The Rambler

Culture Insights, Travel Tips, and Inspirational Journeys with Not Your Average American

Hey Reader!

We’ve been staying close to home lately—and loving it. With my parents visiting for Mother’s Day, we played tourist in our home city, exploring Portland’s sweet spots (hello, Creo chocolate!) and catching the last of the spring blooms. All that wandering has us thinking: local or far away, every place has a story. Which is why we're expanding our blog to include so much more of the Americas. Today, we're offering articles on the Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific Northwest, and Western North Carolina. Enjoy!

Recent articles

Máchica: The Next Andean Superfood?

🌾 In the Ecuadorian Andes, one man is reviving ancestral knowledge by teaching travelers about máchica, a humble roasted barley flour with deep cultural roots. His project is more than just food—it’s a delicious invitation to connect with the land, its people, and their traditions.

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A dimunitive, pale green orchid with fine hairs surrounding its petals stands out from the dark green surroundings

A Botanical Garden Full of Orchids in Misahualli

🌺 In the heart of Misahuallí, Don Pepe has transformed his passion for native orchids into a living classroom, welcoming visitors to discover the rich biodiversity of the Amazon. His garden isn’t just a place to see flowers—it's a personal mission to preserve Ecuador’s natural heritage, one bloom at a time.

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Where Is The Best Hostal in the USA?

🏆 What makes a hostel stand out as the best in the USA? One spot in the Pacific Northwest is redefining what budget travel can look like—with sustainability, community, and a deep sense of place at its core.

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After Helene: Should You Visit North Carolina?

🌪️ In this thoughtful guest post, Phil Thomas of Someone Else’s Country reflects on returning to a beloved place after a natural disaster. With Helene long gone and the forest slowly healing, he explores what it means to walk familiar trails changed by wind, time, and memory—and why tourism can be a quiet force for renewal.

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Last but not least...

And Scott's review of RFD tags is taking off to new heights! This past month, it has become the most popular article on our website.

Good news! We have firm dates for our next adventure into the Ecuadorian Amazon! We'll be heading deep into Yasuní National Park with Jiovany Rivadeneyra, one of the Kichwa founders of the Napo Wildlife Center. This won’t be a luxury trip—we'll be traveling by motor canoe (like the local bus, but on the river), sleeping in hammocks, and eating plenty of freshly caught fish. During the week, we'll be speaking with community members about how tourism might help support local economies—especially in ways that protect iconic species like pink dolphins and giant boa constrictors, both at risk from fishing nets. Want to join us? We have limited availability for intrepid travelers.

We hope this edition of The Rambler sparks your curiosity and inspires you to visit our website. Stay curious, travel responsibly, and embrace the adventure!

Until next time, happy travels!

Warm regards,