roosting stop in the central highlands of Mexico. When you venture into the wilderness of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site about 60 miles northwest of Mexico City, you will observe such a massive gathering of life that tree branches reportedly bend under the weight of the gently resting butterflies. Butterflies are symbolic of transformation and metamorphosis, so the successful journey across North America of these delicate insects can feel quite inspiring and personal. You will get the full effect as the butterflies suddenly take flight from their perches in the fir trees, and the sky overhead transforms into a fluttering cloud of beauty in motion, filling your ears with a sound like rain on leaves and your heart with pure wonder.
Dance( like no one’ s watching) in the streets at Carnival( Brazil) – Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is an icon of festivity and national identity, showcasing an annual samba parade that heavily informs our perception of Carnival. Did you know, though, that visitors can join in the fun, too? Don’ t worry— to participate in Carnival, you don’ t have to know how to samba and you don’ t need a costume— you just need to find yourself a bloco( a free, casual and inclusive street party) and melt into the energetic fun that’ s unfolding all around you. It doesn’ t matter if you are the most uncoordinated, unfashionable traveler to ever hit the streets of Brazil— all are welcome to dance and celebrate. Joining a bloco transports you from sideline spectator to full-on participant, where you’ ll find yourself in the company of hundreds or even thousands of other revelers, dancing among mobile musicians, each neighborhood having its own musical anthem. If you have the stamina, there are over 500 blocos to choose from, and some go on for days.
Sing along with 20 new friends at an Irish pub( Ireland) – It’ s late afternoon, the festivities have begun and you are invited. Drop into one of many pubs throughout Ireland, grab a pint, and be welcomed to sing with the locals during open music sessions. You’ ll raise your voices to traditional songs like“ The Kesh Jig” or“ The Silver Spear,” and you may even be invited to share a melody from your homeland. If your singing voice is something that makes dogs run for the hills, that’ s OK … just lip-sync the tunes, sway along and enjoy the camaraderie and atmosphere. These venues are small and packed with laughter, joy and the communal glee that comes from belting out a tune together.
Samba drums- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dublin, Ireland
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