An Introvert Explores the World: Lifestyles of the Not-So Rich and Famous

Traveling the world is glamorous and relaxing... except for when it isn't. I enjoy partaking in the pleasant indulgences and relaxing specialties that can be found throughout the four corners of the world as much as the next traveler. I've soaked my cares away at some of the finest spas in the world, finding inner peace while letting the restorative Dead Sea mud baths gently wash away my worries. I've experienced a delicate exfoliation of my tired feet by dozens of hungry little fish eager to nibble away the dead layers of skin from a hard day's walk. I've experienced a deep tissue oil massage over every last muscle in my body, leaving me feeling like a limp rag, wrung free of all cares. I've relaxed on the white sand beaches of Greece while soaking up the warm summer rays of sun. And while these glamorous pamperings are what most people equate with the joys of globe-trotting, this only scratches the surface of what it means to genuinely travel. Travel means getting dirty. Travel is jumping headfirst into new and unusual cultures. Travel is trekking through jungles wet with misty rain, climbing up precarious mountains at dizzying heights, hiking through desert dunes while getting sand in every orifice, and eating questionable foods of unknown origin out of both curiosity and necessity.

One such launching point into an unusual cultural experience was along Lake Titicaca in Peru, the highest navigable lake in the world, and the largest lake in South America. We were headed miles away from shore to search out a group of people whose territory is a seeming impossibility -- floating islands made solely of reeds. Like something out of an aquatic fairy tale, we spotted these miraculous islands in the distance, and watched in awe as we gradually approached these unparalleled domiciles. We docked alongside one of the islands and learned we had arrived at the Uros islands, a group of around 45 floating manmade islands created from the abundant totora reeds that grow within the shallow waters of the lake. Originally created as a defense mechanism against marauding tribes along the shores, the islands could be cut loose and sailed away for protection. Nowadays, these friendly people need only defend themselves against the daily barrage of curious tourists, which now sustains this unique culture.

Stepping off the boat onto the reed islands was akin to stepping onto a large waterbed, gently bouncing along with each step while maintaining an unsteady footing as I explored this surreal environment. This must have been how the astronauts felt who first landed on the moon, bounding along in the foreign atmosphere and exploring the unknown with each teetering step. Everything on these islands is made from reeds -- the houses, furnishings, and boats, in addition to the islands themselves. Several Uros families live on each island, and they must constantly add reeds to the island floor to account for the gradual decay and rotting of the reeds. Despite this simple yet hard life, the Uros islanders have emerged as a peaceful and gregarious people, welcoming everyone with open arms and warm smiles.

After spending several hours exploring a few of the neighboring floating island homes as well, we set sail yet again for another island much farther away from shore -- Amantani. Unlike the Uros islands, Amantani is a naturally-formed island which is home to around 4,000 inhabitants. This was the location of our overnight homestay, where we were going to be housed in a room of a local family to experience daily life and customs of the island. Upon landing, we met our friendly "mama" of the household who led us up the treacherous path to her humble abode. Passing small yards filled with wandering sheep and various other livestock, we headed onward and upward ever higher and were afforded some amazing views of the island's surroundings as we approached the house.

After playing several jumping and swinging games with the adorable girl who lived in the home, I exhaustedly sat down for a delicious and fulfilling dinner. Instead, what I received was a small bowl of quinoa soup and several of the smallest plant tubers ever seen by hungry eyes. Such a stark contrast to the overindulgent, supersized American meals to which we have grown accustomed. After my dessert of humble pie which did nothing to quiet down my noisy stomach, I was able to finally sit back, relax, and reflect on how varied yet similar everyone's cultures truly are. All around the world, families gather together for dinner and share their daily experiences with their loved ones. During this contemplative interlude, the sun gradually disappeared over the horizon in a spectacular sunset filled with blazing, iridescent hues of pinks and oranges unlike anything I'd ever seen before. The setting sun signified the end of yet another day, but was also a reminder of the rebirth that is destined to happen the following morning.

While ruminating on the adventures of my day, I thought about the experiences that I was now able to add to my memories of a lifetime. True, the ~~bathroom~~ toilet compartment was a frightful sight which provided no sink, toilet paper, or recognizable plumbing. Evening's light was ineffectively provided by a sole dangling 10 watt bulb that was powered by a short-lived solar panel. The bedroom was frequently visited by the family chickens and goats who left stinky, steaming presents in the house's courtyard. And yes, the bitter cold of the night penetrated through the handwoven blankets as the island was drenched with incessant rainfall all evening. Despite the inferior amenities that the island afforded, Amantani had so much more to offer when you looked beyond the surface. These hardships opened my previously blind eyes and unveiled an entirely new perspective of the hidden magic that this island provided. I discovered the unexpectedly vibrant beauty of innumerable stars in the night sky, only visible when freed from the pervasive light pollution found within civilization. I reveled with the townspeople in a celebration of traditional music and dancing, laughing the night away while dressed in the colorful garb of the islanders. I surveyed the interactions within family units, watching how grandparents and grandchildren lived together and passed on their customs and legacies to each new generation so that they would not be forgotten. I admired the self-sustaining locals who responsibly used the land to farm and the sea to fish, proving that happiness should truly be irrespective of economic status. I listened to the pleasing sounds of nature that permeated throughout the island and felt utterly serene as I drifted off to sleep.

So next time you decide to take a vacation, make sure you venture off the beaten path and experience life outside the hotels and tourist traps. Step out of your comfort zone and search out local customs and experiences -- only then will you open your eyes to the lifestyles around this small globe and appreciate the diverse world around you.