1
SHE’S KILLING IT!
Usually, I like to put these kinds of stories at the bottom of this newsletter, but I couldn’t help but be so inspired by this woman, that for this newsletter, I put her story first! She’s a record-breaker without even doing it on purpose. A part-time nurse and part-time Arctic explorer (reminds me of my sister-in-law who is pretty amazing herself). She is Johanna Davidsson: “Johanna Davidsson doesn’t remember saying goodbye to the pilot who left her alone on a frozen wasteland. Looking back, her strongest memory is a thought that rose up as she watched the plane disappear out of sight. A thought that said, “Oh my God, what have I done?” The year was 2016 and the Swedish nurse was fulfilling a dream a decade in the making: to ski solo to the geographic South Pole. Starting at Hercules Inlet in West Antarctica, ahead lay 1,130 kilometers (702 miles) of barren nothingness that Davidsson would have to navigate unsupported and unaided, with a 110-kilogram (243-pound) sled in tow.”
2
INDIAN MYSTIQUE IN THE AIR
I don’t feel like I write enough about India. Such a vast country with a mystic allure, full of contradictions: beauty, peace, love, hate, chaos, richness, poverty, cricket, soccer (OK, so, not soccer, though you would think with the population it has it would have participated in the World Cup at least once. Be prepared to be surprised my friend. Not. Even. Once. Let’s focus on all the other things again – like some of the more interesting, lesser known places to see in India beyond the Taj Mahal. From Departures: “Known for its famous fortresses, Raj-era palaces and the unmistakable Taj Mahal—the spectacular result of a tragic love story between Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife—India has countless places of intrigue, beauty, and historical significance. But very few visitors even scratch the surface of this vast land.”
3
ARE YOU STUDYING ME RIGHT NOW?
As a matter of fact, yes, kind of. At least that’s how a behavioral scientist thinks. Now imagine this person on a trip, observing all the different kinds of people they come across (ideally in a non-judgmental kinda way even though sometimes you can’t help it, especially with sandal and sock travelers, but I digress). There are some lessons learned to be had from the view of the world of a behavioral scientist. For example, when planning a trip, create peak moments, minimize uncomfortable frictions, and optimize newness (I know you’re now wishing you studied behavioral science in college). If you’d like to learn more about how they think, especially as it relates to travel, check out this article by People Science: “Plan for “optimal newness” by striking the right balance of planning and spontaneity. If you’re boarding the plane and looking for a good read before takeoff, check out this article on Raymond Loewy from The Atlantic. Loewy developed a theory called MAYA – Most Advanced Yet Acceptable – which posits that people like novelty, just not too much all at once. You need a good dash of the familiar.”
4
GLAMP-AHOLIC
Everyone has heard of this new phenomenon: “glamping.” It’s actually quite fun (quick travel tip: make sure there is no heat advisory the week it’s planned). If you’re into national parks and want to enjoy the time outdoors without sacrificing the quality of life you’ve worked so hard for, perhaps glamping is something you should look into (I would argue it is the other way around – I feel like I sacrifice more by working so hard and NOT being in nature – but perhaps just me). From Afar: “Escape to the Wild West in style with handcrafted Conestoga wagons, inspired by their 19th-century predecessors, which were used to transport goods between cities and rural communities. Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey, Utah, provides eccentric luxury accommodations mere miles from the national park. The stationary wagons—which are air-conditioned and situated along Scenic Byway 12—sleep up to six with a king bed and two sets of twin bunk beds. Soak up picturesque red-rock views from the seasonal outdoor heated pool or year-round hot tub. Or book an à la carte adventure with the resort through the national park, such as a llama day hike or four-wheel jeep tour.” I should have done this one – they’re air-conditioned! But seriously, it’s worth checking out the photos alone – looks amazing.
5
CHILL-E, IT’S ALL GOOD MAN
A road trip at the bottom of the world (no, not Australia, or I would have written “a road trip down under mate”). I’m talking about driving through the diverse country of Chile to Patagonia. Not sure many folks know this, but Chile is a long stretch of country that spans almost the entire length of South America, so you get all kinds of climates in one nation. In this case, the focus is on its southern end. It’s rocky, it’s unpaved, it’s raw, it’s heavenly. National Geographic does a nice job with the pics, but here’s a snippet: “Much of the 770-mile, north-to-south route connecting Puerto Montt and Villa O’Higgins is unpaved, so prepare for a bumpy drive. Though it’s possible to navigate the Carretera via public transportation or mountain bike, it’s best to rent a car and drive yourself during the summer (November to March), when more accommodations are available and it’s less likely that extreme weather will affect the roads. Brush up on your Spanish skills (or download a translation app) and pack your bags with gear suited for Patagonia’s notoriously windy days. Then head to Puerto Montt to stock up on food, repellent for mosquitoes and horseflies, sunscreen, and plenty of cash. While it’s possible to find groceries and ATMs along the way, you won’t meet another big town until 16 hours south in Coyhaique.” Yes.
Thanks,
Joe Naaman
Managing Editor, Waywinds
Keep Exploring!