if you want to do this, so be it. Do you want me to come with you to translate? If you do, sure. If you don't, also fine, I'll see you later. So that was really nice and far more flexible than I had anticipated. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=bcST9hOyt4n-Sg8Mv2uN1clEV7qSnWs1Q8NtjGD4Am4DM3wgexn_BxEJE2ENoDP6bBCnHbY1dtVlVaRpt97kC5MXrF8&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=579.82">Alex:</a> And then for the other part of my tour I was with a larger group of about 10, 15 people. And we went to the Royal Highlander festival in Laya, which is Bhutan's northern most settlement and that was really wild. So it's a <g class="gr_ gr_967 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="967" data-gr-id="967">two day</g> trek up to this small town in the mountains. And there was a festival to celebrate nomadic traditions and cultures in Bhutan. And so nomadic tribes from all over the northern bits of the country came together to show off sports and dance and other cultural activities. The King came. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=2NucZOyZXYn_qPzjhOvM30X-tm0vDiG0K_hCv-L41cWAUek1mihOjZn3c15NEmXGxT6sepYIWbx4NYy5EmB2HLMxtsw&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=614.33">Phil:</a> I love how you just threw that away, the King came. <g class="gr_ gr_783 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="783" data-gr-id="783">Yeah</g> the King. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=OMs6JGlmqlAjezp7PC8HNw2gnEzeqAgVrtxlorWs7zOusqtDG_e8E6617szn_gffw-tlQnQqCnvP335ZjSz1agsXl2Q&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=618.86">Alex:</a> By the <g class="gr_ gr_1064 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1064" data-gr-id="1064">way</g> I got to meet the King of Bhutan. He's the one who spearheaded this festival. He started it cos he wanted to bring more attention to the northern area of the country. And what better way to do that than a festival. So he actually started this festival and he makes the trek up to the festival himself every year on foot. Even though he's a king, he does not get helicoptered up, he walks up. And so he came to the festival for the first two days, to come and say hello and shake hands and greet the people. So that was pretty wild. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=CiPiDOHPKHi8A5-cXJ1EONCeJ4Z1EPFKZj4Ld87YsWtngb6IaXjiSXzuTEF53241v4iPTt0Vhxn_cP7cqtt5fJiN75E&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=648.87">Alex:</a> He also looks like a Bhutanese version of Tom Cruise in Top Gun. He had his hair slicked back and had aviators on. It was just so cool and charming as he was gliding through the crowds. And so that was a lot of fun because the tour group had kind of come together in the morning. Have a little bit of a chat. Have a bit of breakfast and then we could just disperse and go off on our merry way and do whatever we wanted to do <g class="gr_ gr_977 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="977" data-gr-id="977">in</g> the festival and then come back later. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=JSeQ8o-p99s2Jgr0ljsopwqK0mZ0W1X7adVJWBkmugWqcsXI1U4FJ-ERI4v9pCAuvDvykOKL2kIHC2Zv2Ju0tk1eSGA&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=677.58">Kim:</a> What I loved about that story was that you, straight away separated the money from how a nomad wants to travel. Would you <g class="gr_ gr_812 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins multiReplace replaceWithoutSep replaceWithoutSep" id="812" data-gr-id="812">agree</g> Phil? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=nhTArme158ZECMmRqng1BZ4sMEQuf1JXQazHeyLqA3Ey8nZxWG3FMFywR-vYqi8uA6oywwxyvT4ndxhWelxBaBFT-CM&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=686.97">Phil:</a> Totally, yep absolutely. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=5COu4hdWCD2MFWA7-xaBhpI58tXPA0AqjvNvwplxwkI3qCGG1yRSQlFXYOcXiCp_pJuZ305MYYoJDp2UfM8bhglg8M4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=688.74">Alex:</a> The way you separate the money from how a nomad wants to travel what do you mean? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=tQSUIYi09YR1-OM25H3f-f8Kzr8siw4S6utv5xzKqHp9p7mKqO73f4yRmzRAg-wUwss5XIPZg7kI-z2-wb2vcP8N9PU&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=692.04">Phil:</a> I mean traveling responsibly and being able to make your own choices and then being able to connect with the people that you meet. <g class="gr_ gr_831 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="831" data-gr-id="831">It's</g> part of what being a nomad is about, what we believe a world nomad is anyway. And it seems as though like that 250 bucks a day has melted away because it has enabled this really special kind of travel. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=rxGfq8zLbE1vpezATHDKNKXL7S7F8OmKQdidyjIPeR9AEvYjNz3_LTihyKdfzUvVy2D_VNIF1jPOxiJPioaIPvCcgZ4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=713.58">Alex:</a> Yeah and like <g class="gr_ gr_776 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_hide gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar" id="776" data-gr-id="776">you I</g> don't want to have a super rigid holding your hand, we have to do X, Y <g class="gr_ gr_778 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="778" data-gr-id="778">and</g> Z and if we don't the world will end kind of thing. Freedom and flexibility <g class="gr_ gr_777 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="777" data-gr-id="777">is</g> paramount and having <g class="gr_ gr_775 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="775" data-gr-id="775">kind</g> of adventure. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=7FO1aEoJgsYSwBCe-8dawnoxytAonGpLJryTWEtnNskuDs88CsqkkkEtLjcli333AddljxF-uEl4xnN-ARmAdyISGFs&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=726.57">Kim:</a> Thank you for that Alex and if you think a Tom cruise lookalike complete with sunnie's is out there as a leader. Take a listen to Marie. Now she joined me to chat about Bhutan's obsession with penises amongst other things. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=-VMwnb5plhWwtGE7yr-nL4BhpDBZiggL2oBOABVh5xsryCTAzZv48EexdLdqFCDH8lcG-cTQ3aRL9OCQiQfNyvmKEQA&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=740.32">Marie:</a> Well when I was in Bhutan, this was 2011 so it's a ways back now. One thing that was, I had read about this in advance, and it was less common than I expected but a lot of places in more rural areas there are <g class="gr_ gr_1081 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="1081" data-gr-id="1081">phallus's</g>. There are phallic paintings on the side of village buildings across towns all throughout rural Bhutan. So basically it's a decorative <g class="gr_ gr_1082 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="1082" data-gr-id="1082">penis,</g> if you will. And it's usually got a ribbon tied around it and hairy balls. And there is often some little liquid coming out of the top. And okay that's unusual <g class="gr_ gr_1085 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1085" data-gr-id="1085">right</g>? Where we live that's unusual. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=h5-at7x-SdQzl2sspwgi2mZ-1NORW3aH-LBlCY12E0BwPt0wkgZbBFp6JNmRvA4eGpMRyyRsHCvB9PtEQKCFdIaZJcA&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=790.29">Marie:</a> You often can find wooden carvings, like phallus carvings in tourist areas and in one place <g class="gr_ gr_931 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="931" data-gr-id="931">in</g> fact, there was a monastery that my guide took me to where, I don't know really what's going on, I'm sort of trying to keep up. And next thing you know I'm being blessed by the monk, in other <g class="gr_ gr_932 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="932" data-gr-id="932">words</g> he's tapping me on the head with a wooden phallus and yes I was blessed. I had no idea why. This is a thing they do there so it was really interesting. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=T08pDc1NqWwvm45oC0OZSYkPZwvRb2GkL6BMWRR9u57I_gXMgz9XqnezKcnOuTm6vOhGdVD_gVY2VLhgsqi-7XveAIY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=830.1">Marie:</a> It's not obscene, it's a symbol that's part of their religion and their culture. What it is, is that the phallus, as it's called there by those with better manners than say I do, I have. It's intended as a tribute and it's a celebration of the Divine Madman which is Bhutan's favorite saint. So he was a bit of a prankster and he would do things like <g class="gr_ gr_917 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="917" data-gr-id="917">teach</g> entire villages, lessons on impermanence with his farts. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=3bobJrkUvZq8kLwMexjQTFRpQll0GVyEW-5dYbge7iqIlQp30XRvknHqECID0JlL2I3u-ApgfAXVHRwFX-Z-MWcleW0&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=866.21">Kim:</a> Oh he's ... All this from a faction that kinda didn't really open themselves up to the world until in recent times. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=uq8IONi3yCmY7PTcT4oCMcYhl80Fy7zmxNYZ0kLmqTN2gl3Kv48pTETTXo-4nQRW7CcJCo3pQA4sbVoaLEdkoTWwt30&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=877.21">Marie:</a> Yeah and this is why this still exists. Bhutan is on the cusp, it's one of these places where there sort of wrestling with modernization and how to maintain and keep their actual culture. So in the <g class="gr_ gr_1043 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1043" data-gr-id="1043">cities</g> you see a lot less of the phallus paintings. You don't see it as much. As they become more of our interpretation of sophisticated, there is less of it so this is a part of the culture they are trying to maintain but much like their traditional dress and their attitudes towards animals. You know their Buddhas have a [inaudible 00:15:18]. And have more sustainable lifestyles. These are things that are on the frontlines of the attempts to sort of find a compromise between the modern and the traditional. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=7CSL5lN9vLIuO0YmJHICs3_YIIpm4ZWog5wkqTINOns1ZdikdyovIbPUYqb76-7QaoeTxwdemDSS33AfPIVk_gYqukQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=929.71">Kim:</a> Yeah nice. Now you also <g class="gr_ gr_867 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="867" data-gr-id="867">learnt</g> when you were there or discovered in fact, that women wear <g class="gr_ gr_861 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="861" data-gr-id="861">the trousers</g>. Can you explain? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=rx60Qn8otBOsAGlk6Z74OYq7WqHBLTG76F489AE0ShmIyl0y6jKKSnqRGAZmNnDSNP6zcLCtqJrH5-Nl0gJJtdlZdTI&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=938.1">Marie:</a> Oh well, women are the only people who can inherit property in Bhutan, so sort of a sister would inherit the property and the brother has to go <g class="gr_ gr_916 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="916" data-gr-id="916">in,</g> if he gets married, he has to move in with his wife and her extended family. If he is single then he might go rent somewhere, or maybe his sister will let him live on the farm with her. He can earn enough money through working to buy some property but he will not inherit it ever. So that's interesting and it kind of, I can see how that logic happened and how it got to that because maybe when women didn't really work outside the home as much, this was a way to be more equal. Men do own property but they have to buy it. They can't inherit it. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=yjekSOgSd_ghW0FikaGoBgkw_mLsbcBFBxckojf0o8cwq5kzzdT9D7LZ74JgCoJcFi5ngsS50qGxMlkWG78ShwsWWzk&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=992.36">Kim:</a> Fascinating. So what was your, and that word fascinating comes to me every time we chat or read anything about Bhutan, what did you make of it? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=ApNwatpUmwlLOmoNENOKaAZIZ1bFMcdl7UKTT3m98Gz3zlv78jt3wHe2AbBnmVou89tLAWra_tbwAnZmDkaV8KMlwlw&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1002.37">Marie:</a> Bhutan was overwhelming to me. I was <g class="gr_ gr_1092 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1092" data-gr-id="1092">there</g> about 10 days. Bhutan has a daily set fee. You can't wander in the way you do in say Nepal, right. So in <g class="gr_ gr_1093 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1093" data-gr-id="1093">Nepal</g> you have tourists everywhere just doing everything. In Tibet you don't have any tour, you have to realize it's very rigid. The access, I feel like it's three kingdoms and you can compare them. One of them, well not kingdoms, they're countries that you can compare and Tibet is really hard to get into. Nepal is really easy to get into and Bhutan is trying to find it's way, balancing between those two. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=45uIkWPxNcKfCkx-6aj3lFkKn4Z6TrJue5K1b7t_KVMeHz4yho7w-D7fHBGPoX2X9D0VwSkW8ZJwVPewJeNLU6MaJ7o&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1041.15">Marie:</a> This admission fee, ultimately when I started to break it down it turns out that that fee per day, which I think now is more than when I went. When I went I had to pay 240 dollars a day, which is why I was there 10 days instead of a month. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=xfYP_PdDk5LlzMYLkWZsU4vB2X-8x5FD9cDpW7itD8uMFI6NkqmwIxVtxyqAHZlplhtjv_14ur_rUw2SSQ28Ah7Ylnw&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1056.89">Kim:</a> Yes. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=p5EMyfWDxyOwGERUjOej3xQFKRmaxYl2GPKcDBxxlXltMf23uSz-dBaNY1zrDCLnpk9_Py8WVWJmOvW2U1pL_QNoRO4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1058.63">Marie:</a> But it includes your guide which is compulsory. It includes your driver which is compulsory. It includes your hotel room. It includes your meals. It's basically all paid for so while that is still prohibitive to a budget traveler it is actually quite in line with what leisure travelers pay who are, you know who don't travel necessarily the way you or I might. But they wanna have tourists but they wanna control it and do it in a sustainable way. Which is really how they try to do everything there. They try to find a way forward that is sustainable and that is socially responsible. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=ROiZVp1iwmNF3MDcWqOTp_wJpn0i13eE0lYo4LTeA4OwQkmOvcP29frjTwQhsztuDsqJr4C4C_dWFL1XVJ3Gk-4PVIk&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1099.64">Marie:</a> But it's treated to us as this idyllic remote kingdom in the clouds where they don't have MTV and they don't have plastic bags, single use bags. All of that is <g class="gr_ gr_1104 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation replaceWithoutSep" id="1104" data-gr-id="1104">of course</g> a ridiculous cliché and exaggeration. That's not really what it is. It is scenic, it is clean, it is socially responsible. They're trying to find ways to accommodate multiple conflicting needs of the people. So everyone recycles. Pigs are fed weeds which to my surprise they are fed pot. So if there is marijuana grown by the side of the road they will pick it and feed it to the pigs. Penises and blue ribbons are painted on buildings in rural areas. Farts are funny like everywhere. Dogs run freely in the streets barking because nobody wants to lock up the dogs because that would be rude to the dogs. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=C6-Z_eJL-6vhQ-EtkugCbLpvw6h-n_aucxznhRYXU9MPjJPV6wSXwKU8QsH4ji-uKKGUb47RN7B_S5JVkF7IE3zYhb0&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1166.03">Marie:</a> Everyone there knows what to do if you see a Yeti. No one has actually seen one but everyone knows exactly what you're supposed to do. With the male <g class="gr_ gr_957 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="957" data-gr-id="957">Yeti</g> they have long hair and they will trip over it so you run in one direction. The other one, the female Yeti's have really long flopping breasts and they'll trip up over those so you run the other way. So everyone knows what to do when you see a Yeti. So it's a really interesting place. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=8dm-b8tQGLB14CGrGAEZpVPsVDYOCIbj1vsJnYu56CjNhOaII_tzJi_TXfq_22Pwaxu3c6p9PYMVmQEP6s2IZqrEE5k&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1189.11">Kim:</a> Okay, let me clear up a couple of things. The Divine Madman is a maverick saint, Drukpa Kunley. Do you reckon I've pronounced that correctly? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=fu37NLztbV8Pwfn6mT0MB_UWhj3_ekcL1SGn4Eg_-MSPAtX_ALMa3izZpvlZpgtrbC0i4mo-xvmfa4KA5rxg7z6kVIc&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1198.87">Phil:</a> I've no idea. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=Fjvs3IuZ31b1hMv8ZfB4W3fGCSoRHBWsgOnENyoEvpbh06vQaIoQGEA0MNrxjStQ7GRS2Cr1e6cd0VbYuWUURDm8-pQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1199.21">Kim:</a> Why am I asking you? And he introduced Buddhism to Bhutan and as Marie said he was known for his crazy methods of enlightening other beings, mostly women Phil. Which earned him the title the Saint of Five thousand Women. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=S60biVWoPW4Dt6ueVBiQw0CNQzGlox7lvF1lzPnem0eGsLKQTQlMEvpY31_EjqpQzXuxeLrjhTcRORWrfYBNpmxWRvo&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1213.67">Phil:</a> Enlightened to within an inch of your life, yes. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=KmXpm-q0iiU6gesihI8B70EdZagTUPQjwIeD0KxSNM05F6NXj4vw6arQAat-992LNSSrqvDrIsbKDTC4icT8PEjuD7M&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1217.28">Kim:</a> Exactly. He was also a poet and a song writer. <g class="gr_ gr_834 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="834" data-gr-id="834">Now</g> this is a little example of his poetry. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=HGZ0xk5Avj4SiJ4rdMqk6oMBzvnVFv8WqIhV9ElDXs-NjSgw2HhrMfCzcT-si6mG0Kw9V-MBAmAFQIhoapVOvK0B1nU&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1223.13">Kim:</a> I am happy that I am a free Yogi. So I grow more and more into my inner happiness. I can have sex with many women because I help them to go the path of enlightenment. Outwardly I'm a fool. Inwardly I live with a clear spiritual system. Outwardly I enjoy wine, women <g class="gr_ gr_1113 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1113" data-gr-id="1113">and</g> song. And inwardly I work for the benefit of all beings. Outwardly I live for my pleasure. And inwardly I do everything <g class="gr_ gr_1112 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="1112" data-gr-id="1112">in</g> the right moment. Outwardly I'm a ragged beggar. Inwardly a blissful Buddha. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=xNsN7zK5UxE7qcSGJa5UTlGEcOMMjSZxGx51zE58QJz_AU4THih-5hXG1JWqiw0Qp_w16x-ZTVWoEDBDlmFL6UEBy5k&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1255.95">Phil:</a> Do you know how that alternate sentences there. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=rMuwGDeOS2WP1lHGwAkK3mtyPUFNmSrqMLEDoTYqFZV5lPxqyhhe0ePkVmbOF3g5hzmgdwJSf_4ytFD1qTOy6xSRhiE&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1260.06">Kim:</a> Yeah. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=R5G6FLhq7M9hOWV663VgG4Ex3y-9Yr9f_gURjLOsdRjm6I6opTvF3HVPug6vkb803OAqD5RFP6aYvLSF4QBbDYExaaY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1260.41">Phil:</a> Yeah. I'm only one of each. I'm not the other one I'm just the first one. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=ZFtwRgkGR7x90eZodTaJnnDY5LHuON-j3TeV9MnuHDY0m3_DCoDK_F9s1ohug7NiajvrjjGbQj6SS68t5DguZKFjkCs&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1264.54">Kim:</a> So outwardly you enjoy wine, women <g class="gr_ gr_771 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="771" data-gr-id="771">and</g> song. Outwardly live for pleasure? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=Do60xX7bZXGvmOCjDOlKcWzGDPpygEvf3_TDb_d1aqtbPlnEwAwxQDPVnHrWlnkIy-62z6bnraqg3G1h1lScf6ugR94&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1268.72">Phil:</a> Yeah that's it. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=ai5CftiJ41LPyrGyOHJWSg-g4UpM8Q8e0l946DJ66vGuB03zlWRgZmMHDhxOVsPcAyOqkPIU7_RclXyvBI-b3QxWbSg&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1270.14">Kim:</a> So what do you make of the Divine Madman? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=jLoUtJNDiv5_a8uHATMuuip-Gw9lxh-eTSqevIVcm4TXKmLSyjpPtM552G0h7iX0c5vEtRa2WvVXvYfB7tlX5fOArzg&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1271.78">Phil:</a> Yeah, look yeah. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=Q4puSmbtvxeMeXWWuQ_hSiUq9y82BUPRjYA5XUYPYc_0TE5iEzMWgoOEa_9y_gIIkT3rQE10L_gGLlzaisw3w-9-hWs&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1273.13">Kim:</a> He had a bit of fun. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=4Hs306v8QWBy9mtnrPWBcwrg5vslRE9tMqHghOqbc0H4hNTJBVP1XJXbrsDix_yW5KgPg-qTJcz79o51ue5eWkthvHo&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1273.9">Phil:</a> He's had a bit of fun and if he can get away with it then. I'm not trying it though. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=CkjA1Rv_OVv2Eoi1br9M7qib4U19M4aCQ3aUvLvz3aPExqTJ4kTjq8WAEEFzZsqNtABXJSilyvxg96McORYzO-v7YZc&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1279.55">Kim:</a> No. Now to those pigs that get high. Now apparently true not that I doubted Marie. Marijuana does grow plentifully in Bhutan. While it's illegal for the locals to smoke it that doesn't stop farmers feeding it to their pigs. <g class="gr_ gr_1101 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1101" data-gr-id="1101">Now</g> why? And also as <g class="gr_ gr_1102 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1102" data-gr-id="1102">Buddhists</g> they used to import their meats because, from India, because they had an issue with killing it, but they seem to have relaxed their rules on that. So they feed it to the pigs. They get the munchies which <g class="gr_ gr_1100 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="1100" data-gr-id="1100">is</g> what happens if you have marijuana. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=XavVI0hlhnOWBLYXxks56yPIKOnXWofjsxam-ZQjDjYXcZ-tf2cz20fVeg2pRa2ZbjaHlSqC-bB8ldPkEpRBjT3k76k&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1307.88">Phil:</a> Is that right? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=DWs7Sm2pOEv67cSSYI9fIVupxaKR9NBjZa4iuJ3nwtpW89FzZvFC-n5MsHZbn6cL6SvznI0__d1kq6HkGFMvMNk-h3c&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1308.38">Kim:</a> Yeah apparently. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=usTr8yB9V7BNACxvCNx419nzV5JiJpk5H4oO-XqjLb_CpL08hHaRmj0dt0fgmR3xXqWOZVVv9H6tjtU34KFOQOitlB8&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1309.22">Phil:</a> Uh, okay. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=kxT-tvaCz-31h50yZa25CJSehTVDXlpScsw-AeNUO4hepRhWpK7f-vOhyTGMzvMbaJclV7ZYbbg_KJ99hAe0CNdDcHE&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1310.12">Kim:</a> You wanna eat, and eat a lot, so the pigs become nice and fat. What's travel news? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=HxRkuNqN7WLkbr0tNgt7tX52ay_koPLNh6j8QvimacMrtYinIMGWoac3im5jPafu3t_f0z3aYMnghKgZ6AVh-CguuOY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1319.83">Phil:</a> Alright, okay, travel news. <g class="gr_ gr_1028 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1028" data-gr-id="1028">Actually</g> it's big news right now. But it's actually a bit of a lesson for whenever you're listening to this episode in the future because another airline has gone bust in Europe. It's called WOW air and it's based out of Iceland and they have just declared bankruptcy. I think they were like five medium sized airlines in Europe that went bankrupt last year. This is like the third already this year in 2019. So it's rising fuel prices and costs like that. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=hkDl36n7RTwwszfS7ZYG9L9r4F6W-tRAN6R6SOsiauOFot8Og40pSjuz6e3PDDgbgNHv91sJJohsZSNKZ9nNxuezq4w&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1349.42">Kim:</a> Wow. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=slj-rxm6IEQOO-xqCNL0kZmL5u-zG2QgCcxsqdRG4Xqpo4SZOcyotwtPJxibTMpnJbh6E3sqfe631UPwoIHWVGM_3hc&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1350.09">Phil:</a> Well exactly. Well and then an F word. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=L7gMhnFGLJN9eQgbc4NN8euWADheXQbgu3evHyN5D4w6SHhNdGK7V73Ko20bC1JZUd1WDSrVNpUm6JAfJ79QpDKW7Gc&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1352.66">Kim:</a> Yeah. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=zooePoR_Vr_tDF5eUjlMMvDWMwVUIhGoxs_pOGkUbZCXArHRU25PutOIaQXe3BOqx3a5-1jOlr8Q_NF0FgMkg2i9GWQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1352.68">Phil:</a> But look, thousands of people are stranded because of the sudden closure of this airline because they fly from Iceland to <g class="gr_ gr_857 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="857" data-gr-id="857">US</g>, Canada and to places in Europe and even Tel Aviv. So it was a really cheap way of doing the trans atlantic thing so lots of travelers are using it for that. So they've all now been just stranded. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=DQGQta6lbaBTP19qRxelto26I6Ty36QXcBInT3CLoHQL_y967VdpKUrg3dUO1HT5HXQgqOk1LfvhmyRZbQxdLNCZzSg&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1372.76">Kim:</a> What do you do though if you have a ticket from an airline that goes bust? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=9BvpwGz-2FunqxC8JTGHzF4o3rZ58U_CGwL4gRQhrDDSVqwBFexSQVu9LqIKReYs88SKH5T3aSzNifmM8mRtL0N02fA&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1375.56">Phil:</a> Well look, WOW air has put advice on their website which is exactly the same advice I would give as well. Which <g class="gr_ gr_899 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="899" data-gr-id="899">is</g> you've gotta check available flights with other <g class="gr_ gr_902 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation multiReplace" id="902" data-gr-id="902">airlines.</g> Some of the airlines will be offering flights at reduced rates. What they call rescue fares. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=J2h04mtgJThiy4gARRlKy72tbbBnMJ8UpQ9lJRJ4NRuWghf--wkxEUaiPfokI4kVLBNTFUlauGRdxfupbRppMeq_wlI&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1390.45">Kim:</a> Yep. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=9jqjmsFgJrdH15YggaGFvMa0_hK_gyul6nT3z2D4y71hp_p48j2FGuqZybsCZITo-d6iR8-YX2pNHqjEZVUnko2Pv1I&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1390.73">Phil:</a> May be able to help you out there so check with that. If you'd paid with a credit card because the service hasn't been delivered you may be able to get a refund from them. And then if you bought your plane fare with WOW as part of a package tour in Europe then the European rules around package tours, the protection there, you should be able to speak to your travel agent and they should have to arrange you on another flight to gey you where you need to go. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=bK4-XPId4mu7Ey_JiBFLvq4ZO-2pgWii_F-Dw7Y5i13rmlmbW2D-SXl6VgRTBZ4PUD7617mrMtWRMxT0q-c9-vgq8is&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1419.91">Phil:</a> You may also be entitled to compensation from WOW air but you're gonna have to join the queue and get that from the liquidators when that happens. So good luck with that one. But what about travel insurance I hear you say. Did I hear you say? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=jb4WG2M6cII7flDYWDtoS7PZr9G1OQB2MVs1gsew7vj6eqczbqs6QKOCzOX9U8W3ratwwRd-r7N8yw_lgJEtwCFHs9M&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1432.89">Kim:</a> What about travel insurance? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=uxVeSZnkQPewNSbwGt0sbl_OHw8gHzlOCV67OUO_zjeIn7Ev9W6t4mMRjctE4EBVzUnyNLv7_d-Dxf5Z3tMnUhCbFhM&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1433.87">Phil:</a> I'm glad you asked Kim. Well look it depends on who your provider is because insolvency is handled in a number of different ways. Some of them simply don't cover it. Even World Nomads plans handle it differently depending on your country of residence so you do have to read up on the policy. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=GvJDmQMvZEZVS5aDMqa47J4OhCbILKatSr7nnNEO6gNbhYOuErXBSiY9vnMaVWU1l73Op2a12m_LOtI5eqrfvyBtVws&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1449.73">Phil:</a> But for US customers I can tell you what the policy wording says here. We will pay a benefit due to bankruptcy only if no alternate transportation is available. Which means if another airline helps you out with one of those rescue fares and you're sorted then that's it. But if alternate transportation is available the benefit that you can get will be limited to the change fee you get charged. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=dSJtBma6HLSoScJo2hv2FPiLQgOSu07NJHoPgOkin6RRH_mSjaaBHwSvor8h0HBRIetyc1XmXPUL0XqWSfTxxhIbF2g&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1473.57">Phil:</a> So if you get one of the rescue fares but it also costs you another 50 bucks or something like that then that's what it's limited to. So it's really complicated so speak to your travel insurance provider especially if your a World Nomads will help you out there. And having said all that you know what has to happen next Kim? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=9P0Yfx4uNXhhOSd62Q57pM2lxsQH2RAZU3_BdRIN148GwLTOu0LRWKfeJ3pXts95msRfaEomx8qPtQKpW0g0cLKgYkg&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1518.3">Kim:</a> Yes. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=HSBkHPM_BhqxWYqK0w9_BpI4FI1l62YvlKHu5p8EJ-ANvrHEDNjQ_Uvu3OHyY2loBH1nK0srgcuTBA6i_U7CF4xRN9Y&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1518.33">Speaker 6:</a> (singing) <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=mPqxqzmfcBAgM5ZEZO1Mq3VDDER3CpRjRgm6ISrVtEgAsBdsT59NeJ1VOuOv7sRGSIt6neEP5kzwoxV-UenJxHOFr4Y&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1519.48">Kim:</a> Everything in this episode. Poetry, music. Now Bhutan is not only the happiest but also one of the greenest countries in the world. They not only are carbon neutral but reportable carbon negative. And they've built sustainability into their national identity. So how do we make sure we don't ruin all their good work and be a responsible traveler and that Phil is not just to Bhutan but generally? Let's ask Molly Mack. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=0fWUi14QGDDEKqL8v_zko4vFIDCxGwZcoypOZPphV7cLiFIIn3Dt-jzh7hI1cYcQfEuI_okrLZkkPuFl6Q4h8Gq78ds&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1542.02">Molly:</a> To me it's not just about kind of being low waste and green, it's also about kinda not stepping on the <g class="gr_ gr_865 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="865" data-gr-id="865">foots</g> of the local people, on the feet of the local people. Respect the local culture even if we don't agree with it. We also try to not use plastic water bottles. We also try not to fly that much. So <g class="gr_ gr_863 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="863" data-gr-id="863">truly</g> for us like two pronged respect of respecting the earth and respecting everyone who lives on it whether or not you agree with them especially if you are in their local environment. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=uiGTG8yB43fg4nxIMCuHZfEdL2ReUYWk9B6heEshtSpOQ59CSMJ7MAtRlTzxvQlBEQcqQw4W7XHJxKHMNajiYsomGMg&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1572.68">Phil:</a> Well that's an interesting point like whether or not you agree with them we had some people comment, well we had a person comment on one of our articles on World Nomads recently. We were talking about women's safety where the usual advice <g class="gr_ gr_901 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation replaceWithoutSep" id="901" data-gr-id="901">of course</g> is dress modestly and don't travel at night and what have you. And as the poster said, well it's not up to women to change their behavior it's up to men to change their behavior. What do you do in those situations? Do you say you gotta respect it even though you don't agree with it? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=42sVQqQ_FvTPCV1lYLgHUQjNQYgAL5lTLwUKMkyCujOzUY_NVRBPlYhr4RNShUg0UUWLr4Gc8HaJtT9-PlyG81mlCZk&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1603.2">Molly:</a> Yeah that's kind of what we do. <g class="gr_ gr_885 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="885" data-gr-id="885">Generally</g> I do agree that it's not up to the woman. I should be able to go and wear whatever I want wherever I want but if you're somewhere, we travel a lot in Central Asia and the women don't show their knees there and you're gonna draw excess attention to yourselves if you do and if you want to make a statement and do that, that's <g class="gr_ gr_892 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="892" data-gr-id="892">you're</g> prerogative. But for <g class="gr_ gr_886 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="886" data-gr-id="886">me</g> I'd try not to stand out and I don't wanna make people uncomfortable and in the same <g class="gr_ gr_887 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="887" data-gr-id="887">way</g> I don't people to come into my home and make me feel uncomfortable. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=mzCsXdGCFn82K7buA7WIYa0ckJGBFNyM8L-o788Z2ytl3l83xvZ2EgFsjUjzWHtOhQ9KToVhkwvkWqbmfHjCG0c6b98&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1636.36">Molly:</a> And also it's just, it makes for a more enjoyable travel experience. Maybe you don't agree with people but you're gonna be welcome to talk with them and learn about their culture. You're gonna be just more welcome than you would be if you just, saying I don't care about your culture, I don't care what you believe I'm gonna walk around in my booty shorts and deal with it. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=S77OWSoWbXUAFnh6gti2ynPJvsjvgr1vqwbf3FJ10kketeJA_xeCxuvNBTWQpc3MNnAC--ui6UnDaZaILfuhy4CM9HM&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1656.1">Kim:</a> So as we say immersing yourself in the local culture is really the best opportunity that you have to have <g class="gr_ gr_745 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="745" data-gr-id="745">a real</g> authentic travel experience. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=nPMliLD9HtxLSfNskO40P7o_zUgKS7Iv6FWlQNnBrqyR_fUMqPels4YTb01y-8LaC_dPnMPGowAUR3xUwMzCouxlxR8&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1665.32">Phil:</a> And do ... <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=AXOKEVt6HWURSjOi3-UoWvt__BqzROvZ3kwg73zzhwvP_U4UuuiHLqtsjno8ymdhVOQ0m6FTD5UBh8SfjE1TzwAuZmE&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1666.33">Molly:</a> I do, I think there was one time I really got sick of it. But we were in the middle of nowhere hiking to Kurdistan in a walnut forest and I put on my Nike shorts and immediately our guide said get out of that outfit. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=I-ISr8x2oMKMQVQc3jEoUFyEOUR6Thp9dWCXVF8x9j8xG1aE52cSYZ7nqrERS9rj7IToBU4gIE8ArvYlYLFq5_6bb70&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1680.87">Kim:</a> What was wrong with putting on your Nike shorts? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=8trXKhVfVvQD-rNZ8xJIuwrOftmwli5N_CExrlrkOYLk9lshj-1n9Mb5uFlY5xFju2epAtFhDUf4Zxw35iYZ2ly14xU&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1682.96">Molly:</a> They were too short they showed my thighs. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=cul6_FaNFqaSqypOQR_U2neyGg2qfV2RsBWSKpuODUrQsYvh3BoJSiA9mnoF4a-VnxD0Dt7MorvwUBKYWMh3z5ojIZs&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1685.07">Kim:</a> In a walnut forest? Who's gonna see you? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=dnxoiZd4J6i4cyM6wtYrBu60UO9srFzb-eRrHjOdnU-XTyINniVOnPsjt24iGjVHrej10Dl6IrJ9oV9Mwn4KDx2E0sY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1688.04">Molly:</a> That was my thought, I was like I'm sure we've spent a lot of time but it's really hot and I'm going on a hike in the forest and just the guide and that time my boyfriend and I was like well does it really matter? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=0sHN4z4HPD6THdb-Xyc-Qqkvj-Sg8-xbc_c9iGp4sBzRfbPKfSmak6o-07Nn_N4JGuV4arj35zDzd84v9vzQySA352o&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1700.47">Phil:</a> Have you taken the opportunity to, just going on this about having a proper travel experience connecting with people. Do you think you've had the opportunity to do some education back the other way as well? Rather than just rolling over and accepting what's happening. And do you think you've been able to express to other people that maybe their rules are not right? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=uYnobhZHeKdQNAEcvvLXvIoTDHFpGc9phd3T_yz0ZBW8HaKiEVdgMn7mcuHyRSmcbqHapThUrXUbJARigtTBLgxRMm4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1724.3">Molly:</a> I'm sure we have. But my biggest things that what I usually will <g class="gr_ gr_1011 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar replaceWithoutSep" id="1011" data-gr-id="1011">to</g> talk to people about is when I see littering. <g class="gr_ gr_1012 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1012" data-gr-id="1012">Usually</g> I say something like why don't you put that in the trash it doesn't belong there. I also usually when I see animal cruelty I say something. Even it's someone just, you know, you'll stay at a hostel and someones kicking a cat and I'm like that's really not the correct thing to do. But a lot of times I don't try to get into political talks with people. Really I'm not very, very comfortable with that. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=K-nYYt7z2997A-MyQTpe-sz_yWZzj34u9Ewnsv8lUJ4FAXotVpvj8SFLLPlnCD_-PZVQ9SrUWGMzjqpz_4nm5Ht_HRc&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1756.17">Phil:</a> Yeah. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=dzgi3ANjJMf1gu2tUOeXXNSv6TJj53a6JG2oPXJG6g4pNJZ-PP32NnR28o5MeNDtZ0Jk7bE6sDlynggTY2sitqSAXB4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1757.02">Molly:</a> Especially since a lot of places I travel have been more remote and third world and they're just like oh my god it's someone visiting here in general. You kinda wanna make a good impression for other people who may come through. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=P7zPDEL_5r7lpQsvZup9JV-wHidvDDwwVUiDK9UC9DU7mj0JFYJev39LYKFFY_e28mB9Vo55BMxq_Ipfq4ssPxoGnTM&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1770.41">Phil:</a> So have you always traveled with this social responsibility mindset or is that something that you learned? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=M_IdoJUezSgjx5ryPVfXnixnskmJFbmMko-g1wT2MdsrD82giW9s4at_rqvact4WXGB42Z1CqvQOduHjwgLoPFDm_0g&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1776.94">Molly:</a> I think it's definitely something that I <g class="gr_ gr_1070 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="1070" data-gr-id="1070">learnt</g>. Also cos I didn't really start traveling until I was a bit older. I was, I wasn't 19 or 20. I was I think about 24, 25. So just the awareness of the world around me and the places I was going. But also I think it's because I worked as a tour guide in Italy. I just saw so many disrespectful American students around and I didn't wanna be that person. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=8YWPLJuM9LtAzDt4iZAGrB92tU63igsqMtgcbJI4PiJt_1Uc3SY5he3MV0YTk_ohl2USz0rLCY8DCqVAKKOvKsbbkjw&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1806.16">Kim:</a> Some of the other tips that you offered to travel responsibly include things that we've talked about on previous podcasts like shopping locally but also never giving money to children. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=YYROPqxyko8w0QmwMQVd6Qxqxyef-qU13b8GrzGIqCMpOmrkuQxYBxCO99TdPN5rzPE6vDgx8YzHdsz953KXk8x7KrU&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1818.06">Molly:</a> Yeah that's controversial and it can be hard, you see a child whose really in a desperate situation but the amount of times that that money is really going to that child to buy food is very few and far between. And the ultimate point is that a child shouldn't be on the streets. They should be at school and if they're out there collecting money whether it's for their family or in some cases it's for, they're basically slaves out there on the street collecting money for someone else. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=OJr67bZdZb3-1dojrkvMF0ENCDhZhj1ZMwogulROEzXwDFgN6c-uFUxR0mQ4Lh3A7RxyJ6dlh1hFOW03bYs5bL1moF4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1848.75">Molly:</a> But if you're out there and you're giving your money and even if it's just for their family that family will say oh it's more important being on the <g class="gr_ gr_750 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="750" data-gr-id="750">street,</g> than money is for schooling and they've no social mobility. And they're stuck in this cycle. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=1VCbI-0jR09UXSbK5YP_2HK7LLIKC6F9M_SUMBsvWy_BC8cQd-rvtDKQH2gaAR2Ao9R3jTfHBcIuAmvjg1c7s2fYQJY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1859.96">Molly:</a> People also tend to give out like pencils or notebooks or give them candy and that's also something that I'm wary of because I think if you want to make a true change they're always like a local school you can donate those things <g class="gr_ gr_840 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="840" data-gr-id="840">to</g>. Instead of giving it to the children. So <g class="gr_ gr_839 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="839" data-gr-id="839">your</g> like you're being sure that it's going to the right place and gonna be used the right way. You really never know. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=iAS41IDekWcKtEAcusYW5wMKmnLnDjJnxS37umD3YRFC44TDkm-s2nzUdwDAiwAxCEKKhPqcuKDkFN54_mdW9bmhxEY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1883.16">Kim:</a> Yeah and they're are some great charities that have been set up exactly like that so that you are giving and it's going directly to benefit those children. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=Bi5diRMi4Jk3keAJTGlW6miY4vvMqW6jMrKo9viYmaciO475yqEMt9abz1ulQmefzJuLewCQTXNmEWF5s8RCkE6q5tg&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1891.7">Molly:</a> There's so much to be wary of there's a lot of research that you really have to do. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=wGYORjVNlP6gXUaK8W_Ulhvw5F9iBcu8rPW-cRKDloZp9It9gXyGZNacRo9Iq27tMFYybzsw76M6uhU2gHNukKXixsg&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1896.88">Phil:</a> Molly's traveled independently to 40 countries always with an eye to environmental and social sustainability. She works for ECOBAGS and their mission is to offer thoughtful, ethicaly and sustainably sourced, durable, reusable bags. Say that quickly five times. That is to inspire people to reduce, reuse, recycle and reimagine the world that we live in. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=QL1G14NWxTw-rXadHb3HvDSOr2QlH1vsRF6U2044TcIm5f0msmwQR7P4YKQb7TK312All42rTRXxuuWjqCh1M1dXOvQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1918.29">Kim:</a> Yeah and leave no trace and do no harm. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=B1WWMTdDtwoKnMgOA6MusOkZHOdlmYEyoFej5Sq6BCVsSpcxPmD0pjgnqF0EkZNDNb6ekum30YchpbszzmU_Wdpd2YQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1920.35">Phil:</a> Good idea. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=Nlm91bmVGqhkLvHlTGwo-jMulVOsmw5s2-mUSnZVpvOYyrWBnyhwgTW-j9ec9clI6bE5vY_ifEyYM76boGjKUhOoqbE&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1920.61">Kim:</a> Our next guest is one of the founders of Bhutan Homestay. Now Ulrike has lived in Bhutan on and off for many years and she conducted ethnographic research on traditional hospitality practices, traveling and gift exchange in rural communities. She'll explain that further. So she's very familiar with village livelihoods all over Bhutan but how did it come about? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=AbR-Lg6roYBw2gtrYZAgFhXiSCdVCAWSpHV7A7mqHcBX36BP3ELZqJJrsjcjPfONrrbmN5p5dCJQkOjD7sNNg1fAq58&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=1940.45">Yuli:</a> Well that's quite an interesting story, so in 2011 I started my <g class="gr_ gr_943 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation multiReplace" id="943" data-gr-id="943">PHD</g> program at UCL in London. And I stayed with my Bhutanese friend in London at her house and one evening we were sitting and discussing that, and my degree is in social and cultural anthropology, so we were just sitting at the dinner table and talking about tourism in Bhutan and how wouldn't it be nice to put tourists to be able to stay in farm houses because I spent so many years in Bhutan basically visiting farmers and staying with farmers in rural areas where tourists usually don't reach. While during those days didn't reach so then this whole idea came up setting up a tour operator in Bhutan by my Bhutanese friends and they told me I can basically develop the concept and implement my ideas. And that's how it all started and. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=OBLfUbUlBUYaO4e4oS97eafUEsFdejM43gEokZahE1Xhpb1H-Rd5funcN71p2DU1u-jzyE2d0YgssBAGH5bPuQfs68Y&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2008.4">Kim:</a> Well how has tourism changed Bhutan? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=PQFuaza94jYJ_vZZfRWAs-Tk7QrJ8bTclBpUyPLGUm8ZxPA488KIF47mPJklGtk1aXgAlspcyr8m_tH0BbQdSjy8SYk&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2010.44">Yuli:</a> Well actually what I feel has changed most is the infrastructure. It's mainly the road infrastructure, guesthouses, facilities over the past 15 years have really improved a lot. So the first time I was in Bhutan you barely found a guesthouse in rural areas but now you have, really along the main roads with, they call it the highway through Bhutan it's going from the south in Phuentsholing to Thimphu, the capital, to the east and again you can exit from Samdrupjongkhar which is the border town in the east. <g class="gr_ gr_950 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="950" data-gr-id="950">Basically</g> you find guesthouses and hotels all along this road. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=YvZue5NNLG3YjWtdNtR4wvnlDjuIvf39VPAiE8kAqjaQxi5AHMYzNOfY15jI1Q_OiN7j70hjMStUpI4Xs1f8NMk9Rgk&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2054.03">Yuli:</a> And Thimphu, the capital, has really grown immensely. <g class="gr_ gr_805 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="805" data-gr-id="805">Basically</g> the population has tripled over the past 10 years. There's a lot of issue with rural urban migration because of that and most of the impact is on the infrastructure actually. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=uwJ0BBEwU-fIZVhyz5lDjN4GnwQldVv_lYIEdmRl3AF2E0Q1R9zl3ONWN1GaVsJ-JrOKuZmUI3dA5G42ZfOnV6A_Kz4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2078.52">Kim:</a> So what then is a typical homestay like? As opposed to checking into a motel or a hostel? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=dp1FftwTwbRQNR1z5ok4WG7tJDR7HYPGUdnVCD4khnjTqV-TAKUz-y9P9u4BH5RfzQ65kFRjdSFkbNwtuWCQJARmjjw&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2085.29">Yuli:</a> Yes so in Bhutan you have different categories of homestays. You have homestays for example nearby towns or in towns where you have facilities that are not necessarily with <g class="gr_ gr_1057 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="1057" data-gr-id="1057">attached</g> farm. You stay with a family, you eat with the family and you have indoor plumbing, toilets, maybe sometimes attached to the bedroom. Whereas in rural areas in villages you really can stay in farmhouses where it's very traditional. Once in a while there are tourists, so it's not a mass touristy thing it's just occasionally they will host guests. So it's really like you are once in a while foreign guest in their house. Facilities range from <g class="gr_ gr_1058 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="1058" data-gr-id="1058">attached</g> bathroom to the bedroom, to toilets outside in front of the house. It's really up to the guests what they think they can actually handle and how much immersion they want. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=rYhcZInkPXQxBBtO4a1tskUV0lqvCPhpJXOTgdlQ-8RO0lE3p2h7ZTKMijMK8QWGsgXI3HcMiU4rp_1uWRcVGHjHDRc&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2148.93">Kim:</a> Well yeah on that with someone with a <g class="gr_ gr_753 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation multiReplace" id="753" data-gr-id="753">PHD</g> in traditional hospitality practices and gift exchange in rural communities, what are some of the cultural activities that Bhutanese families get visitors involved in doing? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=PThz3n_WCtpwL5kIg48a59IJ6ELNaburYyXWVrb4kpgiTgrRNppbS-8RiZ1gtpHxvI8DeCuhrwcAao0TKUqS5pqrP4I&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2163.32">Yuli:</a> Yeah that's great, actually I really enjoy staying in the village homes because not only for some people they just like to, what we call, hang out and observe and just enjoy sitting around and watching people going about their chores, but you can also participate, for example, milking the cows in the morning. Helping with field work depending on the season. You can go and help with the weeding or harvesting or firewood collection in the forest. Or you can <g class="gr_ gr_1039 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation replaceWithoutSep" id="1039" data-gr-id="1039">later on</g> watch them how they, or try yourself, how to churn butter, make cheese you know. All these little chores on farms that are basically multi resourced. So they have cows, they have fields, they have vegetable gardens so there's a little bit of everything. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=hA4Ki_Wvp56WxrtMxuR-zcCNk4Yo1MM33_HyjZSCCiBwCBNb5pj5RP2Kdn3AsFMDlJWez2X-I53z8uRnS5J5ejBcOXo&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2217.96">Kim:</a> How does this type of experience differ to the ones that we've heard earlier in the podcast about the guided visits, the minimum spend et cetera? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=bWen0RXdj9RDOQyobVkxLnnZpMmc_6oviqQwhCYzAQXJeEDPuRCL2iwZZns8jnLI4_vkd3pbsTE-dZ11AY51H4Ah4EA&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2227.99">Yuli:</a> Actually it's, you can only travel to Bhutan based on preplanned itineraries based on this daily tariff so no matter if you stay in a farm or you stay in a hotel you will have to pay the same tariff. Your tour will always be accompanied by a guide and the driver and it will be preplanned so that won't change but it's a choice you have that we offer. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=czSD8v28N2DKHeIdFOhh1ydpE0Nbd09oOswSfxsEA18pjOlq_bwXBvrGB8xqrAjSlncEG_xt6RkJ-1oHNGMZLgjl0OM&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2255.59">Yuli:</a> If you <g class="gr_ gr_824 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation replaceWithoutSep" id="824" data-gr-id="824">for example</g> are more interested in getting closer to people learn about everyday village life, take part and participate in their life, also take part in cooking classes, weaving classes, basket, bamboo weaving classes or paper making classes. Anything that's been done in the local village. Then this option is there but it's, you're not exempt from the daily tariff and your tour it still falls under these sort of restrictions I would say. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=qeeJNvrNmWN3K35zFOQ38WMCqUexU4b-cfZL7MsPBBDA0Iphg3_yV1ntpg3FSp8nPxqR143r_jHDeWbyl8YHS-hbk9c&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2292.95">Kim:</a> So will that, do you think and I think you just mentioned that, that that current method of the daily tariff will remain? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=LukD6yz_jgtYipaQSKOseOvET2vPd97dPrVIARKZvcXjUNfujRmQCI1UPUlpvr6uSGlIKL4B4tRmXtUrQpaQUa4bbtE&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2299.91">Yuli:</a> Yeah that remains. That's the basic tourism, basic policy in Bhutan that regulates tourist arrivals through this tariff, that's 250 US dollars during highs season and 200 US dollars during low season but it includes your overnights, guide, driver, transport, three meals a day so you basically only have to buy drinks and your souvenirs. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=7zr_ZLw-3HR49CsSBvk9VF9wU7QFdo-0O3mBAJ9RT4-Ax2pkugoOFIeY7d_2Wh0ntrdpFcaW4cP_cuTkpHbQCUZXzaE&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2330.3">Kim:</a> So in summing up is there anything that you would like listeners to know about Bhutan? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=NeCvbkGS4WI392-I9El1ZWQYk4doiyYS6qBryt--Frp9Ux5nQuHtkW8oj7fPaxw7oJN-sz2WSKlI5PR8UaXa6VGgBgY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2335.1">Yuli:</a> Yeah I think that in it's, Bhutan is a great place to visit if you really want to see a place that's really not overrun with tourists. And one thing you should do is you should really plan your trip properly and try to get away from the main, how to say, from the main tourist roads and get a little bit into the valleys. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=FGNCpWUYuGHOp94ugh_SKVFmIqdohwM1_qw91PWQPjaF0qxRh_o-14bMk8ksMO1XySQ4LDNvJyjLfch3blK8kkbu98U&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2360.05">Yuli:</a> The thing you have to be aware of is that the roads are not very good, so the moment you leave the main highway the roads will be a little bit, how to say, not very well maintained but you will be rewarded with great immersion into more traditional village life and there are certainly places where not many tourists reach and occasionally our guests for example in East Bhutan. East Bhutan is a great place to visit and sometimes our guests have been to places where they stumbled over a festivals, where they were the first ever tourist to visit and they were treated like chief guests so that's really what you can still experience in Bhutan if you plan and tell your agent what you're interested in and what you would like to do. A lot of information prior to your arrival is good for the tour operator and for yourself. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=M2AtLda3t9srSm2BULsaYUDfRrugMHOjsTj7JbOEGujBPGEyChEO-rBPJdVTupEzTL5O8bBScoSaJYez6tqqi8FCgLY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2420.02">Kim:</a> And Ulrike says your experience in Bhutan stands and falls with your guide so do your research. Now that brings us to the end of the episode on Bhutan. I hope I've said that correctly cos I've heard, stop smiling at me. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=qy7gSaDPb0ELXSsgjp0YyyPXLvkRZ14s4pojmMFWmER8hq3jOoJ9uN0fJfHTMHzDNPTrCvm7CkU4eUc9e1XL66w-1LM&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2435.97">Kim:</a> You mentioned Iceland earlier while you're on a roll with your <g class="gr_ gr_708 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="708" data-gr-id="708">ear buds</g> or your earphones in check out an earlier episode on the land of fire and ice to find out more about it. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=OwhgqrXTqkwXzdg5jvbAsjqoyIqsNbqQrPoVF957-SsdDtuT85ZLhX35AZ52wx4A7hvuETOmwIGFpjtnaci6VBsT3cY&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2443.48">Alex:</a> I mean personally the only one I can think that isn't talked about as much is fardarlffordarsun which is on the way to the glacier lagoon and I don't think everyone goes there. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=4Ndq2H2FIrcUpSYRxf8_McNc4-eKgXqvRM2obqc2DxwPGBQdJerSLz3-73Kic1fql_GsAMjs7c7-CK93aJfgOXBRXyQ&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2452.62">Kim:</a> Okay <g class="gr_ gr_781 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="781" data-gr-id="781">lets</g> just stop there. How did Alex pronounce that name? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=47U1PIZNZWgAiwIReyEAW1W-bEgvOhCLGiG-H-HesiXSFoS2nF2MMRTP8ZmACN1w83eevwIhIQsSVXasHWQg0MwkDjU&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2457.01">Alex:</a> Fardarlffordarsun. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=fJtuO5pVSQaR8_nGpQk2mdXkOTp4IwGLzAQoT0i41tgLUhI7tO6LwsHnO55n2XCExY65q2g92fIYnYh-mD7zoRN76V8&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2458.17">Kim:</a> Now Phil? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=K3Cphsx5sDu8qWSXBdYnD4jTG-pGTUG6bHVIbN8BLdSWOEB4T8WKY3KFXxlZAkTymcD6Yhpghg9IN6v9yFCxeutaN3s&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2458.86">Phil:</a> Beartskorse? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=u1p0mQcxdk8ckUv6aEWYZaXBOR7dRBnpd0OFGZnFAKDDxoLo6xyzFAciFuBrANVBeKlvkKROHl0gijSNmOYloyUF0O4&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2461.09">Kim:</a> Alex? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=wlmZMWptzP8MQ7J79yvj6IeAzm1mfGE7nn2u3SdVXjvMwEaoEEZ7_9vlTfR3vJbIqqCw0w6vSJKREX3qOcSWGG-7a4U&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2461.9">Alex:</a> Fardarlffordarsun. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=dW9-8k1sv7nUKmLC0YjHuJy_Eu1M19-Nmbt43vpylcNBMAdTyvMFxzZPxhLhxc2BZXScL6D2GKf41OHkdG0MOGIkIPE&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2462.21">Kim:</a> Phil? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=vkMfiE-tO8_ChB5MinoPfFHkWbhim7Cxs6LLSBmL55n0l7ZP3vbMygAl2kaKT0l4m4ChhDqNnFoZtovWOA3JWJtoD9E&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2462.3">Phil:</a> Yardskorse? <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=opeJskSNPD7Ce-YzYvlWGPa557kCO7B754u9uxKYeSR3yb05MAn545ij52kfj-R5AnXnESKa2_tA1iKQMlb9LyF0P20&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2464.41">Kim:</a> No. <g class="gr_ gr_773 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="773" data-gr-id="773">No</g> a massive fail. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=lcgdZy0gu8-tJLFd-1Dst2rg6T6u-SvmaajrWFqtZqrRgnv5ijbPOWBdD28yA6EFpt2bYTVYRrq0_Xqp4rriw0lA2Zo&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2468.95">Phil:</a> Hey what do you think of the podcast because we wanna know what you think about it. We actually built a survey and we wanna ask you just a few simple questions about what time of day you listened to it. What you like about it, what you don't like about it, personally for me it's you. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=1Jn4OObdwxLTmrXU0Ex2__Ie35Sm5PBWk5zufiMTtpV3eweCkvaa5CwpCUexkHuvNEq5ArcIM3Ia3NdwCddA2h-Xhqg&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2482.29">Kim:</a> Terrible. You've gotta watch what you wish for alright. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=Zd1Xd2Upx7U5594-dlpp4rM2g1kLRcIYrZx-CTWKpSpLIuI21EQOHNV0qEcuOIPdIgNOzyTekfEIdlX3BTpHKINOeyE&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2487.38">Phil:</a> No but be honest. Do the survey for us it's embedded on the show notes so hop on to the show notes at Worldnomads.com/podcasts. And fill in the survey for us we'd really appreciate that. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=v1ZOGGDrL3AY33J14Och0y0EhurdbjbxqR4FA_D3PtquzCBO3fBjZEDV6jDGOIzCJDb-A-ti5PPLZLqFBWs8mIVjvPc&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2494.52">Kim:</a> Okay you can get the world nomad podcasts on iTunes. You can download the google podcasts apps, subscribe, rate, share and tell your friends about us. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=4BSKy5OSXmbXgtbrbIoKfSxfS0077xv8cfxshgWvbhQP3OeDck3exdK9q5mOCWRztyK4zqxUCAMuC3s_xtBbQ6nLqyM&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2507.96">Phil:</a> Hey I just, 78% of podcasts are discovered by word of mouth so help us out there. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=-fVaJv2iYLCQRu3pQAfZSC0dTA5IhQAyf4kXWV7DdpqaerqZ0KaJsE7W24TykX8WiLzqWmZk9BbQOdzlK_YGdxx3vTo&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2513.34">Kim:</a> Yeah exactly so next week amazing nomad Angie Davis joins us. She's a photographer, <g class="gr_ gr_709 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="709" data-gr-id="709">film maker</g> and journalist who sold everything to travel around the world with her young family and barely a possession. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=vrYkyArcybS4aZ1sjYDGGyIA2qo_OnSrv3xzLa_jJEqeUJu14X7efqZryZNh_vkdZkVRFazOhjHlXkp8LEtfrZ_Dh-w&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2524">Phil:</a> Cheers. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=ah-s-qx3htpUGVs75Z1S1wAeIq-KbHEw-OOj_WuVLV4yCLF8MMWXGR_iA1ofD9t9pO1DQKgKcYBx1p28jCXF3K69ctA&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2524.53">Kim:</a> Bye. <a href="https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/Edit?token=2UNYsjMT_lkHPcsJR6eCeu-ZnHmhqkm7Jn2vPPu1WChN0hQ8yZjQqLLeaxYK5K__SHPjk1_pNjnz6pSg6_9khRU3gCM&loadFrom=DocumentSpeakerNameDeeplink&ts=2524.6">Speaker 1:</a> The World Nomads podcast, explore your boundaries. </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/ Pixelchrome Inc 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/india/the-holy-manDiscover the stunning beaches of Goa as Andre Bolourchi travels to India on a yoga adventure, in search of spiritual insight and genuine travel connections.2019-03-28T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/india/the-holy-manhttps://www.worldnomads.comHere, he meets Krishna, a wandering Baba whose assignment from his master is to teach the secrets of Yoga to wandering travelers in the idyllic surrounds of Palolem Beach, Goa. Observe Andre’s connection with Krishna, and share the insights he gains after practicing with this modern-day holy man.World Nomads 0

Midnight at the Tiger's Nest | Bhutan Photo Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/midnight-at-the-tigers-nest Midnight at the Tiger's Nest | Bhutan Photo StoryMon, 25 Mar 2019 21:23:30 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/midnight-at-the-tigers-nesthttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/nepal/nepal-discoveries-religions-and-harmonyTravel to Nepal with Will McCloy from World Nomads as he discovers the joyful, personal and harmonious acts of religion that are a part of everyday Nepalese life.2019-03-13T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/nepal/nepal-discoveries-religions-and-harmonyhttps://www.worldnomads.comBuddhism, Hinduism <g class="gr_ gr_19 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="19" data-gr-id="19">and</g> Tantrism are the building blocks around which the entire society is built, but there’s much more to the religions of Nepal than meets the eye. Join Will as he participates in the month-long Hindu Swasthani festival, speaks with a monk at a Tibetan Monastery about enlightenment, and visits Boudhanath, the stunning Buddhist stupa that encapsulates the spirit of Nepal.World Nomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/nepal/nepal-discoveries-flavors-and-foodTravel with Will McCloy from World Nomads as he tastes the food of Nepal and satisfies his senses with spice and flavor.2019-03-13T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/nepal/nepal-discoveries-flavors-and-foodhttps://www.worldnomads.comDiscovering the local food of a new country is a highlight for many travelers, and there’s no culinary experience quite like the one Nepal offers. The influences that come together, from places including China and India, create a fusion of flavors in dishes that also have their own Nepalese stamp. Will discovers the food that fuels the nation, Dal Bhat, eats his weight in momos, and learns the traditional way cook water buffalo.World Nomads 0

The Miracle Worker | Sri Lanka Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/the-miracle-workerThe Miracle Worker | Sri Lanka Travel StorySat, 15 Dec 2018 00:34:46 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/fear/the-miracle-workerBlack and White and Green All Over | India Travel Storyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/transformation/black-white-green-all-overBlack and White and Green All Over | India Travel StoryFri, 19 Oct 2018 00:01:14 GMThttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/stories/transformation/black-white-green-all-overhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/the-world-nomads-podcast-sri-lankaIn this episode, we discuss Sri Lanka's pristine environment, dodging elephants, tea plantations and the record-breaking traveler.2018-10-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southern-asia/sri-lanka/the-world-nomads-podcast-sri-lankahttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>The World Nomads Podcast: Sri Lanka</h2> In this episode we hear about Sri Lanka's pristine environment, volunteering overseas, dodging elephants, tea plantations and the record-breaking traveler. <h2>What’s in the Episode</h2> 00:56 Quiz Question 01:46 Felix Weber 03:35 The Beauty of Sri Lanka "...Everything in Sri Lanka, people-wise as well as scenery-wiseis beautiful. It's so diverse." - Felix 09:00 The battle to keep on top of rubbish 11:00 Volunteer in Sri Lanka with Idex 20:25 What can you be fined for doing in Thailand? 21:59 The world's most visited cities in 2018 23:06 Our Footprints network, funded by micro-donations, has raised the amount needed for the women's economic empowerment program in Sri Lanka.  27:27 James Asquith world record holder 32:26 Holiday Swap "... this is for everyone to make travel more accessible." - James Asquith 37:57 Isaac Entry and his family trip to Sri Lanka "...From my personal experience, there are very few experiences in life that have been enhanced by the addition of a four year old. Sri Lanka was amazing." - Isaac 45:50 Quiz Question answer 47:00 Next week <h2>Who is in the Episode</h2> We meet James Asquith, the Official Guinness World Record-holder for being the youngest person to visit all 196 sovereign nations in the world. James is also the Founder and CEO of one the fastest growing travel apps, Holiday Swap, which is active in more than 180 countries, and the winner of the Best New App Award. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/james.jpg" /><figcaption>James Asquith</figcaption></figure> Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesasquithtravel/">James </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/holswap/">Holiday Swap</a> on Instagram and <a href="https://www.holidayswap.com/">online</a>, plus we’ve given you two links to the App store if you’d like to download and start swapping, check out <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/holidayswap/id1313713150?ls=1&mt=8">itunes</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.holidayswap">Google Play</a>. Ninad Sharma runs <a href="http://www.goidex.com/volunteering-in-sri-lanka/">Idex</a>, a volunteer and travel company that helps travelers get amongst the local culture by taking part in volunteer programs, while also developing yourself and making new friends while traveling. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/idexresized.jpg" /><figcaption>Volunteer with Idex</figcaption></figure> We welcome back Felix Weber in this podcast episode. Felix was recently featured as an <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/oceania/australia/amazing-nomads-felix-webster">Amazing Nomad</a> where he revealed a little of living as a minimalist in the mountains of Sri Lanka. Of course, we had to find out more. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/felixweber.jpg" /> <figcaption> Knuckles Moutain Range Sri Lanka </figcaption></figure> Isaac Entry is the World Nomads Social Media Manager. Isaac recently went with his partner Bec and super-cute, four-year-old daughter Ashley on a family holiday to Sri Lanka. Isaac has some greats tips on traveling to this destination with a child. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/isaactrain.jpg" /> <figcaption> The main railway station in Colombo, where Isaac and his family caught the train to Galle. Photo Credit: Isaac Entry</figcaption></figure> Our Footprints Network funded by micro donations has raised the amount needed for the <a href="https://www.footprintsnetwork.org/project/153/Womens-Economic-Empowerment-Sri-Lanka.aspx">Women’s Economic Empowerment Program</a> in Sri Lanka with a focus on vocational training. The project’s goal is to improve the economic well-being of young Sri Lankan women and girls through decent employment and sustainable livelihoods. We spoke with project co-ordinator Rajkumar Nagarajah. <h2>Resources & Links</h2> Scholarships Newsletter: <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create">Sign up for scholarships news and see what opportunities are live here</a>. Learn more about the current, funded and completed projects within our <a href="https://footprints.worldnomads.com/">Footprints Network</a>.  <h2>Want to Republish This Episode</h2> <iframe width="100%" height="200" src="https://player.whooshkaa.com/player/episode/id/284396?visual=true&sharing=true" frameborder="0" style="width: 100%; height: 200px"></iframe> <h2>Sign up for Podcast News </h2> Explore your boundaries and discover your next adventure with The World Nomads Podcast. Hosted by Podcast Producer Kim Napier and World Nomads Phil Sylvester, each episode will take you around the world with insights into destinations from travelers and experts. They’ll share the latest in travel news, answer your travel questions and fill you in on what World Nomads is up to, including the latest scholarships and guides. The World Nomads Podcast is not your usual travel Podcast. It’s everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today. Next Episode: Gone With the Wynns.  <h2>About World Nomads & the Podcast</h2> Explore your boundaries and discover your next adventure with The World Nomads Podcast. Hosted by Podcast Producer Kim Napier and World Nomads Phil Sylvester, each episode will take you around the world with insights into destinations from travelers and experts. They’ll share the latest in travel news, answer your travel questions and fill you in on what World Nomads is up to, including the latest scholarships and guides. <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">World Nomads</a> is a fast-growing online travel company that provides inspiration, advice, safety tips and specialized travel insurance for independent, volunteer and student travelers traveling and studying most anywhere in the world. Our online global travel insurance covers travelers from more than 135 countries and allows you to buy and claim online, 24/7, even while already traveling. The World Nomads Podcast is not your usual travel Podcast. It’s everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today. <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Full Transcript of the Episode</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> Speaker 1: Welcome to the World Nomads podcast, delivered by World Nomads, the travel, lifestyle, and insurance brand. It's not your usual travel podcast. It's everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Kim: Hey, thanks for tuning in. And welcome to our destination podcast. This time we're highlighting Sri Lanka. Phil: It's an island country in South Asia, southwest of the Bay of Bengal. And it's also one of the world's largest producers of tea. Kim: Yum. Now tea gets a mention in this episode. But our friend Felix prefers to grab a coconut and a cuppa as he lives and works in the hills of Sri Lanka. Phil, you catch up with a guy who runs a volunteer and travel abroad company. You met him at a conference in Edinburgh. Phil: Yeah. Kim: It includes Sri Lanka among its destinations. We speak to James, who is the official Guinness world record holder as the youngest person to visit all 196 sovereign nations in the world. Phil: Good work. Kim: Yeah. Plus much more. But let's get to a quiz question to get things under way. Phil: Okey dokey. Sri Lanka has been an important trading destination for centuries, driven by the demand for what native plant? And hint: it's not tea. Answer's at the end of the show. Kim: Felix Weber. He lives in Sri Lanka where he promotes sport for development, peace, and social cohesion. Now basically he promotes the non-competitive side of sports, which is something you can't associate with Phil. If you play, you play to win. Phil: That's it. Kim: Now, we've previously featured Felix as an amazing nomad, focusing on his running, which he does as a way to experience the world. And totally inspired by an absolute love of people. Phil: Yeah. Look, he lives in a very strange way. Well, I admire the way he lives. It's a very basic way of living. He's got a room with a toilet and a shower. But otherwise, no facilities. In fact, he actually camps inside his room and prefers to sleep on the floor. But that gives him protection from the mozzies. And he said it's where he sleeps the best. Felix: That's actually true for the last six months. So I moved now from the mountains to the east coast to a place called Batticaloa where it's almost every day very sunny and hot. But last night it just poured down and rain, and my room got completely flooded and everything actually. But luckily, I actually pitched my tent outside at the sports ground, so I only found the littlest flooding in my room this morning. And I had a peaceful night out on the sports ground. Kim: It wouldn't have ruined much because you also revealed that you're a minimalist. You travel with whatever you can fit into your backpack. Felix: Yeah. That's true. So basically 80% of the time when I'm moving around, I have everything I need with me. So if it's more a tent, a sleeping mat ... Here in Sri Lanka, I don't really need a sleeping bag so I just have a thin in-liner or sheet. And then basically just food and water and my running shoes. That's basically all I carry with me. Phil: When you got to a new place in Sri Lanka, what do people make of you? Do they think you're a bit of a nut? Kim: Last podcast you called him a hobo. Felix: Yeah. They're not really used to especially foreigners just running through villages or running through the tea plantations or the rice fields. So they're just interested. It's been a wonderful journey for the last four or five months I've been living here. And also last year I was here for three months and it's just been fantastic over the time. Kim: We know that you love people and it's one of the things that inspires you to travel, but tell us about the beauty of Sri Lanka. Felix: Everything in Sri Lanka, people-wise as well as scenery-wise. It's so diverse. You have different cultures here. You have the Hindus as well as the Buddhas, Christians, and also the Muslims. And this also applies to all the scenery. You have beautiful beaches, like this pristine white sand beaches with palm trees. You sometimes even have a small swing on it. So you can just enjoy your time on the beach. But then about 100 kilometers further, you're in the mountains, which go up to two and a half thousand meters. And it's so peaceful. You have waterfalls everywhere and you have also tropical rainforest with all the fauna diversity you can imagine. Felix: Two days ago, we were driving through Batticaloa and we saw three elephants just at the side of the road. And it just makes your day. Just moving to this country, it doesn't matter if it's on your feet or being in a vehicle. Phil: You don't have to go far to go to coastal to mountainous. That must be a really amazing thing to have at your doorstep. Felix: It is. And the funny thing is sometimes it's only 100 kilometers in Australia or for German standards. It would take you an hour. But here 100 kilometers can sometimes take you four to five hours. And when actually ... Because it's windy roads. It's traffic. People are always stopped at the side of the road to have a cup of tea or have just a snack. So traveling in a vehicle takes a very, very long time here. And it's very tiring. And that's why I find it so refreshing actually just to run also long distances because I move maybe not at the pace that I would in a vehicle. But it's not that much slower. So it's actually a big advantage. Kim: Yeah. But it's pretty hot there at the moment. How many miles or kilometers can you run before it's too exhausting? Felix: It really depends. I normally always take a bladder with me because I've had it once on a 20 kilometer run ... I was so dehydrated I was urinating blood. So it's very, very hot and humid. And sometimes it's very tiring and not as much fun. But what I do is sometimes when I want to get from A to B ... because I know people are so interested and generous and welcoming, I just run. And I basically know for a fact a tuktuk or a motorbike or someone will stop and just ask me if I need a ride. Phil: You clearly like the Sri Lankan people and they seem to like you as well. What is it about it? What do you find is the thing that makes the connection? Felix: I think the simplicity of things. Normally because they don't see me as a normal tourist who has the pockets full of money. They're just interested why I live this lifestyle. And it's not about materialistic things. It's not about money. It's just they want to offer me a tea, to sit down with me and have a quick chat even though language sometimes is a barrier. And I think that's the beauty of it, that even though we cannot communicate verbally in detail or perfectly, we still manage to find ways to get along and how to communicate, we use our hands and feet. And I just feel comfortable with the people. Phil: How good's the tea in Sri Lanka? So you're drinking a lot of tea. How good is it? Felix: I actually don't because they put so much so sugar. They either have made tea or plain tea. But they put I don't know how many teaspoons of sugar they put in it. So I actually stay away from the tea most of the time. And I prefer the coconuts by far. So I have the coconut, at least one every day. But sometimes I have a cup of tea when my sugar levels are down and I'm tired and I have a cup of tea. But otherwise, it doesn't really taste like tea anymore. Kim: No. I don't have sugar in my tea. Can't you just say that though? No sugar? Felix: Most of the time, they just prepare liters of tea. Like for example, here in the college we get four times tea a day. And they just have this big barrel where they just pour the tea out. And it's pre-prepared. So sometimes you can ask when you go to a smaller restaurant or a small shop, you can ask for plain tea. And then it's good tea. But otherwise, yeah it's always full of sugar. Phil: How about next time you're running through a tea plantation, you just grab a couple of leaves and dry 'em off yourself and make your own tea? Felix: Yeah I could. I actually slept in a lot of tea plantations because normally in the morning, the mist is just sitting in the tea. And it's just so beautiful waking up. You cannot see anything except fog and big, lush, green tea leaves. Kim: Is the environment fairly pristine? The beaches and through to the mountains? Felix: The environment itself, yes. But littering is a big problem if you go through more populated areas. And the beaches are full of litter. And they don't really have the awareness of how to keep the nature as it's supposed to be. And even in the college here, sometimes it's very dirty and you can smell it. And with the heat and humidity, it just doesn't take long until you can smell basically every item of litter. That's a sad part of it. Kim: You mentioned the college. Tell us about the work that you're doing in Sri Lanka. Because you're not just running and eating coconuts. You're actually doing something. Felix: Yes. So my role is here, basically to bring people from the various ethnic backgrounds together. So what I do here at the college, I teach normal physical education lectures. So this morning I just had a running class where I just told them about the different running techniques. But my main role is I organize the exchange programs, which we do at different colleges. Phil: And that's not something you could have done 10 or a dozen years ago because that's the basis of the entire complex, right? Felix: Yeah. That's correct. So the civil war ended in 2009. And since then, it's been relatively peaceful. But you can still feel there are a lot of prejudices between the different ethnic groups. But a lot of times it's because the people have never interacted with other people from the different ethnic groups. And that's why I think such an exchange program is quite sensible. It's just that to bring the people and actually see, they're basically the same people. It's jus that they have different beliefs. But some of them have the same interest. They actually eat most of the time the same food. And they are just much the same. I think that's how you can just the people. It doesn't matter what religion you have or what you believe in. It's just you can make friends with anyone. Phil: Ninad Sharma runs Idex, a volunteer and travel abroad company where you can get amongst the culture by taking part in very ethical volunteer abroad programs. At the same time, developing itself and making new friends during travel. Kim: Nice. Phil: Sri Lanka is one of the program's destinations. And I caught up with Ninad at the WYSTC Conference in Scotland to find out. Ninad: Well, our job is to help two sets of people. One is the young travelers, of course. And the other is the local people of the country, Sri Lanka for example. And the way we do it is we would prepare an opportunity to travel wherein a young person would be well taken care of in terms of their food, their stay. They would be given organized opportunities or options to immerse in the local culture in the form of meeting families, interacting with students. And the core part of the program would be for them to engage in a meaningful way, in an impactful way with local communities that need some degree of help. Now what that means is that if you look at any of the countries that are still developing, Sri Lanka being the point in case, there are schools that could use an additional English teacher, there are women's groups that could use somebody to come in and tell them about how to use PC, there are even monasteries which would benefit from learning English from a real English speaker because many times there are no English teacher around. There would be schools that would benefit from their walls being prepared or sports classes being run. Ninad: Now what we do is we take the local need and design it in a way that a young person can actually contribute to the need even though they may not have the language skills or the work experience. So our job is to facilitate through our knowledge to help these young people participate in a program which is enjoyable for them and useful for community members. Phil: And when we were talking earlier you said there's no shortage of projects that need work-ons. We're talking about developing countries in the Asian region all over. Ninad: Yes. You look at schools, you look at daycare, you look at health, you look at women issues, you look at rights or facilities for the differently abled, you look at orphanages, you look at facilities required for the elderly. There is a need everywhere. I wouldn't say necessarily there is an acute need because very often if you look at the disadvantaged in the mainstream media, you get shown heart-wrenching pictures of starving people in Africa or filthy slums in Asia. And that is definitely there, there's no doubt about that. But there are even sections of society which are much easier to access, which are much easier to go to and still make a contribution which is as valid as any other. Phil: But of course you're aware that this area has become a little bit tricky. That you've got to make sure that you're not actually taking a job from somebody else, that you are contributing in a meaningful way. So how do you manage that? Ninad: Well, I think the fear, if I may say, of taking jobs away is unfounded. If I gave you an example of my home country, India, a well-run school would have an English teacher that wouldn't really be able to speak more than a couple lines of English. So we're not really replacing any jobs. There is no way that jobs are going to get replaced by a few thousand volunteers that come in. What happens is more subtle. It's as I said earlier: infusion of energy. Bringing in new ideas. And even the international volunteers who may not believe what I'm saying sometimes, but they act as role models. They act as people who are getting places or doing things. Phil: Now, when we first met you also told me the very interesting story of how you got into this business. Can you share? Ninad: Yeah, absolutely. As a young college graduate back in '98, I didn't want to join any mainstream, the so-called professional lines, and wanted to explore what I wanted to do. And so I joined my mother's NGO. My mother was working at UNICEF-funded project at that time. And she was running a small NGO for women empowerment in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India. So I joined her, started to help her around because I was able to use computers that she was not able to. Ninad: But there was just a slight problem. Despite all my work, she had no money to pay any salary to me. Not enough even to put petrol in my scooter. So I had to do something. Although I loved the work, it was very interesting, I got to meet a lot of people. And so I started a travel company wherein I started organizing group tours for German and Danish schools and travelers really. And it was great. We did well, quite possibly because we were able to think outside of the normal tourism industry. So it was not just about hotels and museums. It was we we could do a lot more. But overall it was dis-satisfactory because people would come to India, go to hotels and buildings, beautiful old buildings, but they would not really get to see much of the country, the real country, the daily lives and struggles and sources of joy for the Indian people. Ninad: And so it was making an income but it was not very satisfactory at a personal level. And then purely by cosmic karma, eight young people from Denmark asked us if we could organize for them at a project. So we had them come to a women's project in the middle of the desert really. I mean, the northwest of India is a desert state, a desert region. And it was an okay school that was being run by UNICEF. So imagine there's this desert community and there is this ground that has about 20, 30 houses in a circular formation with the school in the middle. And this was a community of nomadic blacksmiths. So it was the first ever attempt to settle down these nomadic communities so that they can get an address and have some running water and education for their kids. And by traditional standards, it was going well. So we had about 30% of the kids of the community attending school. Now that is already an achievement for people who for over 400 years had never settled down in one place. Ninad: But when we had these eight young people, within a month that they were spending there, the attendance went over 80%. The kids started to show up and their cousins started to show up, their parents started to show up at the school because there was just so much going on. And with millions upon millions of people in India, attention is sometimes hard to find. So we had the local media coming there, we had the local government coming in and providing funds to refurbish the school. And to us it was like magic because eight young people, one project, one month and the whole thing just got turned around. Ninad: And so we had sort of our eureka moment. We said, "Hm. This looks interesting. We have something that is travel, it helps people, it creates energy, brings attention. And it can be done with people who have had no prior experience of teaching nomadic blacksmiths' kids in the desert of India." That sounded pretty amazing. And of course, that was our first experience and we didn't quite know how to do it in the best possible manner but over the years we've improved it. And so now we can have a first-time, let's say a British young person come over to Sri Lanka and contribute to the lives of women there. We think it's a pretty cool thing to do. Kim: Thank you, Ninad. Other destinations include India, Nepal, Vietnam, and Thailand. There will be a link to the website in show notes. Phil, what's your travel news? Phil: Thailand's Maya Beach, the one where they filmed The Beach, you know that one? Kim: Yeah. Phil: It's going to remain closed indefinitely. Thai authorities initially they'll close it for a few months to allow the coral a respite from the hordes of tourists. But now they say it's closed for good. This is why we can't have nice things. Kim: Why? Phil: Well, it's been absolutely trashed. Kim: Yeah, I know that. But for good? Like forever? Phil: Indefinitely they say. So however long ... Kim: However long it takes. Phil: Coral grows very slowly. So when that comes back, I imagine. Also in Thailand, you can now be fined for feeding the pigeons. Look, this sounds like another one of those draconian, military juntas on a rampage laws. But I actually think this is a good idea because scam artists prey on tourists at temples and public squares around Bangkok especially selling them overpriced bird seed. Kim: Yeah. I told you I got done in Greece, didn't I? Phil: Oh that's right. They also say it's also going to decrease the risk of spreading bird flu. Flying rats and all that sort of stuff. Phil: Okay. Testing out my pronunciation again. Are we ready? The Japanese ... What is it? The Japanese belief in omotenashi, which means to whole-heartedly look after guests. Well, that's wearing a bit thin with the three main hot spots of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Drowning in tourists. Kim: Everyone's going to Japan. Phil: 30 million visitors are expected in Japan by the end of this year. And they can say they're sick of the overcrowding and the bad behavior of some of them. Come on people, be nice. Kim, what started in late September? Kim: Not sure. You tell me. Phil: Oktoberfest. Kim: Getting in early. Phil: Look, it used to be in October but they've started a couple of weeks earlier now because the weather is better. It's just wrapped up without any major incident thankfully. A few hangovers I'm sure. But if you've missed this year's drinking festival in Munich, now's the perfect time to plan and book for next year. Phil: Speaking of heavily visited places, the world's most visited cities in 2018 have been named. Well, the year's still going. But the northern summer's over. Topping the list with 20 million visitors is Bangkok. London, Paris, Dubai is next. Kim: Do you know I saw a Facebook post or Instagram post on graffiti, street graffiti in Dubai? It's awesome art work. Phil: Oh is that right? Kim: But you would never think of it. The last thing you would think is that you'd be allowed to desecrate the buildings. Phil: Yeah. No, it's a pretty heavily regulated place. Kim: Yeah. But beautiful street art. Phil: I've been in Dubai for about a week. I rather liked it. It's quite good. I wasn't there when it was stinking hot but I quite liked it. What else is on this list that gets me? We're coming down the list a little bit. Antalya in Turkey, nine million visitors. Where else have we got? Antalya, Osaka, and at the bottom of that list is Bali with 8.3 million visitors. Kim: Mecca. That stands out. 9.18 million. Phil: Oh that's because of the Hajj. Kim: Does that wrap up your travel news? Phil: That's my news. Kim: Awesome. Well, here's some news. Our Footprints network, funded by micro-donations, has raised the amount needed for the women's economic empowerment program in Sri Lanka. It's focused on vocational training. Phil: The project's goal is to improve the economic well-being of young Sri Lankan women and girls through decent employment and sustainable livelihoods. We have the program coordinator, Raj Kumar, on the line to firstly find out what is meant by decent employment. Raj: In the sense of they have to have a certain income. And also the employer has to provide all the facilities, good terms and conditions for them. And also career prospects and career part for the employees as well. We also doing another program [inaudible 00:23:53] when they complete their vocational training program, we also support them to set up self-employment. But unfortunately, we are doing these projects [inaudible 00:24:05]. Unfortunately in the remote areas of Sri Lanka where ... from self-employment also, it's kind of a start-up enterprise, small enterprise, it's very difficult for them to get a big income from those sales, these small businesses. But we are also trying to promote the graduated young people to go to other districts where they can get more income or more better employment. Raj: But unfortunately, the girls from those districts because of the cultural barriers, they're unable to go to other districts where the population is more and also it's a better fit where the township is much better. Because of the cultural barrier, they are unwilling to go to the different district. Phil: So what does it mean for your project to have the involvement through the Footprints program? What has that meant for you? Raj: We want to ensure girls and boys are going to vocational training programs especially in the hospitality industry, construction industry, ICT and the automobile industry. And also, we want to ensure girls are going into non-traditional vocational training programs. Generally girls trying to do beauty culture, ICT, and a few other vocational training programs. So we are trying to have gender-sensitive career guidance training program to provide all the information about the vocational training programs and the institute that conduct different types of vocational training programs by the government and also by the private institute. So the girls and boys they have adequate, equal information. And then they can choose whatever their vocational training program they want to have. Raj: But the hospitality industry, and also in the construction industry, we have a huge shortage of labor. In fact, a couple of days ago I attended a conference in Sri Lanka. They are trying to bring foreign workers in China, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal to fill the vacancies in Sri Lanka in the hospitality and construction industry. So we are trying to train young girls and boys. Especially girls into the hospitality industry. But we really face lots of challenges. But through proper career guidance training program, targeting community members, religious leaders, teachers, principals, parents, then we are kind of trying to get more and more young girls into hospitality industry. Kim: So still a few challenges there, but so thrilled the Footprints network was able to help out. And obviously it can't be done without your micro-donations. So a huge thanks. Phil: And that's right. And we've got over four million dollars we've raised now from everybody who's donated. Yeah. Big thank you. Kim: Round of applause. Phil: Yeah definitely. Kim: Well done. Phil: Woo hoo. Kim: Phil, this man is the official Guinness world record holder to be the youngest person to visit all 196 sovereign nations in the world. It's not only all he's done, but I reckon we'll kick off with that. It's not a bad start. Phil: It's not a bad thing to start off with. Kim: James, welcome. James: Hey guys, how's it going? Phil: Can I ask the first question? How did you settle on 196? Because I thought it was 198. James: Do you know what? I'm still not sure myself. Phil: No, nobody is. James: It's something that's kind of up for debate. And there's 195 sovereign countries plus other regions, territories. I guess this is where the conversation gets all political about Taiwan and Hong Kong. I think I saw something a few years ago where one big company they're in 220 something countries. So it depends what you want to class it as. I guess some people class like Reunion for example in the Indian Ocean 8,000 kilometers from France. And is that still France? Is it not? Tahiti is even worse. Yeah, I guess people kind of class it as many different things. Phil: Well, did you go to Reunion? James: I did actually go to Reunion. Phil: Oh good. James: It does feel like a mini little tropical France. Kim: I'm interested in the application process because I've tried to break a few world records before. Phil: Drinking doesn't count, Kim. Kim: No, it wasn't, James. Don't believe it. James: Was it a tequila tray? Kim: I think I have broken the world record for that. No, it was the most bras strung together across this particular bridge. And then there was another one like sticking chocolates in my mouth. But the issue is ... Phil: Can I just point out this is not random strange behavior? Kim used to host an FM radio breakfast program. Kim: Exactly. Phil: So all those hijinks that people get up to. She is that mad but ... James: What kind of chocolates? That's the first thing that I want to ask. Kim: Ferrero Rochers, James. James: I knew you were going to say that for some reason because everyone ... it's such a difficult chocolate to eat. Kim: It is. You try shoving seven or nine of those in your mouth. It's not good. Phil: They've got little sharp edges on them. Kim: I know. So I know that the application process is rigorous. It's super strict. In fact, I was under the understanding that when you're cracking a record, you actually have to have an official from Guinness there to make sure that you're not cheating and you're doing all the right things. So how did you go about it, visiting 196 countries? James: Oh gosh. It was not easy. And obviously due to the whole global nature of going everywhere it was something that took a lot of evidence. And initially I kind of thought, a passport's an official document. The visas and the stamps would hopefully suffice and be enough that ... as everyone knows, Guinness do things very properly and then probably then some beyond that. So it actually took probably over a year to actually get it validated and confirmed. Just the piles of evidence that we have for them. Witnesses in every country and photos that were proved in every country and tickets and travel plans and visas obviously as well, et cetera, et cetera. So a log of everything that had to be fully verified by them. So it took a long time. I feel for the person that had to do that over at Guinness because it was a lot of back and forth and a lot of evidence. I think there was one occasion where ... like for example, I've been to the Bahamas on a cruise. And when you go on a cruise to a lot of places to the Caribbean ... I was not intending to go to every country and get a world record at this point. So I got off the boat and I was just enjoying myself as you do. I was like, "Hey, here's the Bahamas." James: And then it was only when I turned around and I thought, "I need to get the evidence" because there are many different kind of tick boxes of evidence that you need. One of them is obviously the visas and the stamps. So I actually got a flight from London to the Bahamas just to go back three hours later to London again just to get a stamp, just for Guinness. Kim: That's insane. James: It was 22 hours of flying with a three hour stopover there just to get a stamp. Kim: Not only have you done that, but you've actually created ... you're the founder and the CEO of one of the fastest growing travel apps called Holiday Swap. It's active in over 100 countries, Phil. And look, if winning a Guinness world record isn't enough, he's also won the best new app award. Phil: Okay. Kim: So he's a high achiever, this chap of ours that we're chatting to. Tell us about Holiday Swap. James: Yeah. So I just recently checked with some of the guys and I was told, I was even shocked myself, we're told it's in 184 countries now, which is great for our kind of what we're trying to do. Phil: The app's almost been to as many countries as you. James: Almost, yeah. But thanks so much for the kind words, but I genuinely don't look at it in terms of that's a personal achievement. We kind of feel at Holiday Swap that this is for everyone to make travel more accessible. And I kept getting asked by a lot of people around the world when I traveled, particularly the younger demographic and millennials, they would say, "Hey, how did you manage to travel so much?" And kind of the common consensus was, "We'd love to travel more. But we can't afford it." And that's kind of a long-age running thing. You've got the conundrum between the money and the time. And the more money you make, the less time you have because you're working more. So we wanted to create something in a tool that would be able to take out as much of the cost of travel as we can. Unfortunately, I didn't have the money to go and buy a plane and start putting cheap plane tickets on it. So we thought the second largest ... actually slightly the largest cost is accommodation, which is 28% of what people spent on travel. So we thought people, most of us are lucky enough to have a bed to sleep in at night. And we thought with the sharing economy growing, why not use that to travel and have a bed to stay in around the world? Phil: "I've got a bed and it's available between x dates and it's a sharing sort of facilitator." Is that the way it worked? James: Yeah, exactly. It could be a bed, it could be a room, it could be a villa, it could be a huge house, a small house, it could be absolutely anything. Kim: Before we get to the reason of why you're about to hit the media, the podcast is on Sri Lanka. Obviously you've been. What was your experience? James: Sri Lanka's awesome. I know it's still obviously hugely popular, but I kept seeing it coming up everywhere at the start of this year. You know there always seem to be that destination each year that everyone focuses on. Two years ago it was Bali. Last year it was Iceland. And then at the start of this year, everyone was talking about Sri Lanka. And rightly so because it's so ... relatively I think it's quite untouched by tourism. More and more people are going there. But it's a fantastic country. The only thing that for me was always a little more difficult in Sri Lanka was it's a bit trickier to figure out your itinerary. But that's exciting in a way. There's not necessarily a top five or 10 places to see. A lot of it, I feel, is immersing yourself in what Sri Lanka is. A lot of the south coast is beautiful. I love Kandy and Galle. Not the biggest fan of Colombo. But most people fly to Colombo and use it as a stopping point and get out. But the southern coast and Weligama ... if you like surfing, Weligama and the bay around there is beautiful. James: And then yeah, you've got the complete contrast to the beaches in the south as you head kind of into the middle of the country. Sigiriya was an incredibly beautiful spot. People talk about Machu Picchu as one of the wonders. And Sigiriya again, which is very much the thing that kind of makes Sri Lanka beautiful and what it is is that it's on par. It's parallel with Machu Picchu. It's this completely flat jungle and then in the middle this huge rock comes out from it. And you can climb to the very top of it. And it's like a little fortress where the population used to live. You can see why. It was a great little castle up there because you can see people coming from all around. But I think it's a really good time to go now to Sri Lanka before everyone kind of discovers just how awesome it is. Kim: I'm about to get a little jittery because I have in front of me information which I'm unsure about how much I am to share. But there's about to be a massive global press piece surrounding you. So I'm going to have to throw it to you so I don't ruin anything or say the wrong thing. James: Yeah, there's a few different bits coming out, which is super exciting. The main one is an Air Miles giveaway, which is actually when I was on a flight to Sydney. I was trying to knock myself out for the flight so I'd had a few drinks. And I didn't knock myself out. Unfortunately after these few drinks I had a genius idea, which was just to basically give away all of my Air Miles. And I landed in Sydney and I was thinking, "What have I just done?" But it kind of comes around in a full circle too. The whole thing is to what we do with Holiday Swap. And we want to inspire travel. We want to make it more accessible, we want to make it cheaper. A few people turn around and say, "Why on Earth are you giving away all your Air Miles and not using them?" And it's about enough to fly around the world three times. So just seeing the response and the reaction from people who just got so excited to thinking about putting themselves in the mindset of where they could go and what they could see was exactly what I really wanted to achieve with that. James: We're doing a bunch of other exciting stuff as well, particularly through Holiday Swap. I'm giving away another pair of flights to someone. Anyone who kind of lets me know through Instagram. jamesasquithtravel is my Instagram. And yeah, just kind of hit me up whenever in comments. Or slide into the DMs if you wish. Everything will be seen. Phil: Everything you need to know about James and Holiday Swap will be in the show notes. Kim: I'm sure you've heard me say before at World Nomads we don't just talk the talk, we actually walk it. And Phil, you can't help but be inspired to travel when you're editing, writing, posting, filming or recording these awesome travel stories. Phil: I know. My wanderlust is increasing all the time. Kim: Well, you're going to Italy next year. Phil: I am. Kim: You're off shortly on a micro-adventure to far north Queensland. Phil: Yeah. Kim: This man, our social media savant, Isaac, recently went to Sri Lanka. Isaac: Thanks for having me. Or as they say in Sri Lanka [inaudible 00:37:51]. Phil: Oh he's pulled the language on us. Kim: How many phrases did you learn? Isaac: I learned how to say all the important things. Thank you, [inaudible 00:38:00]. You get around with English. The things I like to learn are sorry, thank you. Phil: Yeah. The polite bits. Kim: So what were your thoughts on Colombo because James, who was earlier in the podcast, wasn't a fan. Isaac: I didn't expect to like Colombo as much as I did. From I've read, I only booked a night. The city's chaotic, but there are little pockets of charm. And I wish we had more time to dive into those little pockets. Phil: Like what? How are they charming? Isaac: There's an iconic hotel called the Galle Face Hotel, which is right next to the Galle Face Green, which is an interesting area because what happens in the evenings when the weather's a bit cooler is lots of young people come out, they fly their kites. There's all these sort of eateries, sort of food stall type things. Kim: Beautiful. Isaac: So little things like that in Colombo that are really interesting as a traveler. Phil: This is like their Central Park, is it? This is like their Hampstead Heath to them? Isaac: Yeah, Central Park. By the beach, sun going down, that sort of balmy, tropical evening. Heaps of young people out. Lots of lovers. It's a popular sport for lots of lovers. Kim: And that's okay? Isaac: Yeah, it's all good on the Galle Face Green. Kim: Well. Tell us about the train ride. So one night in Colombo, which you regret ... you would have liked to have explored that a little further. So you took a train to Galle. Isaac: So sorry, from Colombo we took a train down to Galle. The iconic hotel in Colombo is called the Galle Face Hotel. Kim: Yeah. Isaac: The train trip ... I had a very different experience to my partner. Kim: The mother of your child. Isaac: The mother of my child. I'll run through the experience for you guys. So we got to the train station. There's not a lot of signage. Lots of people waiting for the train. The first attempt, the train pulled into the station. We jumped on because we were keen to get a seat because we were traveling with my daughter who is four years old. And just before the train leaves the station, I work out that we're on the wrong train. So grab bags, grab kid, hop off the train, wait for the next train. Take two- Kim: What was the sign that you were on the wrong train? Isaac: I asked someone, "Is this train going to Galle?" And he's like, "No, this is not going to Galle." Kim: Right. Isaac: And I was like, "Bec ..." because she was down at the end of the carriage and it's like, "Hop off. This is not the train." When the right train came along we were a bit slow. We didn't get a seat. So Bec sat on the floor with Ashley in the doorway. And I was standing next to our baggage because I was concerned for the safety of our baggage. Phil: Did I do that to you? Isaac: Yes. Phil: Sorry. Kim: Travel safety expert Phil. Isaac: I was aware. I was alert, not alarmed. Kim: Good man. Isaac: So Bec had an amazing experience. She watched the countryside go by. It's coastal. You pass little villages, there are people doing their thing. Scenes of daily life in Sri Lanka. And she had this amazing moment. And she thought about life and where she wanted to be, sort of setting five year goals. And I was there having a very different experience with the baggage. Like I've got my eye on you, mister. Kim: And what about your four year old on the train? Isaac: She was sitting with Bec, little Ashley. And I like to think she had a good time too. Kim: Speaking of your daughter, you said that there is a place that you would not take children to. Was this part of the safari? Isaac: The safari experience is not something I recommend with a small child. Kim: Can you explain that? I remember you saying that to us. Isaac: I think the attraction for us to bring Ashley to the natural habitat of these animals and to see elephants in the wild. That was the attraction. But the reality is it's very, very hot. These safaris go on for hours and hours. As it should be, there is no guarantee that you will see anything. So for a four year old, it can be difficult. We saw families getting off the trucks and kids crying. And parents about to strangle each other because dad wanted to see a rare sort of cheetah or leopard or whatever. We think the safari thing, if you have little kids ... yeah ... Phil: I'm sorry, but Sri Lanka and safari: I'd never put those two together. But clearly. Isaac: Sri Lanka, if I'm correct ... if I'm wrong you can edit this out, has- Phil: No, no. We leave it in. We leave that stuff in, mate. Isaac: I think it's home to the world's biggest mass migration of elephants that all sort of gather at this watering hole at this time of year. And it's a magnificent sight. Kim: I don't care if you're wrong. Sounds great. And Felix, earlier in the episode too, spoke about, Phil, when he was running or driving with someone, just wild elephants on the side of the road. Isaac: Yes. We saw a bit of that. So that's the other thing I wanted to say. For Ashley, we could be driving down the road somewhere and an elephant just sort of walks up to the side of the car. And that's quite different to being in a bumpy Jeep to see the same thing. Phil: Okay. The migration is called The Gathering. It's happened for centuries. Hundreds of elephants descend on the shores of an ancient reservoir in Sri Lanka's north central district. And I'm not going to pronounce that ... national park. Kim: No. Well, nor am I going to pronounce this festival that you went to, which is a great elephant segue. You said it was pretty spectacular but you had some concerns for the elephants. Isaac: Yeah. Look, visually it's unlike anything I've ever experienced. Kim: What's the name of it? Isaac: It's called [inaudible 00:44:00]. My apologies if I've said that wrong. Kim: Probably better than Phil doing it. Did you want to have a crack at it? Phil: No, no. Go on. Isaac: And it's a massive parade with traditional musicians and dancers. And you have these elephants and these amazing bejeweled costumes. But yeah, it's a bit difficult to see those elephants. Some of them didn't look entirely comfortable with the noise and the loud music and the crowds around them. So that for me was a bit difficult to process. Also a bit difficult to explain when you're traveling with a child, why that's okay and when that's not okay. Kim: You wrapped up your family trip in Negombo. Isaac: Negombo was an interesting place for us. It had a dark vibe, a dark energy. And I think it's to do with the fact that it has been known for child prostitution. That and the fact that there is a lot of Catholic imagery in the town kind of gave it a David Lynch sort of dark feel. Kim: The Catholic imagery that you're speaking of is a hangover from the Portuguese. Isaac: Yeah. So sort of remnants from early Portuguese settlers came to this little fishing town by the coast. Kim: And you're saying not only is it known for child prostitution, but they actually, Phil, have signs. Phil: Seriously? Warning of it? Isaac: Yeah. In some places, hotels have signs saying that they don't encourage and they don't support that sort of activity and will call it out. Kim: Yeah. So what would you say to families that want to travel to Sri Lanka? Isaac: From my personal experience, there are very few experiences in life that have been enhanced by the addition of a four year old. Sri Lanka was amazing. Kim: So it's a family-friendly country apart from this area? Isaac: Yes. Kim: Well, that brings us to the end of our episode featuring Sri Lanka. But the answer to your quiz question. Phil: The native plant that has created trade with Sri Lanka for centuries, dating back to about 2000 BC when this product was imported into Egypt. I'm talking about cinnamon. It's native to Sri Lanka. So of course, that whole spice trade and everything which went on during Egyptian times. During medieval times the Europeans had no idea where it came from because the people who traded it kept the destination secret because they wanted to monopolize the trade. So they made up all sorts of fantastic stories about it came from the nests of birds which flew to some strange island and collected it, things like that. So it was a mystery for centuries. But of course, it was the impetus for, as far as Western civilization goes, for all that sort of exploration throughout southeast Asia and the Dutch East Indies. Kim: Oh cool. I thought you were going to say marijuana. Because that's been around for- Phil: You can sprinkle that on your food as well. Kim: All right. Download the World Nomads podcast from iTunes or the Google podcast app. And you can contact us by emailing podcast.com. What is next, Phil? Phil: We are featuring another amazing nomad. But this time it's a couple who swapped living in an RV for sailing the world in a catamaran. Please take me with you! Kim: Yeah. See you then. Phil: Bye. Speaker 1: The World Nomads Podcast. Explore Your Boundaries.     </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/ Sylvain Bouzat 0