Unexpected Paradise: 6 Macaronesian Islands That You May Not Have Heard Of

Off the coast of Europe and Africa, the Macronesian islands offer unspoiled landscapes, quaint towns, and stunning coastlines.

The island of La Gomera is located in the Canary Islands, one of the island chains that make up Macaronesia. Jörg Bergmann. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Macaronesia is a group of archipelagos in the North Atlantic Ocean. off the coast of Europe and Africa. It consists of the islands of the Azores and Madeira, (part of Portugal) the Canary Islands (part of Spain) and Cabo Verde  (an independent group of islands formerly controlled by Portugal). Some of these islands are only a short flight away from many major cities in Western Europe and becoming more popular, leading to more development on some of them, but unspoiled wilderness remains prevalent. 

1. São Miguel, Azores

The Lagoa das Sete Cidades features colorful lakes in the remnants of volcano calderas on São Miguel. energeticspell. CC BY-NC 2.0.

The largest island in the Azores, São Miguel features numerous beautiful natural sights for hikers and/or tourists. Due to minerals in the water, the lakes on the island come in various tints of green and blue. At a more temperate climate than many of the other Macaronesian islands, São Miguel receives more rain, resulting in many waterfalls on the island. Some companies lead rappelling excursions at the waterfalls. The seas around São Miguel are also prime for whale watching.

2. Flores, Azores

Lush, green cliffs characterize the island of Flores in the Azores archipelago. Paulo Corceiro. CC BY-ND 2.0.

One of the more remote islands in the Azores archipelago, Flores literally translates to “flowers” in English. Its stunning lush mountains are well-suited for hiking and canyoneering, with trails leading to some unique geological formations. Some places on the island to visit include the village of Fajã Grande, which is tucked in between cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, and the 7 lagoons, the remnants of ancient volcanoes. 

3. Madeira

The cliffs of Madeira. Kacper Gunia. CC BY-NC 2.0.

After a thrilling landing at one of the most challenging airports for pilots in the world, visitors step into a green oasis with dramatic mountains and steep drop-offs. In the past, Madeira was a maritime center with Christopher Columbus and James Cook making stops there on their voyages. Later, rich landowners built ornate summer estates on the island, such as the Monte Palace Madeira, which is a present-day vast botanical garden. Hiking trails criss-cross the island, with many built on the remnants of levandas, irrigation canals used to feed water to drier areas of the island. A strenuous hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest point on the island, rewards intrepid hikers with vast views.

4. La Palma, Canary Islands

The volcanic landscape of the island of La Palma. weberpal. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. 

The island of La Palma in the Canary Islands is fully operational again after the Cumbre Vieja volcano stopped erupting in December 2021. While it is still advisable to exercise caution around the eruption area, the rest of the island is free to be explored. Past volcanic eruptions have created unique rock formations underwater, making diving a popular activity off the coast of the island. Watersports such as kayaking and canoeing are also popular, especially along the sheltered coast of Fuencaliente. There is also an extensive network of hiking paths on the island, leading to a variety of unique landscapes.

5. Fuerteventura

Popular beaches and desert landscapes combine on the island of Fuerteventura. xavipat. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The more southern islands of Macaronesia have a more arid climate, leading to more desert-like landscapes. Less than 100 kilometers from the coast of Africa, Fuerteventura consists of many popular beaches but also has quaint towns and rolling hills. As the first of the Canary Islands to be settled by Europeans, its first capital city of Betancuria was founded in 1404 and remains to this day and is a great place to learn about the island’s pre-Hispanic history. The island is also famous for its cuisine featuring majorero cheese and papas arugás with mojo (wrinkly potatoes with a local sauce).

6. Sal, Cabo Verde

The barren landscape of Sal is much more than what it seems. Phil Thirkell. CC BY-NC 2.0.

Another desert-like island, Sal is located in the northeast of the Cabo Verde archipelago and used to be the least populous island of the country until recent developments that have caused rapid growth. Like Fuerteventura, Sal has many beaches which are known as prime kiteboarding areas. Away from the beaches and resort areas lies what seems like a barren landscape, but tours on jeep and horseback can bring visitors to the remote interior to secluded areas. The island also has a legacy of salt mining, and it is possible to visit the Pedra de Lume area, which preserves the remnants of salt extraction operations.

Bryan Fok

Bryan is currently a History and Global Affairs major at the University of Notre Dame. He aims to apply the notion of Integral Human Development as a framework for analyzing global issues. He enjoys hiking and visiting national parks.

7 Sites of Mexico City’s Architectural Diversity, from Baroque to Brutalist

Mexico City is a flourishing metropolis with a plethora of historic and modernist architectural sites. Here are a few attractions scattered around the city.

A street at the center of Mexico City. Flickr user Franx’. CC BY-NC 2.0.

A Gothic cathedral sits next to a glassy business building. Brick houses with arabesque detailing overlook the noisy streets full of men in suits and street food vendors. Mexico City is growing every year; its multiplicity of neighborhoods hosts a variety of architectural styles and people from all over the globe. Often regarded as an oasis of modernity in the entirety of Latin America, this urban center has been labeled the “next Paris'' or as a new version of New York. Given its history of colonialism and its willful modernization under Porfirio Diaz, Mexico City’s compilation of architecture is oftentimes representative of its past and present. Here’s a cursory glance at a few of Mexico City’s sites of modernization, and the contradictions at play in these structures. 

The Central Library of the National Autonomous University on a gloomy day. Mark Hogan. CC BY-SA 2.0.

1. Central Library of the National Autonomous University

Juan O’Gorman’s Central Library of the National Autonomous University (UNAM) is a spectacle to behold. This behemoth holds the qualities of international modernist architecture: its 14-story frame sits above a glassy ground floor which looks over a neatly gridded yard. Yet, O’Gorman’s building doesn’t possess the stoicism of standard midcentury modern architecture; its distinctively Mexican-themed mural makes the building a historic storybook. Like a visual epic, the “Historical Representation of Culture” mural includes the expansive timeline of pre-conquest Mexico, the Spanish conquest, Mexican modernization and Mexico’s future. One can spot mosaics of the beginnings of Tenochtitlan, and the clash between pre-Hispanic Mexico and vehicles of Spanish colonialism. O’Gorman believed his mosaics of these cultural signifiers would make the library “different from the rest of the buildings within University City” by giving it a distinctly “Mexican character.” 

A corner of the exterior of Casa Luis Barragan. Forgemind Archimedia. CC BY 2.0.

2. Casa Luis Barragan

Casa Luis Barragan, which was built in 1948, looks as if it were suspended in time and space: colorful red walls jut into the placid blue sky, although they are immobile in detail and structure. Luis Barragan is a world-renowned architect whose eccentric architectural style can be recognized in his buildings’ solid colors, geometric shapes and sparsity of details. This vibrant house is a foil of O’Gorman’s direct homage to Mexico as a nation; it highlights formalist qualities over political values, which Barragan considered secondary to his architecture. Barragan is an expert at manipulating elements of nature. The play of shadows within the structure itself and the use of greenery turns an otherwise intimidating monument into a livable habitat. Although countless travel journals have attached Mexican modernist themes to Barragan’s home, it resists the supposed markers of “Mexican” aesthetics and remains a private site of great accomplishment.

Thousands visit the Basilica de Guadalupe daily. Alex Marduk. CC BY 2.0.

3. Basilica de Guadalupe 

Pedro Ramirez Vazquez’s seminal work, the Basilica de Guadalupe, is a sacred destination for thousands of Catholics around the world. The area it sits on, Tepeyac, was originally a place where Aztecs worshipped Tonantzin, or “the divine mother.” As a result of the suppression of Aztec religions during Spanish occupation, the Basilica de Guadalupe was built for Our Lady of Guadalupe who was said to have appeared before St. Juan Diego. The original colonial basilica was severely damaged in 1921 in a bomb attack, but Vazquez’s new Basilica de Guadalupe renovated the sacred site. This site was just one of Vazquez’s projects dedicated to industrializing Mexico, as shown in its modernist disk shape and the sheer mass of its structure.

Monumento a la Revolucion sitting at the city center. Ismael Villafranco. CC BY 2.0.

4. Monumento a la Revolucion

Located in the Cuauhtemoc borough of Mexico City, Monumento a la Revolucion is a stately memorial which celebrates the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Mirroring many of the United States’ federal buildings in Washington, the monument’s perfectly symmetrical Roman dome is fortified by brick pillars which meet at the four corners of the structure. Carlos Obregon Santacilia continued the project after it had been abandoned by both the state and the French architect they commissioned for the building, Emile Benard. Oliverio Martinez’s smooth sculptural representations of independence, reform, agrarian laws and labor laws protect the mausoleum on its four corners. In this marriage of neoclassical elements and Mexican nationalism, the Mexican government actively constructs its origin story via the conventions of Roman and French architecture.

Close-up shot of Martinez’s sculpture on Monumento a la Revolucion. Flickr user tchelseat. CC BY-NC 2.0.

A view of the facade of La Santisima Church. Wikimedia user Protoplasmakid. CC BY-SA 3.0.

5. La Santisima Church

La Santisima Church is covered in the Spanish churrigueresque style, which is the Baroque style that was dominant in Spain during the 18th century. Its facades are adorned with ornate carvings of the apostles, angels, Jesus and Mary placed in between its many columns. Although it appears relatively normal in a city full of extravagant churches, the distinctive religious iconography on its exterior deems La Santisima Church worthy of close attention.

Museo Soumaya shines brightly on sunny days. Flickr user Dan. CC BY 2.0.

6. Museo Soumaya

No piece of architecture screams “contemporary” like the Museo Soumaya. Museo Soumaya, which houses thousands of sculptures and paintings from pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica up to European impressionist works, is a piece of art itself. The Plaza Carso building in particular is an intriguing malformed shape dressed in millions of aluminum hexagons. Taking inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim in New York, Fernando Romero designed the Plaza Carso as an enigma: the concept behind the work is intentionally vague, and the usefulness of its parabolic shape questionable. 

Front view of Museo Anahuacalli. Javier Castañón. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

7. Museo Anahuacalli

Although Diego Rivera is widely known for his painted murals, his exploration of three-dimensional design is just as noteworthy. Rivera’s Museo Anahuacalli was made of his own accord; Rivera wanted a space for his collection of over 50,000 relics of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica. The style of the building is an amalgam of various Mesoamerican styles, taking inspiration from Teotihuacan and the temples of the Mayans and Aztecs. The exterior of the museum has the symmetry of neoclassical architecture, while its interior is heavily influenced by the Aztec pyramid. 

Many scholars speculate that the development of uniquely “Mexican” architecture, seen through Mexico City’s plethora of sites, stems from a desire for national representation. Mexico City’s postcolonial realities are found in its very infrastructure: one cannot ignore the presence of Catholicism, the reminders of a pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, and the complications of deliberate industrialization. Juan O’Gorman’s library attempts to artfully marry the past, present and future. Casa Barragan is the work of a maverick who resists the narrative of a national architecture. The grandiose Basilica de Guadalupe is holy ground for millions of Catholics, yet it strays from the Gothic style of typical European cathedrals. 

The sheer amount of voices and styles in this sprawling metropolis is telling of its complicated relationship with modernization. There is no shortage of historic, formal, religious and artistic values in each of Mexico City’s buildings. 

Heather Lim

Heather recently earned her B.A. in Literatures in English from University of California, San Diego. She was editor of the Arts and Culture section of The Triton, a student-run newspaper. She plans on working in art criticism, which combines her love of visual art with her passion for journalism.  

12 Local Cuisines You Can Find Around the World

Tasting local foods is one of the most interesting things about travel.  Learn about some hallmark culinary traditions of these diverse regions. 

Meat and veggies simmering in a pan. LoKan Sardari. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

My favorite part of traveling is exploring and tasting local food dishes with culturally significant roots within the region I’m visiting. When I traveled to London, I explored the local pubs and decided fried fish wasn’t that bad. The local aspect of dishes excites me, and I would much rather dine in a family-owned restaurant than a tourist trap. 

This serves as a bite-sized serving of the infinite variety of food on this massive planet—not a definitive recounting of the delicious and culturally significant dishes on Earth, but rather these regions serve as starting points that lead to culinary exploration. 

1. Kanto Region - Japan

Fukagawa meshi and other side dishes. Nekotank. CC BY-ND 2.0.

Japan is divided into eight regions, each of which has its own culturally significant dishes. The Kanto region is home to the capital city of Tokyo, and the flavors are stronger than the other regions’ food. Fukagawa meshi is a dish that originated in the Edo period (approximately 1603-1867) and consists of clams and leeks cooked in a miso stew. The dish was a product of abundant fishing in the area and quickly became adopted by locals. The Kanto region became a hub for industry during the Edo period, and the cuisine naturally started evolving to incorporate other region’s influences. 

2. New South Wales - Australia 

Kangaroo Meatballs with quandom jam. by denisbin. CC BY-ND 2.0.

Prior to the 18th century, the Indigenous population of Australia subsisted on hunting local wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies. Once Australia became a continent-sized prison for the British Empire, the cuisine quickly modified to have influences of the colonizer diet. Today, Sydney cuisine reflects the multi-cultural population that lives there. Take-away foods and fast food are staples of Australian culture, and Sydney specifically is a melting pot of local and international foods. Fish and thick cut fries are common. The cuisine of Australia is heavily influenced by Western diets but still utilizes ingredients that Aussies connect with, including eating their national animal, the kangaroo—a dish low in fat, delicious, and popular in local restaurants. 

3. Phobjikha Valley - Bhutan

Bhutan dish with potatoes and vegetables. By rapidtravelchai. CC BY 2.0.

This region is home to many rich cultural events, such as the Black-Necked Crane Festival, which honors one of the region’s most culturally significant animals. This festival is held annually on Nov. 12, where cranes can be seen flying at high altitudes, accompanied by traditional dancers dressed in black-necked crane attire. The local cash crop is potatoes, which are the main ingredient in kewa datshi, a traditional dish prepared by thinly slicing potatoes and sauteeing with cheese, butter and chiles. The dish is relatively new to the region’s culture; in fact, potato consumption in Bhutan was near non-existent until the 1970s. Until then, it was mainly used as an export crop. Due to the region’s altitude and climate, insects do not interfere with the local’s potato crops, which eliminates the need for harmful pesticides.

4. Metsovo - Greece

Skewered sausages. PACO POMARES. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Situated to the north of Epirus, Greece, this gorgeous small town is home to some of Greece’s most delicious industries: wine and cheese. The history of this town is fascinating, with it being the center of production for sheep wool traded as far as Northern Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries. The region is most popular during the winter season for its spectacular mountains and beautiful streams. Venturing off the beaten path, one can find themselves entranced with gorgeous forests, filled with statues, 19th-century architecture and natural springs supplying fountains. The local cuisine has an emphasis on dishes with rich flavors like sausages and ruffage, as well as a nice glass of wine to pair with it. Extra virgin olive oil is a heavily used condiment that could be added to multitudes of things, including toasted bread and other dishes.  

5. Chengdu - China

An assortment of Chengdu Food.  sinosplice. CC BY-NC 2.0.

Chengdu, China is a so-called “Party City,” according to the Los Angeles Times. While it is true that Chengdu has more teahouses and bars than Shanghai, it’s also home to many local dishes, specializing in chiles and peppercorns. One dish, dan dan mein (which Chengdu is credited for making), utilizes both in order to achieve a very spicy broth. Chengdu’s local tea culture is also very important, since the city was once a starting point for the Silk Road, offering many opportunities to create and enhance cultural staples. Although not culinary-specific, the city is a hotspot for LGBTQ+ travelers and natives, combining influences from the local party scene and the Queer community. 

6. Soca Valley - Slovenia

Panettone with chocolate chips. Nicola since 1972. CC BY 2.0.

Slovenia is right in the center of four surrounding cultural influences; the Balkans, Alpines, Mediterranean and Pannonian flavors are all present in Slovenia’s dishes, and each is broken down into distinct ‘genres’ of food. The Alpine mountains are home to the cows and sheep that graze and produce milk, used for cultural dishes like žganci (literally translated as mash). The expansive meadows let honey bees run rampant to produce fresh honey. To the east of Slovenia, there is a vast amount of wheat fields, used to prepare a litany of different dishes and thermal springs that allow for fresh drinking water. The most popular fish is sea bass, and according to popular sentiment in the region, “a fish must swim three times, in water, oil and wine.” By utilizing hard harvested salt, Slovenia’s population takes its local cuisine very seriously. 

7. Cape Town - South Africa

South Africa’s cuisine can be summed up with the term “melting pot,” since this region contains a mixture of Asian, European and Indigenous cultures within their food. Braai, an almost universally utilized meat preparation method in Southern Africa, is prepared by digging a firepit, providing meat and setting it ablaze. The practice is adjacent to America’s cultural touchstone of “barbecue,” although a key difference is that braai fires stay lit throughout the celebration as participants enjoy everyone’s company. Indigenous populations prioritized beef as a high-value food, and today, many South Africans still utilize foods from their Indigenous past. Colonialism severely altered the landscape of South African cuisine by bringing in an enslaved workforce from across Asia, which in turn brought their own cultural roots. The introduction of spices like nutmeg and allspice and the influence of European culture altered the cuisine further.  Fermented beer is also popular, with a common practice being offering someone homemade beer as they enter your house. 

8. Sicily - Italy

Italian cassatelle drizzled with chocolate. JohnDiP. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Across the Mediterranean is the island of Sicily, a region known for its famous seafood dishes, sweets and, of course, pasta. The island restaurants have the opportunity to catch fish from the surrounding Mediterranean, specializing in tuna and freshly caught sardines. Pasta con le sarde is one of Sicily’s most popular dishes, utilizing fresh fennel seed that grows abundantly in Italy and the sardines from the surrounding sea. The dish also reflects the region’s multicultural influences, such as including raisins and pine nuts adapted from North American travelers. Sicily’s sweet side is also on full display, with cannoli being a centerpiece in Sicilian culture. Made with sweet ricotta filling, the crust of the cannolis is made from a fried pastry. 

9. Andes - South America

The Andes Mountains are home to communities of Indigenous peoples who have worked to preserve traditional flavors and techniques. The foodstuffs of the Indigenous peoples were incredibly versatile. Corn and potatoes are still some of the most important aspects of Andes cuisine, accompanied by traditionally used meats such as llama and guinea pig. Another word for a guinea pig is “cuy,” which has been a staple in Peruvian culture since the Incas and is used on important occasions.

10. Prague - Czech Republic

The capital of the Czech Republic harbors many cultural influences within its dishes. Italian food has touched the landscape of cuisine in Prague, but there are still many delicious dishes with deep Czech roots. Czech cuisine doesn’t have lots of vegetables in its arsenal of ingredients, and the foods of Prague are “delicious, comforting, very filling and addictive.” Steak tartare, a dish that tops “Taste of Prague’s” list of snacks that pair well with beer, is raw minced beef served with an egg or condiments. Sausages are a very common food in Prague, as well as the greater Czech region, overflowing into Germany. 

11. Central Ghana

Western Africa’s recipes are still being prepared in deeply culturally important ways. Dishes are typically very starch heavy, accompanied by heavily seasoned meats, like beef, fish and the most dominant form of red meat in this region, goat. Traditionally, West Africans didn’t eat much meat and instead opted for dishes with natural oils, but now locals mix various meats together in different aspects of dishes. Suya is also a very popular street food, taking meat and mixing it with spices, resembling a kebab flavor on a stick. Prior to Ghana’s independence in 1954, residents boycotted colonial goods, including tinned meat and biscuits, in an effort to lower the cost of living. This action, along with a demonstration at the governor’s estate, set the stage for Ghana to be the first Sub-Saharan independent country. Ghana is not concerned about dictating a national food, rather it embraces the diversity of the many cultural influences within the country. 

“Ghanaians expect to encounter diverse ethnic foods when traveling through different ecological zones within their country,” said researcher Brandi Miller in her paper, “Food and Nationalism in Independent Ghana.” “They welcome this difference and consider it a source of national strength and an indication of their unique national character, which embraces diversity.”

12. Tropics - South America

Fruit in a market. Nico Kaiser. CC BY 2.0.

On the beaches of South America, some so-called ‘exotic’ fruits are common staples of local culture. Pineapples, mangos, papayas and dozens others can be found in the tropical forests within the region. The climate allows for a dizzying variety of local agriculture to be used in recipes, such as tostones, which are popular Latin American twice-fried sliced plantains. The Amazon Rainforest is also utilized to enhance local flavors, utilizing meats from turtles and capybaras to use for local cuisine. Nearer to the coast, seafood dishes like ceviche are common to see enjoyed on a sunny day on the beach. Other than fish and fruits, there is a wide variety of vegetables that are grown in the tropics that influence local cuisine, including corn, beans and sweet potatoes.

Clayton Young

Clayton is an aspiring photojournalist with a Bachelor's in Liberal Studies with a minor in History from Indiana University - Bloomington. In his free time, he enjoys hikes, movies, and catching up on the news. He has written extensively on many topics including Japanese incarceration in America during World War II, the history of violence, and anarchist theory.

Travel and Work for Food on Organic Farms

Organic farms look for travelers to help in exchange for housing, meals and an opportunity to learn—providing a unique mode of affordable, ethical travel. 

Organic farm in Cyprus, Greece. George M. Groutas. CC BY 2.0. 

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is the most widespread and popular organization that pairs people interested in volunteering on organic farms throughout the world with host families who run their own organic farms. The idea is that volunteers would be just that: unpaid volunteers, who work part-time on a close-knit and often family-run farm in exchange for free housing and meals with the family. In fact, WWOOF bans any exchange of money between the host and the volunteer. Often, these volunteer stints are short (a few weeks) or part-time, allowing for the volunteer to obtain paid work and/or spend time exploring the area they are living in while also growing  the food they will eat during their stay, immersing themselves in culture, helping a local organization and learning from experienced farmers. Below are some detailed opportunities from every continent in the world. 

North America: Consecon, Canada

Stonefield Alpaca Farm in Consecon, Canada is a 100-acre family-owned and operated farm powered by solar panels and windmills. The owners are looking for volunteers to help maintain the straw bale home they built together, grow their own food and take care of the animals (alpacas and poultry). They hope to become completely self-sufficient in terms of food, and that volunteers can help them do so while also learning from them and exploring Ontario. Learn more here. 

South America: Belize City, Belize

An individual who bought and began his own 14-acre pesticide-free, organic farm in Belize City, Belize offers an opportunity to help develop his farm further in terms of sustainable energy production and other sustainable farming methods. He became a host because he was a WWOOF participant in the past. His farm has goats, monkeys, parrots and sheep. Responsibilities would include taking care of the animals, gardening, landscaping and sharing ideas on how to improve the farm’s organic practices. Learn more here. 

Africa: Apam, Ghana

This family-owned farm in Apam, Ghana is not only a farm located on the coast, in the center of a fishing community, but also an educational and charitable center focused on agriculture and helping the larger community. The hosts are looking for volunteers to help with typical farming tasks, such as taking care of animals and harvesting, as well as build ecological houses and participate in the local fishing. This is a unique opportunity to not only help the environment and one local family, but the entire community as well. Learn more here.

Australia: Upper Kangaroo River

Winderong Farm is a cooperation of 10-15 employees and volunteers working together to revive their surrounding environment in Upper Kangaroo River, Australia. They’re looking for volunteers interested in conservation to work on composting, permaculture and regeneration of the Australian bush. This farm differs from most as it is a larger, community-based effort as opposed to a small family-run farm. Learn more here.

Asia: Kampot, Cambodia

Nakupenda Farm in Kampot, Cambodia is a family and community farm focused on sustainability. They are completely sustainable in terms of energy and are working towards growing all of their own food. They would like volunteers to help harvest food and help them reach their goal of becoming entirely self-sufficient. They have also worked on projects in the past such as building earth houses and solar dehydrators, which dry fruits and vegetables to preserve them. Nakupenda Farm sits on 3.5 acres of land. Learn more here.

Passive solar dehydrator. Colleen Taugher. CC BY 2.0. 

Europe: Hvolsvöllur, Iceland

The Farm Buland is a certified organic dairy farm run by three generations of one family. They would primarily be looking for help with the cows and other livestock, such as chicken, horses and sheepdogs. The owner is passionate about environmentalism and has studied natural healing and medicine. They have over 50 humanely treated cows, providing an opportunity to work on a large-scale ethical and organic farm. Learn more here.

These are only a few examples of the types of farms looking for volunteers; there are hundreds of local and family-owned farms all over the globe searching for people passionate about agriculture and the environment to help them while learning from their experience. In addition to WWOOF, potential volunteers can find more opportunities through similar organizations like World Packers, as well as through the websites of individual independent farms on the lookout for volunteers, such as Red Hook Farm.

Calliana Leff

Calliana is currently an undergraduate student at Boston University majoring in English and minoring in psychology. She is passionate about sustainability and traveling in an ethical and respectful way. She hopes to continue her writing career and see more of the world after she graduates. 

5 Cultures That Acknowledge More Than Two Genders

A close look at these 5 cultures shows the existence of more than two genders has been part of the human experience for thousands of years.

Two-Spirit person at a march. Mia Culpa. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Several societies have understood and sometimes honored genders outside of the binary for hundreds or thousands of years. The way gender is expressed differs between cultures and has been greatly influenced by globalism and colonialism. An exploration into the following five genders demonstrates the complexity of nonbinary genders and their role in society.

Two-Spirit

 Two-Spirit banner at a Bay Area Pride Parade. Quinn Dombrowski. CC BY-SA 2.0.

To be Two Spirit is to contain the spirits of both the male and the female in Indigenous North American society. For one person to have both of these perspectives is regarded as a great honor and historically indicated a different role in society in terms of responsibilities and jobs. For example, Two-Spirit people were often entrusted with creating art in the Navajo Nation. While this identity has existed for hundreds of years across several Indigenous North American tribes, the title “Two-Spirit” itself was created in 1990 as an all-inclusive term for intersex, transgender and nonbinary people across Indigenous tribes.

Hijra

Hijras at a festival. Sabatica Sabata. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. 

‘Hijra’ is a third gender acknowledged in Hinduism. Hijras are often people born biologically male who dress traditionally feminine or intersex people. Regardless of their biological sex, hijra is regarded as an independent third gender. Like Two-Spirit people, hijras have a special and honored place in traditional Hindu society. They were believed to have the power to instill fertility upon couples and often live in groups to be mentored by an elder in the community. However, being hijra was criminalized by the British upon their colonization of India. Much of the way hijras are treated today as well as the opportunities available to them continue to suffer as a result of British oppression. For example, hijras are often still denied work today.

Māhū

Scholar Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu. University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu. CC BY-ND 2.0 

The Hawaiian māhū are people who are understood to have aspects of both genders within them. When Europeans arrived in Hawaii, they took the term and gave it a derogatory and homophobic and transphobic meaning. The term still carries a negative association for some because of the impact of colonialism. However, prior to European arrival, and still among many in the community today, māhū means “in the middle” (of male and female) and is regarded in traditional Hawaiian culture as a meaningful identity indicating a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. 

Muxes

Muxe. Arnaud B. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Muxe is a gender that exists in Oaxaca, Mexico, in the Zapotec community. Muxes have a strong tie to Zapotec tradition, as they continue to practice certain Zapotec customs that most no longer take part in, such as dressing traditionally. Muxes are generally people assigned male at birth who present traditionally feminine, but muxe is considered a third gender as opposed to a transgender woman. Like Two-Spirit and hijra people, muxes play a distinct role in Zapotec society, different from those who identify with their assigned sex at birth.

Six Genders of Classical Judaism

Talmud. Chajm Guski. CC BY-SA 2.0.

The ‘Talmud’ is a book of the ancient teachings of various rabbis and Jewish religious scholars. While it isn’t a holy book itself, it contains valuable interpretations of the Torah still referenced today. The Talmud acknowledges six genders as opposed to two. The Talmud is thousands of years old, demonstrating that the idea of gender fluidity has existed for much longer than most people would think. “Zachar” and “Nekevah” translate roughly to “male” and “female” respectively, and they refer to people who grow up resembling the sex they were identified as at birth. “Androgynos” was a term used for someone with both male and female characteristics, while “Tumtum” was a term used for someone who seems to present neither male nor female characteristics. “Ay’lonit” and “Saris” are used to describe people who were assigned female or male at birth (respectively) but grow up to resemble the opposite gender. All of these terms are parallel to identities common today, suggesting that people who do not fit into the gender binary have existed throughout human history. 

Calliana Leff

Calliana is currently an undergraduate student at Boston University majoring in English and minoring in psychology. She is passionate about sustainability and traveling in an ethical and respectful way. She hopes to continue her writing career and see more of the world after she graduates. 

11 Ways to Help Ukraine

Help support the Ukrainian people as their country is invaded.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has caused hundreds of civilian deaths, with more than 2 million refugees having already fled the country. It is crucial in these trying times that Ukrainians know they have support. Here are some ways to help. 

Meduza

“Within a few days, maybe even today, it is possible that there will be no independent media left in Russia,” read a post on Meduza’s website. Meduza is an independent media source at extreme risk of losing its platform to inform the public. Russian President Vladimir Putin is working to have complete control over censorship in Russia and Ukraine, meaning citizens of these countries will no longer have access to any information besides what Russia’s government allows. Meduza has already been blocked in Russia, and now it is fighting to stay alive through the support of allies outside of these countries. The organization is looking for financial support and social media awareness.

For more information and to donate, visit Meduza’s website. 

Reporters Without Borders

Reporters Without Borders is a worldwide independent media organization that works to keep freedom of the press and information to citizens of the world. According to their site, on March 4, Russia adopted a new law making the “publication of ‘false’ or ‘mendacious’ information about the Russian armed forces punishable by up to 15 years in prison.” This threatens every single independent media outlet in Russia and Ukraine. Support Reporters Without Borders through sponsorship, donations, volunteering and more listed on the website. 

For more information and to support, visit Reporters Without Borders’ website. 

The Kyiv Independent

The Kyiv Independent was launched three months ago by journalists who had been fired in Ukraine for defending editorial independence. Now, they are playing a vital role in keeping the freedom of the press alive in Russia and Ukraine. On their website, they have options to “become a patron” and donate to the organization’s GoFundMe.

For more information and to support, visit The Kyiv Independent’s website.  

Doctors Without Borders

Working in conflict zones, Doctors Without Borders focuses on helping citizens in need after natural disasters, wars, epidemics and more. Responding to the Ukraine crisis, the organization sent 1,400 cubic feet of medical supply shipments on March 6, along with members of the organization. There are multiple ways to get involved with Doctors Without Borders from working in offices to working in the field, and if a career path isn’t something you’re considering, donating is another great way to show support. 

For more information and to support, visit Doctors Without Borders’ website. 

International Medical Corps

A global first responder organization, International Medical Corps provides emergency medical assistance to people in need in any circumstances. A hub in Poland has been created, so members of the organization can assist members of Ukraine and surrounding countries with physical and mental health situations. International Medical Corps is looking for donations to continue its efforts in Poland. 

For more information and to support, visit International Medical Corps’ website. 

Contact Government Representatives 

Don’t have the money to donate? Another way to get involved if you are in the United States or Europe is by contacting government representatives in efforts to accept as many Ukrainian refugees as possible. Boundless offers great tips for formatting emails, finding your elected officials and learning information about what your contribution will do for citizens in need. 

To find your representative, visit the U.S. House of Representatives’ website. 

Global Giving

Global Giving is a nonprofit that connects other nonprofits with donors and companies. Helping to properly equip humanitarian projects in distressed communities and donating to the Ukraine Crisis Fund creates a direct impact on citizens in need. With a goal of $10,000,000, Global Giving has promised that all funds raised will go to providing shelter, food, clean water, health support, psychosocial support and more. 

For more information and to support, visit Global Giving’s website.

The World Food Programme 

As the world's largest humanitarian organization, The World Food Programme works to provide meals to all people in emergency situations. Working directly with citizens in Ukraine who have been forced from their homes and into hunger, donating to The World Food Programme will provide families with meal packages and more.

For more information and to support, visit The World Food Programme’s website.

UNICEF

UNICEF is running an emergency response for Eastern Ukraine, leading health, social policy, child protection and many more programs to aid families affected by the conflict. UNICEF is looking for volunteers, donors, social media support and reporters to help with the efforts in Ukraine. 

For more information and to support, visit UNICEF’s website. 

United Help Ukraine

An organization started directly in response to the attack on Ukraine, United Help is focusing on wounded warriors, humanitarian aid, medical supplies and raising awareness. Donating to United Help Ukraine will directly help Ukrainian citizens, soldiers and frontline volunteers. 

For more information and to support, visit United Help Ukraine’s website.

Airbnb

Offering free short-term housing for over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, Airbnb is relying on the help of citizens across the world. Airbnb is looking for donations and possible hosts to house refugees. Nonprofits are working with Airbnb during this time to book homes for eligible citizens. 

For more information and to support, visit Airbnb’s Help Ukraine website. 

Knowing what organizations have the best intentions and support for people in need can be difficult. The American Endowment Foundation provides a great resource for choosing the right organizations where your support will make the biggest difference.

Haleigh Kierman

Haleigh is a student at The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. A double Journalism and Communications major with a minor in Anthropology, she is initially from Guam, but lived in a small, rural town outside of Boston most of her life. Travel and social action journalism are her two passions and she is appreciative to live in a time where writers voices are more important than ever.

10 Quotes to Inspire You to Travel

Consider yourself an adventurer on a temporary hiatus? Life’s distractions make it easy to put travel on the backburner: financial difficulties, the dog ate your atlas, your significant other has a case of the measles. If any of these excuses sound familiar, you’re in need of a reminder why travel is rejuvenating for the mind and spirit. And, as we’ve discussed before, it can be low-cost! The following 10 authors, entrepreneurs and leaders lived in vastly different time periods, locations and social contexts. However, they shared one common interest: a love of travel. Still not convinced? Look at what they have to say.  

1. "Travel is like knowledge. The more you see, the more you know you haven't seen." — Mark Hertsgaard

Mark Hertsgaard is a contemporary journalist and author from the United States. As the environmental correspondent for The Nation, Hertsgaard remains an independent journalist in order to pursue any story that catches his attention. He’s traveled around the world twice and reported from 26 countries. With all his jet setting, you’d think Hertsgaard would be tired of it. Yet to him, every adventure is a reason to seek out more.  

2. “Take only memories. Leave nothing but footprints.” — Chief Seattle

Chief Seattle was a Suquamish Tribe and Dkhw’Duw’Absh chief during the 19th century. As a prominent figure among his people, Seattle sought accommodation over conflict when white settlers compromised the land. His message remains powerful today, especially when considered from an environmentalist perspective. From a personal perspective, one is reminded of the power of memory: travel lightly. Your mind is your scrapbook. 

3.  "I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world." — Rainer Maria Rilke

Rainer Maria Rilke was a Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist at the start of the 20th century. Critics often describe his work as inherently “mystical,” which resonates with the analogy of widening circles. To live life in widening circles is to push against external limitations. One way to make this analogy a reality is to travel! Global exploration provides opportunity to connect with others and to strengthen social networks. The farther you go, the more you’ll feel at home in any location.   

4. “Traveling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.'" — Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

Lisa St. Aubin de Teran is a contemporary English novelist. In her quotation, travel itself is the object of affection. Every opportunity to visit a new place is a chance to flirt with an unfamiliar slice of life. With the whole world in front of you, how can you ever get lonely? 

8. “It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves – in finding themselves.” – Andre Gide

Andre Gide was a French author who wrote during the early 20th century. His advocacy for adventure is a reminder of what helps us grow: the unknown. To set out on an adventure is to face uncertainty head on. It’s often in these moments when our true colors show. Adventure can be found around every corner. So get out there and explore! 

6. “I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” – Rosalia de Castro

Rosalia de Castro was a Galacian romanticist, writer and poet during the late 19th century. Although her quotation speaks to metaphorical travel, the sentiment remains: not knowing your destination is half the fun! You never know where a chance-encounter might lead. 


7. “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” ― Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist whose writing style had a strong influence on 20th-century fiction. Like Rosalia de Castro, Hemingway is celebrating the journey. To begin a trip with preliminary plans is helpful: embracing the unexpected is what turns a trip into a journey!

8. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

John A. Shedd was an American author and professor who lived during the first half of the 20th century. Travel propels us outward – by land or by sea. If you have the motivation, what’s holding you back? Like ships at sea, humans are equipped for mobility. It’s difficult to experience the world from the confines of your neighborhood. Next time you think you should play it safe and skip the trip, remember what you’re capable of – don’t let it go to waste!   
 

9. “We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” – Hilaire Belloc

Hilaire Belloc was an Anglo-French writer and historian at the start of the 20th century. In this quote, he makes a distinction between wandering and traveling. While both activities can be productive, Belloc says that travel will provide greater satisfaction. Travel with a purpose, even if that purpose is simply ‘to go.’ 

10. "Swim out of your little pond." — Rumi

Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet; his quotation speaks for itself. There’s an ocean of opportunity beyond the boundaries of your local pond, so dive in and swim! 

Sarah Sutphin

Sarah is an undergraduate at Yale University and a content editor for CATALYST. As a traveler who has visited 30 countries (and counting!), she feels passionate about international development through sustainable mechanisms. Sarah has taken an interest in the intersection between public health and theater, and hopes to create a program that utilizes these disciplines for community empowerment. She is a fluent Spanish speaker with plans to take residence in Latin American after graduation. 

How to Be a Global Citizen

From reading about the world and taking political action to volunteering effectively and traveling sustainably, here is a step by step guide to be a global citizen. Wherever you live, your home extends beyond national borders and here are some ways to acknowledge that. Check out these 7 steps on this path.

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9 Vibrant Towns Across The Globe

Vibrantly colored cities are rarely seen aside from children’s books. However, these 9 cities turn ordinary streets into colorful towns. 

Color awakens visual senses and influences mood. Studies have revealed that viewing specific colors can cause feelings of excitement, sadness or joy. Moreover, colorful cities are seeing more economic growth due to the visitors they attract. People are captivated by the rarity of colorful towns, which is caused by the takeover of modern, neutral design in most urban areas.

1. Procida, Italy 

This island, just off the coast of Naples, is the smallest in the Gulf and is home to a spectrum of colorful buildings. Procida is surrounded by volcanic mountains and has an estimated population of 10,300 inhabitants. Beating out nine other candidates for the title, Procida is the first island to be named Italy’s Capital of Culture, receiving the honor for 2022. 

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

The harbour in Nyhavn, Copenhagen was built by Swedish prisoners between 1670-1673 and worked as a maritime port for three centuries. Lined on both sides with colorful eighteenth-century townhouses, the Nyhavn harbour is now filled with high-end restaurants, bars and shops. 

3. Chefchaouen, Morocco 

Often referred to as the Blue Pearl of Morocco, this predominantly blue town is located in the Rif mountains. Some say the town received its blue color as an ode to the Mediterranean Sea, while others believe the color blue represents the Ras el-Maa Waterfall. Residents maintain the blue hues by painting the town twice a year for upkeep and once before Ramadan.  

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Streets of La Boca in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Alessandro Grussu. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

La Boca is known for its brightly-painted houses and the performers who inhabit the colorful streets at night. The houses were painted in the 1960s by a local artist, Benito Quinquela Martín, who painted an abandoned street with bright colors. The rest of the neighborhood decided to paint as well, and they have become a tourist attraction for Buenos Aires.  

5. Izamal, Mexico 

“Yellow City” - Izamal, Mexico. Adachphoto.  CC BY-SA 2.0

Nicknamed the “Yellow City,” Izamal is a small town in the state of Yucatan. Founded by the Mayans nearly 2,000 years ago, it is believed that the town is named after the ancient Mayan god Itzamna. This yellow city holds the largest Mayan ruin remaining in Izamal, Kinich Kak Moo. 

6. Willemstad, Curacao

Colorful Coastal Town - Willemstad, Curacao. Jessica Bee. CC BY 2.0

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is made up of four countries: Aruba, St Maarten, the Netherlands and the island of Curacao. The wide range in brightly-colored homes is the result of former governor Albert Kikkert complaining of headaches. The belief among locals is that in 1817, Kikkert had all the buildings painted in bright colors because the sun’s glare caused him headaches. Willemstad is currently on the UNESCO World Heritage List to be protected and enjoyed by present and future visitors. 

7. Bo-Kaap, South Africa 

Neighborhood Full of Color- Bo-Kaap, South Africa. Berniedup. CC BY-SA 2.0

The colorful houses in Bo-Kaap, once known as the Malay Quarter, date back to the 1760s. They were built and leased to slaves who came from Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Africa to work. There came a point when the slaves were able to own the property and, in celebration, they painted the buildings in different colors. This expression of joy and freedom turned the brightly-colored neighborhood into a tourist attraction today.

8. Guanajuato, Mexico 

A UNESCO Heritage Site, Guanajuato houses colorful multilayered hilltop homes. Built in the baroque and neoclassical style, the colorful town’s main attraction is Cathedral Basilica Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato. Painted entirely yellow with a stark red roof, construction began on the Cathedral in 1760 and finished a little over 100 years later in 1864.  

9. Jodhpur, India 

Although a continent away, the houses of Jodhpur resemble those in Chefchaouen, Morocco for their blue hues. These houses sit on the edge of the Thar desert in northwestern India. Locals say that in the past, the priestly caste of the Brahmin community painted their houses blue to differentiate themselves from other castes. Since then, the color blue has been linked to the Brahmin people. Mehrangarh Fort offers an elevated view of Jodhpur, providing visitors the opportunity for a bird’s-eye view of the blue.

Jennifer Sung

Jennifer is a Communications Studies graduate based in Los Angeles. She grew up traveling with her dad and that is where her love for travel stems from. You can find her serving the community at her church, Fearless LA or planning her next trip overseas. She hopes to be involved in international humanitarian work one day.

The Best Places to Rock Climb Around the World 

Rock climbing has been growing in popularity over recent years. These 5 spots are just a few of the world’s most impressive outdoor rock climbing sites. 

Rock climbing is a popular form of exercise; recently, indoor climbing gyms have become more and more common, and sport climbing was added to the Olympics for the Tokyo 2020 games. There are several types of climbing to explore around the world, with varying levels of difficulty and types of gear necessary for each. These five outdoor climbing sites—some of the most famous or unique climbing experiences across the globe—are just a small sampling of the numerous places for climbers of every level to explore. 

North America

El Capitan, California

Located in the Western part of Yosemite National Park’s Yosemite Valley, the granite walls of El Capitan reach more than 3,000 feet in the air. The rock face was formed millions of years ago after the collision of North America with another tectonic plate, forming magma which eventually crystallized into granite. El Capitan is one of several impressive granite rock faces in Yosemite Valley which allow for big wall climbing—a climb up a vertical expanse of rock that often takes multiple days. El Capitan is probably one of the most well-known rock formations among climbers, and it has become famous enough that even those who’ve never climbed may recognize the name. El Capitan has been the subject of a few films, including the Oscar-winning Free Solo, which follows Alex Honnold’s successful summit of the formation without any ropes or safety gear. El Capitan offers dozens of climbing routes for experienced climbers, such as The Nose and Muir Wall. Yosemite also has numerous routes for inexperienced climbers, and guides to help climbers learn the ropes. 

Other places to climb in North America are Kentucky’s Red River Gorge, Mount Asgard on Baffin Island in Canada and Acadia National Park in Maine.  

Europe

Kalymnos, Greece

One of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands near the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea, Kalymnos is lauded as one of the greatest sport climbing destinations in the world. Sport climbing is a form of high-intensity climbing on routes that are often relatively short. This type of climbing is distinguished by the fact that it relies on preplaced bolts and anchors drilled into the rock. Kalymnos is rather barren, dotted with low shrubs and very few trees; the terrain is mostly mountainous, consisting of major rock formations all along the west coast. In the past, Kalymnos’ barrenness meant that the local population had to turn to the sea to make a living, and the island became a hub for sponge-divers. Beginning in the late 1990s, the island’s rocky terrain began to serve a new purpose, as Italian climber Andrea di Bari and a group of other climbers created sport climbing routes on the cliffs. Today, there are over 3,000 routes on Kalymnos for climbers of varying levels, and the island hosts an annual climbing festival where climbers from around the world travel to compete and set up new routes. 

Europe is considered the birthplace of climbing, and there are a variety of other incredible climbing spots across the continent, including the Dolomites in Italy, Frankenjura in Germany, Fontainebleau in France and Lofoten in Norway. 

South America

La Esfinge, Peru 

Like California’s El Capitan, La Esfinge is an impressive site for big wall climbing. La Esfinge (The Sphinx) is in Peru’s Cordillera Blanca mountain range, which is located in the northern part of the country. Cordillera Blanca is home to abundant native plants and animals, as well as ruins from Inca civilization and pre-Inca cultures. La Esfinge is the most popular rock climbing site in the Cordillera Blanca and is regarded as South America’s premier big wall, a towering granite monolith standing at over 2,000 feet tall. There are many routes up La Esfinge, but the one most traversed by climbers is known as The Original Route, or the 1985 Route, because it is the route that climbers first took to summit in 1985. The 1985 route goes straight up the Eastern face of La Esfinge and is technically the easiest route on the wall, yet it is still a tremendous climb. 

Other prominent climbing destinations in South America include Mount Fitz Roy in Argentina, Cajon del Maipo in Chile, El Gunko in Panama and El Potrero Chico in Mexico. 

Africa

Todra Gorge, Morocco

In Southern Morocco, about six hours east of Marrakesh, lies the Todra Gorge, one of the world’s most beautiful canyons and a stunning climbing spot for climbers of all levels. Made by the River Todra carving its way through the limestone for thousands of years, the Todra Gorge is a canyon with cliffs rising over 400 meters high on either side. Todra Gorge boasts more than four hundred climbing routes, ranging from beginner to advanced. The first climbing routes in Todra Gorge were set by Spanish and French climbers in the 1970s, and new routes are constantly being developed by climbers who visit the gorge. One of the things which draws climbers to Todra Gorge is that it can be climbed year-round, as the weather and location ensures that there will always be a cliff in the sun during the winter or the shade during the summer. 

Other challenging climbs in Africa are the Milner Amphitheater and Table Mountain in South Africa, and Mount Kenya in Kenya. 

Asia

Railay Beach, Thailand 

Located in the Krabi Province of southern Thailand, Railay is a picturesque peninsula that juts off from the mainland. Although Railay is connected to the rest of Thailand, a series of steep cliffs separates the area from the rest of Thailand, meaning that no roads are able to come through to the peninsula and it is only accessible by boat. Railay has three beaches, all of which are lined by imposing limestone cliffs which make the area popular for rock climbing. Railay offers both sport climbing and bouldering, a form of free climbing. The most popular beach for climbing is Railay West, on the western side of the peninsula, but there are numerous routes on the other Railay beaches as well. Railay Beach boasts routes for climbers of varying levels, as well as some incredible views of the Gulf of Thailand. Two of the most-climbed areas of Railay Beach are the 123 wall and the Thaiwand Wall. Because of its location on the water, the beach provides another unique climbing experience: deep-water soloing. Deep-water soloing combines the free solo climbing style (no ropes or equipment) with water; without equipment, climbers make their way up craggy cliffs over deep bodies of water so if they fall, they land safely in the water. 

There are numerous other rock climbing destinations in Asia, including Long Dong in Taiwan, Cat Ba Island in Vietnam, Yangshuo in China and Mount Katsu in Japan. 

Rachel Lynch

Rachel is a student at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY currently taking a semester off. She plans to study Writing and Child Development. Rachel loves to travel and is inspired by the places she’s been and everywhere she wants to go. She hopes to educate people on social justice issues and the history and culture of travel destinations through her writing.

10 Mouthwatering Rice Dishes from Around the World

The world is filled with a variety of rice dishes. 

Rice grains. Verch. CC2.0

No matter where you are in the world, rice is a much loved staple. First cultivated in China and spread through international trade and migration, every region has its own way of preparing rice with local spices and ingredients. Here is a sample of 10 unique and culturally significant rice dishes from around the world. 

Morasa polo with tahdig. Moos. CC2.0

1. Morasa polo (jeweled rice): Iran

Morasa polo (jeweled rice in Farsi) is one of Iran’s most festive dishes, traditionally served at celebrations and weddings to bring “sweetness” to a married couple. The rice is topped with various types of fruits and nuts, each representing a desired jewel. For example, barberries represent rubies and pistachios represent emeralds. Each component of the rice is cooked separately in sugar to give the dish a little sweetness. No plate of rice in Iran is complete without tahdig (literally “bottom of the pot”), referring to the crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan. One of the most coveted and challenging techniques to master in Persian cuisine, tahdig can be made several ways by using ghee, saffron, potatoes and lavash bread to give that desired crunch. 

Nasi tumpeng. Kenwrick. CC2.0

2. Nasi tumpeng: Indonesia

Nasi tumpeng is a traditional rice dish served at a selamatan, a traditional ceremony for special occasions such as birthdays and weddings. The dish consists of a tall rice cone in the center, usually yellow rice, which represents the mountains and volcanoes of Indonesia’s landscapes. According to tradition, the yellow mountain of rice refers to Mount Semeru, home of the hyang, the spirits of Indonesian ancestors and the Hindu gods. The dish is accompanied by seven side dishes with a balance of chicken, seafood, eggs and vegetables that represent the helping hands of God. Nowadays, the dish has been ingrained in Indonesia’s Muslim culture representing gratitude toward God. 

Jollof rice. Secretlondon123. CC2.0

3. Jollof rice: West Africa

Widely enjoyed across Africa, there is perhaps no dish that has sparked such heated discussion over its origins as jollof. A staple in social gatherings and weddings across West Africa, the rice is cooked with tomatoes, onions and peppers with additional seasonings depending on the region. Historians credit the origin of jollof rice to the Senegambia region, with cultural exchange then spreading it across the rest of West Africa. However, Nigerians, Ghanaians and Senegalese all claim the origins of this dish and are eager to debate which version is better with online battles (#JollofWars) and cook-offs. The dish is also popular among the African diaspora in the American South. In fact, popular dishes such as jambalaya and gumbo are believed to have their origins in jollof rice.  

Hamsili pilav. Vardar. CC2.0

4. Hamsili pilav: Turkey 

Although there are many types of pilaf in Turkey and the Middle East, hamsili pilav is one of the most unique and visually striking versions, with layers of fish covering up rice. Hamsi, also known as European anchovies, are considered Turkey’s national fish and play a crucial role in the culture and cuisine of the Black Sea region. Many poems and songs have been written about hamsi and the small but mighty fish is used in a variety of dishes, from breads to pickles and even jam. Known to be a favorite of the sultans during the Ottoman Empire, hamsili pilav is still a favorite in Turkish homes, especially among the Laz people living in the northeastern regions of the country. 

Khichdi. Tushar. Wikimedia Commons. CC4.0

5. Khichdi: Indian Subcontinent

This humble but delicious dish is heavily ingrained in South Asian food culture. Most commonly made with rice and moong dal (a type of legume), it is one of the first foods that babies eat in Hindu culture. Easily digestible and nutritious, khichdi is popular across South Asia, including in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Many regional variations of khichdi exist, adding available ingredients such as vegetables, spices, dried fruits and coconut. The Bengali variation, known as khichuri, is a rather elaborate version, served with an array of vegetable dishes, fried fish and curries. 

Maqluba. Homan. CC2.0.

6. Maqluba: Palestine 

Often considered Palestine’s national dish, maqluba is enjoyed at least once a week by many Palestinian families. Meaning “upside down” in Arabic, the dish is cooked in one pot with layers of meat (chicken or lamb), vegetables (most commonly potato and eggplant) and rice. Once the dish is cooked, it is flipped over onto a plate and served. 

Cooking traditional foods allows Palestinians to cherish their culture while empowering themselves and their families. The Noor Women’s Empowerment Group is run by 13 Palestinian women working to overcome social stigmas faced by women and disabled children in Aida refugee camp. The organization holds traditional Palestinian cooking classes as a way to generate income to support their families and give visitors an insight into Palestinian life and culture. The organization has garnered international attention and received a visit by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain in 2013. 

Arroz con pollo. Sea turtle. CC2.0

7. Arroz con pollo: Latin America and Spain

Translating as “rice with chicken,” this incredibly versatile rice dish is enjoyed across Latin America and Spain. The dish is thought to be connected to the Spanish paella and could have its origins from Arab influence in Spain as early as the 8th century. However, there is some debate as to whether the dish actually originated in Puerto Rico, as it is one of the island’s classic dishes. Arroz con pollo is seared chicken cooked with rice and vegetables, although seasonings vary from country to country across Latin America. For example, Mexican versions use chile, Colombian versions use a sofrito (blend of flavors including tomato and saffron) and Peruvian versions include cilantro and dark beer. 

Ozoni. David Z. CC2.0

8. Ozoni: Japan 

Ozoni (also spelled as zoni) is a soup that is eaten on the morning of New Year’s Day in Japan. The soup contains mochi cakes, either round or square-shaped, a clear dashi broth (made of dried kelp and bonito flakes) and other ingredients depending on the region. In areas closer to the water, seafood is added to the broth while more vegetables are used in inland areas. All ingredients have a special meaning that guarantees luck for the upcoming year. As mochi is stretchable, it represents longevity. Local produce is added for a bountiful harvest in the new year. 

Wild rice. Emily. CC2.0. 

9. Wild rice: North America

Considered to actually be an “aquatic grass seed,” wild rice has a higher nutritional value than regular rice. Wild rice is a staple of the Ojibwe people of southern Canada and the United States’ northern Midwest. The month of September was called “ricing moon”, when the Ojibwe left their homes to begin the weeklong process of harvesting the rice. Wild rice was a popular commodity at trading posts and was used to feed canoers transporting fur to and from the posts. The Ojibwe people would wait near rice fields to hunt birds, as ducks and geese use wild rice as a food source. 

Rice and beans. The Marmot. CC2.0

10. Rice and beans: widely consumed across Latin America and Africa

Rice and beans is a staple in many Latin American and African countries and has become a pivotal part of their cuisines. Nutritious and filling, rice and beans have been a pairing in Latin America for thousands of years, known as the “matrimonio” or marriage in Central America. The types of beans and the preparation of the dish varies from country to country. For example, pinto beans are common in Mexico, fava beans are popular in Peru and black beans are a staple in Brazil and Cuba. Kidney beans and black-eyed peas are widely enjoyed across West Africa and the rest of the continent as well as in the American South. In Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, rice and pigeon or field peas are quite popular, while the rice is cooked in coconut milk. 

From Iran to North America, the preparation of rice differs vastly. Despite many differences, food is something that brings the world together and fosters an appreciation of Earth’s incredible cultural diversity.

Megan Gürer

Megan is a Turkish-American student at Wellesley College in Massachusetts studying Biological Sciences. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she dreams of exploring the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, singing, and composing music.

5 Ways to Make a Positive Impact while Traveling in Bolivia

As one of the poorest countries in Latin America, Bolivia is a nation that, more than most, would benefit from your tourism. However, a historic lack of investment in infrastructure throughout the country and a reputation of political instability has left this nation neglected by foreign visitors. 

Despite being more difficult to explore than neighboring Peru, Argentina or Brazil, Bolivia is a country that shouldn’t be missed. It has a wealth of diversity of natural landmarks, from the soaring Andes Mountains to the huge plains of salt flats to the Amazon jungle, as well as tiny communities inhabited by local, indigenous people ready to share their culture with curious travelers – and who really benefit from the income that responsible, considered tourism brings. 

So here are 5 ways that you can do your bit to make a positive impact when you’re traveling in Bolivia. 

Potosi

1. Go Local

Many of us are more comfortable booking tours ahead of our trip to ensure that our visit runs smoothly and no time is wasted. But it can be difficult to know exactly how much of the money you’re paying is being invested into the country you’re visiting and whether the local people there are actually getting a fair deal. 

Instead, booking tours when you arrive or online with locally-run, sustainable tourism agencies based in Bolivia will insure 100% of your money goes directly to the local people, meaning you’ll have a positive, responsible impact through your tourism. 

Luckily, Bolivia has a growing number of excellent, responsible companies to choose from. Some of the best include: 

Condor Trekkers based in Sucre is a hiking tour agency that leads treks into remote villages in the Andes, with hikes passing along stretches of preserved Inca trail and to landscapes potted with dinosaur footprints. They feed all of their profits back into the communities through which their tours pass to support locally-run, sustainable development projects.  

The San Miguelito Conservation Ranch, a short distance from Santa Cruz, is a private reserve and conservation project that protects a section of wetlands acknowledged as having one of the highest concentration of jaguars in South America. This eco-tourism project runs tours to spot the big cats, birds and other wildlife in the reserve and uses the profits to maintain this important habitat. 

Nick’s Adventures, another company based in Santa Cruz, runs a series of tours throughout the country, including spotting big cats in Kaa Iya National Park, the only park in South America established and administered by indigenous people. This agency supports sustainable development by providing employment to local people as drivers, guides and cooks and replaces any cattle killed by jaguars to stop ranch owners from shooting the cats, thus meaning that no jaguars or other native wildlife have been killed since Nick’s Adventures began this project. 

La Paz on Foot runs walking tours in La Paz itself, as well as hiking trips further afield to indigenous communities. These communities receive much of the profits and La Paz on Foot have established a series of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation projects.

Solace Trekking Tours based in La Paz takes visitors on cultural tours to indigenous communities to take part in workshops about dancing, weaving and other traditional activities, as well as running climbing, biking and hiking trips to remote villages. Some of the profits of these tours are used to support the indigenous communities that are visited, as well as others who are fighting to save their land and water from mining – something that is a real threat to both natural habitats and the livelihoods of local people. 

2. Don’t bargain too hard

Like many Andean countries in South America, artisanal goods of fluffy llama wool jumpers and delicate jewelry are hawked by locals on their stalls in every city and travelers are always keen to get a good bargain. But unlike parts of Asia and India where haggling hard is par for the course, in most of South America and particularly Bolivia, it’s not always the case.

Yes, you should expect prices to be higher for you; unfortunately, as a foreigner you will be charged an inflated rate. Negotiating a small reduction is sometimes possible, but most of the time, you shouldn’t try and push for prices that are vastly lower. 

Shop around a bit and get a feel for what things cost, but follow your conscience with what you spend. Saving a few dollars on a jumper probably means very little to you in the long run, but in a country where 45% of people live in poverty and earn less than $2 a day, avoiding haggling sellers into the ground is the responsible thing to do. 

3. Get off-the-beaten track

Most travelers in Bolivia stick to the main gringo triangle: La Paz, Sucre and Uyuni. And while these are certainly highlights of the country, other places also need the investment that tourism brings. 

Towns such as Rurrenabaque, the best place in the country to access the Amazon Jungle, really need the support of responsible tourists. Once receiving lots of Israeli visitors (because of an Israeli who got lost in the jungle here a few decades ago and wrote a book about his experiences), numbers have dwindled since the Bolivian government decided to support Palestine and introduced a fee for Israelis entering the country. 

Tourism is currently at a record low in the region and desperately needs travelers who are keen to visit. Check out sustainable operators, such as Mashaquipe Eco Tours, who charge fair prices and work responsibly to protect the jungle.  

Another under visited location is Potosi. Here you can actually visit Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain), the famed mountain of silver that was plundered by the Spanish conquistadores. 

Potosi is now the poorest city in the country and while many local people still attempt to make a living mining the last remaining minerals in the mountain, tours with ex-miners such as with Potochji tours, located in Calle Lanza, provide another option. Visitors can enter the mountain to see the terrifying conditions and ensure that their money supports ex-miners and the mining unions that now operate there. 

4. Stay and volunteer

One of the most profound ways that you can help to support social development in Bolivia is by staying for a period of time to volunteer with grassroots projects. I’m always hesitant to volunteer for less than at least three months; I know that it takes time to learn about the organization and how best you can support its work. 

In Bolivia, where few people speak English and where the culture is far more reserved than in a lot of other Latin American countries, it can definitely take time to start feeling like you’re making an impact. 

Unfortunately, 90-day visas are the norm for most travelers arriving into the country, which can put a time limit on your volunteering. However, a visa of up to a year is not impossible to come by, but does require you to put a lot of effort into acquiring the necessary papers. 

There are plenty of organizations that need your help, including Up Close Bolivia and Prosthetics for Bolivia in La Paz, Sustainable Bolivia in Cochabamba, Communidad Inti Wara Yassi in the Bolivian Amazon and Biblioworks and Inti Magazine in Sucre. 

5. Or become an ambassador

But if you can’t commit to volunteering, how about becoming an ambassador or fundraiser for a charity based in Bolivia? While travelling in the country, take the opportunity to visit some of the many volunteering organizations to get an idea of what they do. When you’re back home, it’s easy to find a way to support their work. 

You can become an ambassador who promotes the charity to their friends and social media followers, as well as signing up to make a regular donation. You could also volunteer long-distance by supporting fundraising efforts or helping with their social media accounts. Most importantly, you can spread the word about what they’re helping to achieve and find other volunteers or sponsors who can support their efforts. 

Ultimately, Bolivia is a fascinating country to visit and so by traveling responsibly and considering how you can make a positive impact as a foreign tourist will support social development projects in increasing the quality of life for the Bolivian people. 

 

STEPH DYSON
 

Steph is a literature graduate and former high school English teacher from the UK who left her classroom in July 2014 to become a full-time writer and volunteer. Passionate about education and how it can empower young people, she’s worked with various education NGOs and charities in South America.