When I first contacted Pawo Choyning Dorji about two months ago, “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” - his directorial debut had been shortlisted for the Best International Feature in the 94th Academy Awards. He told me he did not expect the film could go this far to the Oscars. But, sometimes the most unexpected thing happens when you least expect it. Lunana was not only on the shortlist, it successfully made it through to the top five … [Read more...]
Landing in Paro, One of the World’s Most Dangerous Airports – Interview with Chhimi Dorji, Captain of Drukair
Q. Landing in Paro airport is different and way more challenging than landing in other airports due to the location of the airport in a valley surrounded by towering mountains, making it one of the most dangerous airports for landing in the world. What are the take-off and landing procedures? Indeed, flying in and out of the Paro Airport is such a thrill for pilots. I would term it as one of the most "demanding" as it requires the highest … [Read more...]
“Hiko in Tonga” – A Vanishing Culture of Women Jugglers in Tonga – Interview with Paprika Leaverton, Filmmaker, Professional Juggler and Entertainment Performer
Hiko is an ancient form of juggling in Tonga where women continuously toss tui tui nuts in the air. It is a game played only by women in this Polynesian nation and is on the verge of extinction. Paprika traveled to Tonga to capture this long-lost tradition on film. Recently, I had a chance to ask Paprika a few questions about this award-winning documentary. Q. How did you get into juggling, what drew you to juggling and what juggling does to … [Read more...]
This British man builds an Eco lodge to promote environmental sustainability at the tip of Borneo – Interview with Howard Stanton, Founder of Tampat do Aman
Originally from Stratford-Upon-Avon, England, Howard first came to Sabah in 1995 as the pre-opening recreation manager of a new Shangri-La hotel in Sabah. He was there for 3 years and fell in love with the diversity of the state - mountain, jungle, stunning beaches and its awesome people “It was the gentle, humble and hospitable nature of the people that captivated me, such great people surrounded by such a beautiful natural environment. I … [Read more...]
Go Lightly, How to Travel Without Hurting the Planet by Nina Karnikowski
Looking to make conscious lifestyle changes with the intent to decrease your footprint while traveling? Author Karnikowski provides numerous sections detailing how to minimalize one's impact when traveling. Small things add up especially when ideas for change are broadcast and implemented by large numbers of people. She offers easy to implement suggestions such as using an "eco friendly browser" for search (ecosia.org) to traveling closer to … [Read more...]
Boyd McCleary, Former Governor of the British Virgin Islands
Boyd was the British High Commissioner to Malaysia when I worked as Contact Database Officer at the High Commissioner Kuala Lumpur in 2009. Despite his high- profile status and prominent role, there was never a barrier between him and the rest of the staff. He is a highly charismatic leader with a fun-loving sense of humor. He always dropped by our office and chatted us up, and the conversation always ended with a good hearty laugh. … [Read more...]
A harsh but beautiful wildlife haven at the bottom of the world – Interview with Vicki Foster, Government Officer of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands
My mobile phone buzzed with an email alert, jolting me out of my reverie. It was from Vicki Foster. “As I am writing this, I am looking out of my window across the bay to 2,000-meter mountains rising to snowy peaks. There is a male elephant seal trumpeting his arrival to the beach with his massive nose." Interviewing Vicki was like sitting down in from of a TV and flipping the channel to National Geographic Network. She shared her story with … [Read more...]
Discover the ultimate indulgence of hanging 1,200 feet off a cliff in the Sacred Valley, Peru – Interview with Natalia Rodriguez, General Manager of Natura Vive
A ray of sun broke through the clouds and the morning mist, illuminating the valley in sparkly golden gold. The surrounding mountains cast a long shadow over a vast expanse of farmland cut by a river meandering through the valley. This is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a lush green valley lies in the heart of Urubamba Province, Peru – about 35 miles from Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Up on the edge of a mountain cliff, three transparent … [Read more...]
Horror Talk with Rich Ragsdale – Director, Composer, Producer and Writer
“Ghost House” is one of the best horror movies I have seen in a long time. The horror elements are so original and raw - the jump scare, the atmosphere, the soundtrack etc, everything is done completely right. The movie does not throw in excessive unnecessary special effects or follow the Hollywood’s formulaic scare tactics. It hit me in a way that most horror flicks hadn’t. I remember when the movie was over, I immediately pulled out my phone … [Read more...]
The Utopia in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean – Interview with Shirley Squibb, Deputy Head of the Tourism Department of Tristan da Cunha
Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shirley Squibb to get an insider's glimpse of life in Tristan da Cunha, a South Atlantic Ocean island that is completely isolated from the outside world. Surrounded by rough seas and untouched wilderness, coupled with unpredictable weather conditions, Tristan was founded by a Portuguese admiral named Admiral Tristao da Cunha in 1506. Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is the main village in Tristan where all … [Read more...]
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