Tag: culture

How to Have The Most Meaningful Travel Experiences

by Rach Rob, posted in A Personal Journey, Travel Hacks

You’ve heard the stories, read the memoirs, and seen the movies. They make it look and sound easy to “transcend”. To become enlightened by travel. Let’s be honest, you will still be you upon your return home. With that said, travel can be a transformative experience. But it comes in subtle and unexpected ways. If you are traveling on a journey of personal growth, there are some basic principles you can keep in mind to help gain the meaningful experiences you seek.

Continue reading “How to Have The Most Meaningful Travel Experiences” →

Tarzan Leaves The Jungle

by Rach Rob, posted in Chapa Chico, South America

This one is overdue. What do a gas stove, a wooden pepper grinder, a temperature nob in a shower, and a surf board have in common? Continue reading “Tarzan Leaves The Jungle” →

Ceremonies Of The Amazon

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, South America

Anyone who visits the jungle in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia has the chance to participate in a native ritual ceremony.  The indigenous Tacana traditionally practice these ceremonies twice a week, on Tuesday’s and Fridays, and additionally for special occasions and events. Many jungle adventure tours will be sure to include the ceremony in your experience even if your tour does not fall on those days.

These ceremonies are about giving back to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) for the abundance of resources and life she provides.  They are also an opportunity for the native people to ask for her protection from dangers, providence of food, and general well-being. Continue reading “Ceremonies Of The Amazon” →

¡Jungle Crafts!

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, Peru, South America

By now you know that I have spent a good bit of time exploring the Amazon rainforest.  One of many things that fascinates me about Amazon culture is the impressive knowledge of the jungle’s natural resources.

Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon have learned over centuries how to utilize the rainforest for survival.  These cultures rely almost entirely on plants and plant materials for survival.  The plants provide them with food, medicine and materials for shelter and clothing.   Continue reading “¡Jungle Crafts!” →

Nazca, Peru

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

Two millennia before the Inca would exist to create Machu Picchu in Eastern Peru, the Nazca people ruled the deserts 197 miles (317 km) to the West.  The region is scattered with ruins, leaving behind clues to this ancient civilization.   Continue reading “Nazca, Peru” →

A Conversation About Jungle Life

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, Chapa Chico, South America

I’m ready to share my latest youtube video.  My last video introduced Miguel, a.k.a Chapa, an indigenous Tacana jungle boy from the Amazon in Bolivia.  I am working on a series of videos that offer a peak into jungle life of the native people who live there.

In this video Miguel answers a few questions about what life is like in the indigenous communities.  He mentions how life is different “in the city”.  But, “the city” which he refers to is actually a very small town. Continue reading “A Conversation About Jungle Life” →

How Not To Do Machu Picchu

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

First of all, Machu Picchu is amazing.  Even if your tour is as terrible as mine was.  No matter how you choose to do Machu Picchu, you should choose to do Machu Picchu.

With that said, I would do it very differently with the hindsight I now have. Continue reading “How Not To Do Machu Picchu” →

A Modern Day Tarzan Story

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, Chapa Chico, South America

Meet Miguel.  Born and raised in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, this Native Bolivian Indian knows how to live off the land completely.  He puts everyone on survivalist reality TV shows to shame.  Although he did not grow up in one of the “uncontacted” communities that have received recent attention in the Amazon jungle, he comes from a primitive tribe in the same region, likely with close genetic relationships.  This community lives a natural lifestyle without modern amenities.   Continue reading “A Modern Day Tarzan Story” →

Bolivian Dance Performances

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, South America

“Caparoles” is the term for the style of traditional Andean dance which found it’s birth place in northern Bolivia. Caparoles is folkloric with it’s ritualistic roots. Today, it is performed to the beats and melodies of Bolivian folk music and is considered to be an Icon of Bolivian culture. Bolivian Dance is a spectacular art form! Continue reading “Bolivian Dance Performances” →