good guides: the great storytellers and portals for authentic experiences
It’s morning. It’s foggy and misty. I’m deep in the Himalayas, in the heart of Bhutan. We’re on our way to see the Black-Necked Crane Center in Gangtey Valley, when Kuenga - my guide - tells me we’re going to make a pit stop on the way to a local home. He knows by now how interested I am in the way this beautiful country embraces spirituality so he tells me there is someone very special to meet. Throughout my journey in Bhutan, the mention of “treasure discoverers” was a daily occurrence in our long and insightful talks about teachings, spirits and local folklore, during our windy road trip through the high mountain passes of this magical Kingdom. This visit was about to bring these talks to life, we were going to meet the reincarnation of the treasure discover Terton Drukda Dorji, who had been born in this valley and was residing here for a few days to lead ceremonies for the locals. We walked in and luckily happened to catch him just minutes before his next ceremony - so I had the honour of meeting him in person, having him place the white scarf (kata) around my neck, and receiving his blessing. What a surreal moment… a moment you cannot plan ahead or orchestrate… a genuinely authentic moment that arose due to my incredible guide Kuenga, who knew about it and knew it would be a precious experience for me.
It’s late afternoon. A storm is fast approaching - the dark blue and grey clouds are hanging low above the high grass. We’re in a safari jeep in the Serengeti thinking about heading back to our camp. When Ed, our guide, turns around and asks us if we’re up for an adventure? He’s just received some news. We (obviously!) say yes. Ed gets out of the jeep, grabs something from the back and hands them over to us: they’re rain ponchos. “You’ll need these".” . And off we go… totally off-road, wind-shield up… by this time it starts raining and the wipers are frantically going left and right. We finally make it to this vast expanse… it’s still raining… and Ed slows down. He tells us to keep quiet and look on our right. We were not prepared for this: a pride of lions devouring a buffalo they had most likely killed just a couple of minutes prior to our arrival. A gruesomely vivd scene… and spectacular to witness too. A spontaneous bush event that we’re lucky to have experienced. And all thanks to our fabulous guide, Ed.
It’s mid-day. It’s freezing. We’re in Iceland’s northernmost point, on the edge of the arctic circle. It’s been 3 days of ice plunges and hot thermal baths. We’re taken to the beautiful snow-covered black beaches… here on this day to discover one of the world’s most secluded music studios (very cool!). After a chilly walk on the beach - barefoot to really feel the cold of the Greenland Sea - knowing how much we’re into discovering local wellness practices, our guides take us out behind the studio and tell us they have a surprise. We’re given shovels and asked if we’d like to help break the ice. Out in front of us is a frozen body of water. They assure us it’s safe, and thought we might enjoy trying out an ice bath “the natural way”. We’re obviously ecstatic… out in the middle of know where, immersed in the black and white, here we are dipping into an ice hole we’ve just made in a frozen lake. Without a doubt this has been the most picturesque wellness experience I’ve ever done… Followed by warm tea, ready prepare for us to warm up. All in complete safety, thanks to our lovely guide Aleksandra - an avid ice bather herself!
The essential element of a successful & authentic experience: having the right guidance
I have spoken about this time and time again: the importance of a good guide. It can make or break an entire experience. No matter how well a journey has been crafted in advance, no matter how much work has gone in the “behind the scenes” - the people on the ground shape the journey’s perspective: the outcome lies in their hands.
The best travel company is only as good as the guides it works with. Sure, top-notch service and exceptional lodging is a given - however when we’re looking at experiential travel, at learning about a culture and deep diving into local customs - the guides run the show. The people on the ground are your point of contact. They are the ambassadors, they are the ones you trust and surrender your control to. They are the ones that actually deliver the experience. They are ultimately the storytellers.
Is the role of a “guide” misunderstood?
We’ve heard the following phrases countless times: “guides are for “tourists”, or people who want to be shown around and hand-held”; “we like to discover things on our own… that’s what travelers do”… etc. You get the general idea.
And I agree to a certain extent. Of course, what bigger pleasure is there than following your curiosity and exploring unchartered territories - unbothered, unassisted… you and yourself on a personal quest. I understand that. But when entering foreign grounds - having the right guidance can not only spare you from unnecessary (and sometimes dangerous) situations, but can also help you save time to focus on exactly what it is you’re looking for: your journey.
How often do we get to really know the heart of a place? Beyond the superficial exploration - I mean knowing a place in its context - politically, geographically, spiritually… you name it. Sure, you might say these details are not always relevant to the experience you want to live… but then what is the experience you’re looking for? Our job is to match you with the right expert for the journey you want to embark upon.
Think of a guide as a host, welcoming you into a place. They are there for your orientation, for your eventual autonomy when navigating this new territory. Your guide is preparing you with all the tools you may need to fully immerse yourself in the journey, offering insight into the place you wouldn’t otherwise obtain. The right guide opens your appetite to learn.
Your guide is your friend on the road
Guides come in different forms and can play different roles. Your guide can be your personal “historian” , or perhaps if you’re going on a nature adventure, they’ll be your nature expert, guiding you though whatever area you’re exploring. No matter the activity, unless you’re a professional (and even then - when you’re in new territories, local guidance is preferred), a guide will be your best friend in travel. Take into account the bigger adventures too - take shark diving for instance: without the right guide by your side, who knows the territory - how else will you go diving in some of the world’s most elusive places?
Only with the right guidance, will you reach your adventure goals. Smoothly. And safely. Being in good hands, knowledgeable about local customs is essential - especially the more remote you travel. The right guide will ensure you have the most authentic and fulfilling exploration while looking out for your safety and wellbeing.
The right guide can make you fall in love with a place, or make it feel close to home. They can bring context, references and familiarity to a place, bridging cultural differences… A guide brings education alongside the experience, allowing you to not get “lost in translation”.
The human dynamic: finding the right match
A GOOD guide makes all the difference. Once we have the good guides, then we must find the RIGHT guide to match the guest and experience.
We’re talking about human relationships so it’s all about compatibility. And that can only happen when you KNOW what to look for, and WHO it is you need to match. Personality plays a big role here.
There are guests who like to build camaraderie relationships with their guides, or those who prefer a more formal approach - those who like to feel like they’re on an documentary expedition with a live commentator by their side, or those who prefer to take it all in on their own and only receive assistance when they yearn for more information.
Granted the essentials are in order: knowledgeable, experienced, personable, patient, prepared, and in my opinion most importantly, a great storyteller - the RIGHT guide is a subjective matter and depends on every guest.
But overall, for the most part, your guide usually becomes your friend…. they allow you to stay in touch with your favourite places, through the people you meet there.
And they say the best friendships are built on the road, right? So what a beautiful friendship to look forward to.