You likely travel around the world to experience different countries and cultures, hear and learn different languages, eat different types foods, and visit famous or significant landmarks — and once you are done, you leave either for home or elsewhere…
A Typical 24-Hour Day in 11 Different Parts of the World
…but unless you are a guest of the private home of a person who is native to the land which you are visiting, chances are that you did not witness or experience what comprises of a typical day of 24 hours for the people who live there and going about their traditional ways of life.
This article from Expedia.ca gives a graphical glimpse into 11 of what may be considered the best travel destinations around the world with which you can learn some of the fascinating, insightful and distinct components pertaining to everyday life in the destinations which interest you.
Let us start on a virtual journey through a typical 24 hours of those 11 destinations in the world in alphabetical order, with which I have been given express written permission to use in this article. Verbatim text from the aforementioned article is in quotes above each “poster”, with brief notes added by me for some of the destinations below each “poster.”
1. Altiplano, Bolivia
“On the Altiplano, a high Andean plain, the day begins early. Many local Aymara and Quechua are pastoralists, raising alpacas and llamas, so breakfast needs to be hearty. Salteñas, or meat pastries, provide plenty of fuel for a day spent on their feet herding their flock. Peanut soup — sopa de mani — keeps the chill away at lunchtime, as does a hearty dinner of mondongo, or fried pork and corn, in the evening. Bolivia’s famous for its indigenous cultures, so it’s no surprise that colorful fiestas are a traditional pastime, with lively dancing and vibrant costumes.”
I am not fond of peanuts; so sopa de mani does not interest me — but that does not mean that I do not hope to visit Bolivia one day.
2. Assam, India
“Assam, in northeast India, is well known for its black teas — and it takes an army of pickers to harvest them. In rural areas, after a breakfast of jolpan, or cream, rice and jaggery, it’s often just a short cycle to work. Much of the day is spent picking leaves, with a communal lunch of curry. As in much of India, a popular way to unwind is watching a lively Bollywood movie, perhap with a local dinner of masor tenga, or curried fish. For those living in a traditional way, heading to bed means unrolling blankets on the floor.”
I recently told someone that I had never been to India. I never liked tea; so black tea does not interest me — but I certainly would try the masor tenga.
3. Eyasi, Tanzania
“Tanzania’s a study in contrasts. Far from the bustle of Dar es Salaam, the Hadza live in a centuries-old fashion as hunter-gatherers around Lake Eyasi. Food comes from the land, so the morning will often begin with a meal of foraged tubers or baobab. The rest of the day is spent divided into groups, with some searching for berries or tubers, and others on the hunt for animals. If successful, lunch could include birdmeat as well. The camp’s the heart of the tribe, with traditional songs providing entertainment as night falls. Bed is often packed earth underneath a temporary shelter.”
The closest I have come to Tanzania was when I went on safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, which borders with Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. I likely even saw Tanzania while on safari. Only when I was in Nairobi did I have a cursory glimpse at everyday life in Kenya, which I cannot imagine would be substantially different from that in Tanzania.
If you would like to see some of the animals which I photographed during a safari in which I participated in Kenya back in 2015 — I still have additional articles to post, including one featuring hippopotami — please refer to these photographic essays…
- Cheetah — When I was unexpectedly treated to witnessing a cheetah surprising its prey, killing it and feasting on it
- Giraffe — When I simply hung around with the awkward but graceful giraffes
- Zebra — Watching zebras and their sometimes quirky behavior was interesting to me
- Lion — Viewing of the lion with one eye with his lioness companion
- Elephant — Hanging out with elephants at a watering hole
- Buffalo — Enjoying hanging out with elephants at a watering hole and witnessing the migration of large herds of cape buffalo
- Monkey — Observing playful vervet monkeys
- Baboon — Watching an olive baboon nursing her young
- Rhinoceros — Spotting a lone black rhinoceros crossing the road
- Flamingos — Dozens of pink greater flamingos; as well as pelicans and other waterfowl
- Birds — …as well as the different varieties of birds which I spotted while on safari in Kenya
…as well as of the people of the Maasai society.
- An Introduction and Welcome to a Maasai Village
- Homes Constructed With Cow Manure?!? In Villages of the Maasai People of Kenya, Yes
- How to Create Fire Without Matches or Lighters by Maasai People: A Photographic Essay
- Maasai People of Kenya: A Photographic Essay of Random Images
4. Himalayas, Nepal
“The Sherpa are some of the world’s most iconic mountaineers, known for their hardiness in the tough environment of the Himalayas. Although their culture differs from the average Nepalese, breakfast — and lunch — is not dissimilar: a simple meal of dal bhat, or rice with lentil stew. The working day can be tough, spent largely on foot, guiding climbers on expeditions. An important part of their Buddhist heritage is cham, or masked dances. After a dinner of shakpa — potato stew — it’s time for bed. In older homes, this means colorful blankets on a platform bed.”
Although not top ranked on my travel list, Nepal has been a destination which I have wanted to visit for years — and I almost booked a flight there several years ago. I regret that I was not able to visit the country prior to it being devastated by a major earthquake with a magnitude reportedly measured at 7.8 on the Richter scale on Saturday, April 25, 2015, which killed approximately 9,000 people and demolished or damaged greater than 600,000 buildings and structures — including the historic Dharahara Tower…
…and if that was not bad enough, another major earthquake caused further destruction and loss of life in Nepal only 18 days later on Wednesday, May 13, 2015.
5. Kwabre, Ghana
“Kwabre is home to many Ashanti weavers, producing the instantly recognizable kente cloth, A traditional day starts with a breakfast of koko, or millet porridge, before work. This might involve weaving a ceremonial outfit or headscarf, with their distinctive primary-hued patterns. Like many West Africans, lunch could be a stop for jollof rice — a spicy favorite. Free time means a chance to browse the lively local markets before dinner. Another favorite here is fufu and goat light soup, made with cassava and plantain flour. The climate means mosquito nets are a must for a good night’s sleep.”
The closest I have been to Ghana was when I was in Côte d’Ivoire — otherwise known as the Ivory Coast — where I spent three weeks while I was attending college during what was my first trip to Africa. I have been almost everywhere in that country — from the bustling city of Abidjan to the beautiful beaches of Grand-Bassam to Yamoussoukro to Bouaké through the rainforests to Korhogo — and I had the time of my life.
Although I have never been there, I would argue that Kwabre is yet another reason why Africa Is NOT a “****hole”.
6. Seoul, South Korea
“Life is busy in bustling Seoul, and it’s no exception for high schoolers, After a breakfast of soup and rice withbanchan or side dishes, it’s off to school by bus. It’s a long day, with a heavy emphasis on exam preparation for college entrance. A nutritious lunch of rice with kimchi and vegetables helps refuel for the afternoon. With a short break to relax, have dinner and play video games, many head to the hagwon — the cram schools where they’ll continue revision. In a traditional household with minimal furniture, bed is a yo, or padded floor mattress.”
I have indeed been to Seoul and the Korea Demilitarized Zone where I was in North Korea for a few minutes; and I am embarrassed to admit that I have not yet completed my trip reports and reviews pertaining to my visit — but you can read the articles which I have already written:
- Hanoks: A Way to Possibly Reduce Lodging Costs in Seoul
- Review of an Authentic Hanok in Seoul: Yoo’s Family Guest House Byeolhadang
- Review: N Seoul Tower
- …So I Was Stopped by a Police Officer in Seoul…
- All Economy Around the World? Umm…No. A Review of Grand Hilton Seoul
- Review: Aloft Seoul Gangnam
7. Silicon Valley, United States of America
“For a software developer in the world’s most famous tech hub, there’s often a big emphasis on wellbeing and balance. Starting the day with a healthy smoothie, the commute to work is generally by car. The day’s spent codingand planning future developments. With plenty of multicultural food to choose from, a Mexican-style burrito makes for a popular lunch choice. After a day at a desk, working out is a favorite pastime, whether it’s at the gym or going for a run. Networking events in the evening provide opportunities to meet industry peers and contacts.”
Silicon Valley was never one of my favorite places to visit — and I have been there dozens of times — but unfortunately, the value of real estate is so high there that people who earn otherwise ordinary incomes have been known to be homeless there.
That is a part of everyday life there which some people would rather not experience, I would bet…
8. Siorapaluk, Greenland
“Here in Greenland’s northernmost Inuit settlement, some still observe a traditional life as hunters. With a harsh climate, breakfast is often seafood, such as dried fish. Dog-sledding is still the most efficient method of transport across snow and ice. A lunch of seal meat is just as traditional, with some of it provided by the hunters themselves. In the long summers, there’s plenty of time for leisure, like kayaking, one of the most popular sports in Greenland. A typical local dinner includes suaasat: seal or reindeer meat stew. Old-style homes will sometimes include a platform bed topped with thick blankets.”
I have flown over Greenland while I was a passenger aboard countless airplanes; and the view from the window seat simply mesmerizes me — but I hope to visit this territory of Denmark one day and sample the cuisine, experience nature, and try out some of the activities there…
9. Venice, Italy
“Gondoliers, with their distinctive boater hats and striped shirts, are a classic feature of Venetian life. Breakfast is simple — just a quick cappuccino — before beginning work rowing gondolas through the city’s famous canals, ferrying both tourists and locals. Venice’s cuisine is based around seafood, with a typical lunch being the distinctive black squid risotto. After a day’s work, many will kick back and watch a soccer game. A Venetian dinner again draws from the sea, with dishes like dried cod and polenta.”
First, Venice suffers from too much tourism in recent years; and the beleaguered city has been desperate to find a solution to this growing problem.
Second, I wrote in this article pertaining to the most disappointing destinations in the world back on Sunday, December 7, 2014: “While the stench of the canals resembled that of a sewer at times, there is affordable cuisine and affordable lodging — if you know where to find it — and I would certainly recommend visiting Venice if you have not yet been there.”
Finally, I dined on the best seafood risotto I have ever had in my entire life in Venice. If I remember the name of the restaurant — if it still exists — I will edit this article accordingly to include it.
10. Wadi Rum, Jordan
“Many Jordanian Bedouin live urban lifestyles, but some, like in Wadi Rum, have continued a semi-traditional lifestyle by switching from goat-farming to guiding tourists. A guide’s day could begin with labneh, or a refreshing local yogurt that’s often flavored with herbs. Transport’s often by truck, but tourist expeditions can mean a camel ride through the wadis. Galayet bandorah, or tomato stew, makes for a filling lunch. Older-style entertainments, like qasidah, or sung poetry, accompany a shared zarb, or lamb cooked in an earth-pit barbecue. When it’s time for bed, blankets and pillows are placed out in traditional tents.”
I have never been to Jordan; but I have been to wadis in Oman, if that counts — and I need to complete the series of trip reports as well:
- Approaching Wadi Shab in Oman
- Wadi Shab in Oman: A Photographic Essay of Its Entrance
- The Boat Ride Into Wadi Shab in Oman
- The Road to Wadi Ghul — The Grand Canyon of Oman
11. Wanaka, New Zealand
“Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s most popular skiing areas, with some of its best slopes. For ski instructors, this means plenty of students to keep them busy. Cereal, toast and coffee get the day off to a start, before a short bus ride to the resorts. A full lesson schedule is punctuated with a lunch of steak and bacon pie. The region’s perfect for outdoor activities, with mountain biking being popular for many in their free time. In the evening, it’s time to take advantage of happy hour to meet friends for drinks in one of the local bars.”
I have been to Wanaka — which is located on the South Island fewer than 68 kilometers northeast of Queenstown — during a truly enjoyable week which I spent in New Zealand years ago; and I would recommend trying your luck with the three-dimensional super maze at Puzzling World.
Summary
I agree that “there’s often more than meets the eye in our favorite travel destinations — and how better to experience a different culture than to discover its traditional ‘everyday’”…
…but if this list does not inspire you to travel to any of the aforementioned 14 destinations, then hopefully it will inspire you to visit a different destination.
Please feel free to list destinations you would recommend and why — as well as destinations you would suggest avoiding and why…
Photograph ©2004 by Brian Cohen.
