In this episode of HiExplorer's World Wonders, Ray Gudrups takes listeners on a journey to explore the bizarre and unique cultural experiences around the globe.

• The conversation begins in Madrid, where Ray introduces the Duck Church, a quirky establishment dedicated to rubber ducks, led by a clown priest named Leo. The church serves as a humorous yet thought-provoking space that challenges traditional notions of faith.
• The episode then transitions to Bolivia's Tinku Fighting Festival, a ritualistic event where villagers engage in controlled fights to honor Pachamama, the Earth goddess. Ray reflects on the intensity and beauty of this tradition, emphasizing the cultural significance behind the violence.

Keywords

High Explorer, Duck Church, Tinku Festival, Madrid, Bolivia, absurdity, culture, travel, adventure, rituals

Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠MasterPhoto⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠HiExplorer⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ray Gudrups⁠⁠⁠ ⁠on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Adventure Seekers⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Ray Gudrups takes listeners on a journey to

• Harar, Ethiopia, where locals have a unique tradition of feeding wild hyenas, and then to
• Kiribati - a remote nation of coral islands straddling all four hemispheres.

Keywords

Curiosity, Exploration, Harar, Ethiopia, Hyenas, Kiribati, Pacific Islands, Adventure, Culture, Nature

Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠MasterPhoto⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠HiExplorer⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ray Gudrups⁠⁠⁠ ⁠on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Adventure Seekers⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of HiExplorers World Wonders, Ray Gudrups takes listeners on a journey to Ghana and Mexico, exploring unique cultural practices surrounding death.

• In Ghana, funerals are transformed into lively celebrations with coffin dancing, honoring the deceased with joy and respect.
• Meanwhile, in Mexico, the haunting tale of La Isla de las Muñecas reveals a man's grief manifested through a collection of dolls, creating a chilling yet poignant experience.

Keywords

Ghana, coffin dancing, funerals, La Isla de las Muñecas, Mexico, cultural traditions, travel, adventure, unique experiences, High Explorers

Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠MasterPhoto⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠HiExplorer⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ray Gudrups⁠⁠⁠ ⁠on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Adventure Seekers⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Ray Gudrups takes listeners on an adventurous journey to two unique destinations:

• the vibrant gold panning festival in Asturias, Spain, and
• the wild, untouched beauty of Serram Island in Indonesia.

The conversation highlights the thrill of exploration, the joy of cultural festivals, and the raw beauty of nature, encouraging listeners to embrace adventure and discover hidden gems around the world.

Keywords

travel, adventure, gold panning, Asturias, Serram Island, Indonesia, exploration, nature, wildlife, cultural festivals, hidden gems

Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit ⁠⁠⁠MasterPhoto⁠⁠⁠.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠HiExplorer⁠⁠⁠.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow ⁠⁠⁠Ray Gudrups⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at ⁠⁠⁠Adventure Seekers⁠⁠⁠.

Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of HiExplorer World Wonders, Ray Gudrups takes listeners on a journey to two unique destinations:

• The Underwater Music Festival in the Florida Keys and
• The ancient stone carvings of Unakoti in India.




The festival combines music and marine conservation, while Unakoti offers a glimpse into ancient spirituality and artistry. Both locations highlight the beauty and mystery of our world, encouraging exploration and appreciation of hidden gems.




Keywords

Florida Keys, Underwater Music Festival, Unakoti, ancient carvings, adventure travel, hidden gems, coral reef conservation, travel tips, cultural exploration, nature experiences, Angkor Wat







Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit ⁠⁠⁠MasterPhoto⁠⁠⁠.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠HiExplorer⁠⁠⁠.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow ⁠⁠⁠Ray Gudrups⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at ⁠⁠⁠Adventure Seekers⁠⁠⁠.




Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of hiExplorer's World Wonders, Ray Gudrups drags you into the beating heart of two wildly different places that’ll stick with you long after the episode ends.

• First, we’re off to San Juan Chamula, Mexico, where a church pulses with a mix of Mayan magic and Catholic soul. Ray, a non-religious Latvian, shares how this “Coca-Cola Church”—named for its quirky healing rituals using soda to burp out bad spirits—felt like the closest he’s come to something holy, blending nature and humanity in a way that hits deep.
• Then, we swing to Šventoji, Lithuania, for the Pink Soup Festival, where cold beetroot soup sparks a delicious feud with Ray’s homeland, Latvia. Despite his Baltic pride, Ray grudgingly admits Lithuania’s got the edge in this culinary clash, but he’s not waving the white flag yet.

Through raw, vivid storytelling, Ray invites you to taste the spiritual glow of Chamula and the joyful chaos of Lithuania’s streets, celebrating the messy, beautiful ways we connect to our roots and each other.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring San Juan Chamula: A Spiritual Journey

08:29 The Pink Soup Festival: A Culinary Showdown

Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit ⁠⁠MasterPhoto⁠⁠.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at ⁠⁠HiExplorer⁠⁠.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow ⁠⁠Ray Gudrups⁠⁠ on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at ⁠⁠Adventure Seekers⁠⁠.

Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠.

Keywords

San Juan Chamula, Pink Soup Festival, travel, spirituality, culture, Lithuania, Mexico, food, traditions, adventure

In this episode of HiExplorers World Wonders, Ray Gudrups takes listeners on a journey to Madagascar and Whittier, Alaska, exploring the unique cultures and traditions of these places.

• From the vibrant celebrations of the Famadihana in Madagascar, where families honor their ancestors with joy and dance, to
• The raw and resilient community of Whittier, Alaska, where the harsh environment shapes life.

The episode highlights the beauty of connection, both with the past and with each other. Through storytelling, Ray invites listeners to embrace the messy, beautiful aspects of travel and life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to High Explorers World Wonders

01:16 Exploring Madagascar's Unique Culture

06:05 Journey to Whittier, Alaska

09:07 Reflections on Connection and Adventure

Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit ⁠MasterPhoto⁠.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at ⁠HiExplorer⁠.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow ⁠Ray Gudrups⁠ on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on ⁠Amazon⁠.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at ⁠Adventure Seekers⁠.

Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on ⁠Amazon⁠.

travel, Madagascar, Whittier, culture, exploration, adventure, storytelling, traditions, community, connection

In this episode, Ray Gudrups takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through Finland and Indonesia, exploring unique cultural experiences and the raw essence of life.

• From the chaotic and humorous Wife Carrying Championship in Finland to
• The treetop existence of the Korovai people in Papua, the conversation highlights the beauty of adventure, the importance of community, and the lessons learned from living authentically.

Chapters

00:00 Chasing the Raw Edge of Life

05:18 Exploring the Korovai of Papua, Indonesia

Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit ⁠MasterPhoto⁠.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at ⁠HiExplorer⁠.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow ⁠Ray Gudrups⁠ on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on ⁠Amazon⁠.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at ⁠Adventure Seekers⁠.

Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on ⁠Amazon⁠.
• Have you tried using an eSIM? Get EUR 3.00 € off your first eSIM package from Airalo. Use code RAY5091 when you sign up or check out. https://ref.airalo.com/Mo4R
• Unique Shaped Wooden Puzzle for Adults and Kids https://amzn.to/3RqB70w

adventure, travel, Finland, Indonesia, Korovai, life experiences, cultural exploration, outdoor activities, unique traditions, storytelling

Welcome to Episode 19! 🎙️

Join us for an exciting exploration of unique cultural phenomena from China to Canada. This episode promises to take you on a journey filled with intriguing traditions and chilly challenges that will leave you both amazed and inspired.

The Weed Capital of China 🌿

• Cultural Insight: Discover the fascinating world of China's "Weed Capital," where cannabis cultivation is not only a tradition but also a significant part of the local economy. We'll delve into the cultural and historical aspects that have shaped this unique region, offering a glimpse into a side of China that's rarely seen.
• Tradition & Economy: Learn how cannabis plays a role in the community’s way of life and how it influences both local traditions and economic activities.

Chilling International Hair Freezing Contest in Canada ❄️

• Hidden Gem: Venture into the frosty fun of Canada’s International Hair Freezing Contest, where creativity meets the cold. Participants sculpt their hair into icy masterpieces, competing for the most creative frozen hairstyle.
• Cultural & Creative Expression: Understand the origins of this quirky contest and how it has become a beloved annual event, celebrating both artistic expression and the beauty of winter.

Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit MasterPhoto.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at HiExplorer.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow Ray Gudrups on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on Amazon.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at Adventure Seekers.

Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on Amazon.

In this episode of HiExplorers World Wonders, Ray Gudrups takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through

• Kaziranga National Park in India. He vividly describes the raw beauty and wildlife of Kaziranga, emphasizing its significance as a sanctuary for endangered species like the one-horned rhino and tigers. The conversation then shifts to the
• unique charm of the Scottish islands of the Philippines, where rugged landscapes meet tropical vibes, creating a surreal experience.




Throughout the episode, Ray encourages listeners to embrace adventure and connect with nature.




Chapters

00:00 Introduction to hiExplorers World Wonders

01:05 Exploring Kaziranga National Park

06:24 Journey to the Scottish Islands

08:29 The Essence of Betans and Reflection




Sponsor:

• MasterPhoto: Capture your adventures with top-quality gear. Visit ⁠MasterPhoto⁠.
• HiExplorer: Dive into unique travel adventures blending culture, history, and exploration. Learn more at ⁠HiExplorer⁠.
• Follow Host Ray Gudrups: For more tales and insights, follow ⁠Ray Gudrups⁠ on Instagram. Don't miss the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books on ⁠Amazon⁠.
• Adventure Seekers Community: Join our community for exclusive travel plans and challenges at ⁠Adventure Seekers⁠.

Adventure Heroes Series: 📚

• Explore the world through the "Adventure Heroes" kids' activity books, designed to inspire young adventurers with tales from Mexico Caribbean, Costa Rica, Barcelona, Japan, and more. Available on ⁠Amazon⁠.
• Travel Router -https://amzn.to/3Dh9Rhw
• Travel Journal - https://amzn.to/4iLCD9z

Kaziranga National Park, Scottish Islands, wildlife, adventure travel, nature exploration, eco-tourism, travel podcast, Ray Gudrups, Sky Explorers, adventure seekers