You know what brings the most joy? It's that feeling when you're completely in the moment, fully immersed, 100% focused, and overflowing with vibrant enjoyment. That's what the late Hungarian psychologist, the one with the unpronounceable name - Mihály Csíkszentmihályi - talked about. He called it "being in the flow." And from what I've experienced, he was absolutely spot on.
But it feels like these days, we're often stuck in a cycle of box-ticking and passive information consumption, rather than being in that glorious zone.
Sometimes I really don't appreciate 'information'! That's why I decided to prioritise "being in the moment" on my tours.
We regularly take time to reflect, to bring our focus back to the moment, to share different perspectives and experiences, and to actively seek out ways to engage in mindful connection with the worlds we travel through.
I'm also a firm believer that learning about new things, cultures, or cuisines is best done through story telling. So, I have created my tours as a mix of performance, discovery and art, The more enjoyable it is, the more you'll get out of it.
Lastly, authenticity is the key to creating truly unforgettable memories. That authenticity is me. My tours are built on four decades of globetrotting, living extensively in some places and returning to others countless times.
On every tour, it's me showing you around. We travel together. You experience my experience. I'm not a specialist, a scholar, or an expert – just an authentic generalist with a talent for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, and for setting the scene for a great time.
I call my way of traveling "Drifting with Intent." There's always a purpose, a driving force, an intent to dig deeper, to savour the moment, and to uncover the magic. So while we go through heroic levels of preparation, I try and allow the actual events just to unfold, like water flowing downstream.
Now, you might think the above sounds contradictory for a tour guide – we record in order for you to experience, we create theatre in order for you to witness reality, and we organise in order for you to drift. But they all reinforce the old saying: you need a path in order to leave it, a structure to abandon it
That's where I come in – a facilitator and a catalyst for you to have the adventure of a lifetime.
Food is an expression of culture, heritage and creativity. Soil to Soul tours are designed to give real meaning to a foodie holiday, to whet your appetite for the whole world of food, and not just what's on your plate!
They are a unique blend of fun and profound discovery, the chance to engage in a mindful and deliberate experience, tailored for those who relish a challenge and are curious to get to the beating heart of the cultures they travel in.
Think of it as Farm to Fork, with an extra dose of wonder, or Bean to Bar with a touch of enlightenment!
At the Soil end of our journey, we explore the very foundations of nature. Picture yourself immersed in lush jungles teeming with wildlife, open savannahs, and riparian pastures, delving into the ecosystems that sustain life on our planet.
This is not just a tour; it's a deep dive into the heart of local communities, what makes them tick and how every aspect of their lives from childbirth through betrothal, family life and death is shaped by the products of nature and agriculture.
But our exploration doesn't stop there. We'll unravel the intricate web of the food chain, celebrating the raw materials sourced from these diverse environments.
You'll discover the vibrant creative threads of foods, textiles, crafts, and artistry that give birth to unique cultures and define the essence of culinary heritage.
As we journey along this captivating path, you'll uncover how these systems have influenced political, economic, and social structures over centuries.
At the Soul end of the spectrum we'll also explore the ways they've left their mark on our collective beliefs, symbolised through offerings, taboos, and timeless traditions.
Our adventures are as enjoyable as they are profound. From wildlife conservation projects to mastering local culinary techniques, you'll experience a world of wonder.
Join us as we contrast iconic street foods with the magic of royal cuisines, forging memories that will leave a lasting imprint on your heart and soul, and not just your tummy!
Anthony Bourdain
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