California reminds us how to dream, play, and dare. In the hustle to keep the engine churning (paying the bills, making appointments, knocking out chores) it's imperative to create moments where we can savor the experience of being alive. These experiences will not knock on our doors. We have to prioritize them. 

California makes that process easy. It's a destination where you can find people honoring an Egyptian goddess with python dances a short distance from folks ripping motorcycles around a track. A place where you can spend the morning paragliding off dusty mountains and the afternoon getting an ass kicking from women on rollerskates. A place where the elderly still burn their candles bright as they chug through icy cold water surrounded by sea lions.

California constantly pulls me out of my serious mind. Reminds me that life is mysterious, random, and full of beauty. That we should never lose that child like side of ourselves which is full of wonder, curiosity, and enthusiasm. That it's more than ok to be silly and ridiculous... it's vital. 

Recommendations:

• Take a hot lap around a professional racetrack. The sensation of riding a powerful car or motorcycle pushed to its limit is a bucketlist item.  Thunderhill Raceway Park is the place in California to make that happen.
• Eat at a taco truck. Food trucks are the new international upstarts, but the old-school godfathers are Southern California’s taco trucks. Every local has their opinion, but I’m partial to La Isla Bonita for their ceviche tostadas and Leo’s for the tacos.

Watch this episode on the Travel Channel this Saturday at 9PM​ in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Yup, that's really my arm being penetrated by a thick needle. The man with grubby fingernails is a dukun (shaman) who sanitized his hands by dipping them in a bowl of tap water. A moment later I thought I’d be crippled permanently. The other shamans surprised me with a series of trials (involving a machete and huge rock) to determine if the magic charm (inserted into my arm) was working properly.

I came into this scenario, like many things on Road Less Traveled, with little foresight. I'd asked around in Jakarta if anyone knew of a witchdoctor, and finally a reliable source led me to a house 20 miles outside of the city. When I came out, I had the charm (a susuk) under my skin with the power of strength and protection.

Two guys on horseback followed us up Mount Bromo, hoping we would tire and pay them for a ride. At one point one of the guys, on the verge of giving up, said, "Mr... no ride??"
"No ride," I replied, gesturing to my arm and flexing, "I have susuk... I am strong!"
The rider gestured back to the producer, who was struggling up the hill behind us.
"And you friend?" he asked with a glimmer in his eye.
"No susuk," I said as we both started laughing.
"Screw you guys," the producer yelled up between gulps of air.
'No susuk' would be a common joke for the rest of the season when anyone struggled with a physical task.

Months later I was in an interview with Playboy Romania. The journalist asked me about a crazy travel story, and I began to tell her about the witchdoctors and susuk insertion as i pulled up the sleeve of my sweater.
"I see it!" the lady exclaimed.
Sure as hell the piece of gold was jutting half out of my arm. I plucked it out and stuffed it in a fold of my wallet. It may still be there today. Whether or not the charm provides comparable power from the back pocket of my jeans is questionable.

I can't wait to go back to Indonesia. It's an archipelago nation full of mysticism, surprises, and stories. It's also more progressive and open-minded than most travelers realize. Now would be a great time to go.

Recommendations:

• Don’t put a lot of effort into seeing komodo dragons. It sounds good on paper, but the lizards principal activity is lounging in shade, followed by schlepping around. You’ll only get action if you stand too close.
• Do all your gift shopping at a witchcraft store. What better gift could you get loved ones than something which is authentically utilized by superstitious locals. Forget the bobble-head designed for tourists. How about some corpse powder, demon stopping nails, or voodoo dolls? Ok.. maybe get grandma something else.

Watch this episode on the Travel Channel this Saturday at 9PM

At the end of this month an unparalleled social experiment called Burning Man will occur once again in the hostile playa of the Black Rock Desert. If approached right it can be a mind-altering, transformational experience; leaving the participant more charitable, accepting, and humanistic for months or years to come. Although I'm no expert, I've constructed this post from advice received and lessons learned. Want to enhance your experience? Have a gander at this list and feel free to give feedback. 

1. Don't look at it as a huge party - Burning Man stresses that they are not a festival but rather an event.  This is the first clue that you should not approach your burn like Coachella.  Sure, top DJs play and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of places to dance and drink, but party is the icing on the cake.  The ideal objective is to have experiences novel to you with people who are different from you.  In this sense it is like travel.. but traveling to an otherworldly martian outpost where society is structured in a very unique way.  You can party anywhere, but only at Burning Man can you achieve the above objective on such a unique scale. Don't squander your time on the playa doing what you could accomplish at a bar on any given Saturday night, or in Joshua Tree with a case of beer.
2. Don't prowl for girls/guys -  There is a lot of sex crackling under the desert stars and you could very well be a part of it. However, to make pick-up your objective is a misuse of this unique time (See above).  You will spot a couple drunken fools prowling dance floors and PUAs running routines at art cars.  They'll be instantly identified by the crowd as "that guy."  Instead of dropping game, drop into your highest vibration and see who hums along to your frequency. Using this organic approach I hung out with an older black woman who'd been to 12 burns, a Japanese BDSM master, a polyamorous married couple... and I met plenty of attractive women who synched up with my energy. Remember: Your vibe attracts your tribe.  
3. Put away your phone - Quizzically BM has introduced some signal on the playa. However, pulling out your phone would be a big mistake, cheating you of the opportunity to be present with the environment and people around you. Seal both your phone and wallet in a ziplock as soon as you arrive. You may feel a little withdrawal, but if you stand firm eventually thr amazing sensation of freedom will prevail. The proverbial ball and chain has been loosed! You will probably, like me, loath to turn your phone back on as you leave. But what if you need it to take pictures? See #4. What if you get lost and need to text your buddies to coordinate? See #6.
4. Don't take pictures or video - Firstly, someone is already taking better pictures and better video for you, so you can ignore the distraction of the camera/phone (see above) and be present.  Secondly, BM is an environment where people feel safe to explore sides of themselves they may not in the real world. The more Go-Pro's being waved around, catching strangers in frame, the more this aspect will suffocate. But principally my objective of BM was not to demonstrate on social media that I was there. That's broadcasting identity or trying to make an impression. The burn gave me a rare opportunity to drop the ceaseless Jonathan Legg routine and focus outside of myself. What a treat.** 
5. Get dirty and dress silly - There is hidden genius behind the chosen location.  The difficulty to get there, the harsh environment, and the silly costumes all serve as a way to strip away your "real world" ego.  Don't fight it.  When I was wearing nothing but a tutu and a cowboy hat, covered in playa dust, I stopped trying to make an impression.  Conversations seemed to jump right past pleasantries/introductions/resumes and right into something meaty.  
6. Get lost - At several points you will lose your friends. In the dark desert night, with thousands of flashing bikes moving all directions, it's damn easy. Don't panic. You know where your camp is.*** You'll eventually find your crew there. Embrace this sudden opportunity to embark on a solo mission. Go visit a camp you personally wanted to check out. Ride out into the deep playa and look for obscure art. Take a moment to look up at the stars and check in with yourself. If you utilize the "say yes" BM philosophy (see #7) it's almost guaranteed you'll have new friends and a unique story to share when you reunite with your tribe.
7. Say "yes" to opportunities to slightly push your boundaries - You could definitely jump in the deep end at BM (hello orgy tent!) but if that's not your style just wade out a little deeper than you usually might.  For me this lead to one of my most cherished memories of the burn:  washing and being washed by strangers (gay, straight, old, young, male, and female) at the Human Carcass   An experience that got me clean but moreover affirmed that there is nothing shameful about our bodies, nor is nakedness glued to sexual situations. At some point, as you're riding your bike towards an objective, someone will yell for you to stop and check them out. Remember that your plan is not that important. It was just a tool to get you in motion. Be present with what happens around you. Say "yes" to opportunity when it presents itself.

The 2015 burn was one of the most memorable and life-altering experiences of my life. It felt like a collective experiment to see how nice we could be to each other. Or as if we were all informed a meteor was definitively going to destroy the earth in a month... no more value would be placed on hoarding stuff or wearing a social mask. May as well share what you got, love fearlessly, and celebrate life. This is the burn.
Looking forward to seeing you on the playa. Swing by Center4RnD at 5:15 and G and say hello. If you've got BM advice to share please comment below. 

Notes:
** This year I plan to arrive early to shoot a small section of video and then be finished with electronics throughout the burn. If you do elect to photograph always ask permission; however, keep in mind it will never look as good through the lens as it does in real life.
*** Write the address of your camp on your bike with a Sharpie. This may help if someone accidentally grabs your wheels in the middle of the night and could also guide you home if lost.

Travis and his crew fabricated the story. Imagine this possibility: You will take a hike this afternoon. When you return you will find your family and friends to deliver an oscar worthy performance of alien abduction. Picture the reaction of the people closest to you. What would they do? Some would laugh, others would call B.S., and some might be moved to tear-inducing concern over the trauma you must have endured. No matter what happens, you will not for one moment tip your cards. Even when your closest friend, your loving spouse, or your loyal parent speaks to you in quiet confidence you will unblinkingly lie to their face. You will internalize this story so deeply that it will eventually become part of your reality. Could you do it?
Consider the ramifications of such a ploy. If you fail to pull it off you will either be disgraced or labeled mentally unstable. However, if you do succeed in holding the line, a constant set of challenges lays ahead. You will eternally be ridiculed, slandered, and tested for incongruities. You will have to manage massive internal dissonance over the deception of loved ones. As a one-hit-wonder band is condemned to forever play that song, you will have to speak on this subject almost every day of your life.
On the other hand, you’d be the most interesting person your friends and family know. Everyone who heard the tale would engage in unique thought and conversation. You’d essentially give the gift of a remarkable story, introducing a scoop of awe and wonder into every life it touched. Moreover, money could potentially flow to you and your community. Which begs the question: If Travis Walton and his gang did make this up, as some claim they did, has he done something wrong or something wonderful?

At a roadside cafe, hours before meeting Travis, I spoke with some of the locals about the topic. The seasoned men fumbled with their coffee mugs as their eyes clouded with introspection. They were open to the idea of extraterrestrial life.  With a universe so large, how could you not be? Did Travis encounter it? Well, they’re not sure. But, he’s been sticking to his story over 40 years, and there is something to be said for that.


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Authors note:  Travis' story definitely added a little sparkle to my scene. We got a great segment for our show and I've had a handful of engrossing extraterrestrial conversations  since. Thanks to the affable folks at the Mutual UFO Network for hooking it up. If I get abducted myself one day (and I sincerely hope I do) they will be the first people I call (My friends and family would undoubtably consider it a publicity stunt or a psychedelic trip which slipped from my grasp).

Last week I spoke in San Francisco about the value of having a mission weaving through our travels. On the road, as in life, possessing a plan, even a ridiculous one, is better than aimlessly following the crowds. The right mission will pull you out of the tourism funnel and into places where you will meet genuine locals and have unique experiences.
Here are a few missions I've pursued on and off the Road Less Traveled:

• Writing a never-published guidebook to the Baltic states. - Researching the content had me popping my head into every bar, restaurant, hotel, and attraction in Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius.  Something I would not have done as a casual traveler.
• Buying and riding a tandem bicycle around different neighborhoods in Hanoi, picking up a variety of passengers along the way to mic them up and hear their story - This would be an awesome cross-country mission. You'll have to watch the episode to discover why I was wearing a Christopher Columbus getup.
• Shoe dating in Malaysia - I went on a series of casual dates in Kuala Lumpur based on a clever concept developed between a high end women's footwear store and a matchmaking service. The mission soon changed serious when one of the women informed me about native people in Sarawak being exploited by corrupt industry and politics.
• Shooting a short movie in Romania for 700$ (included casting, wardrobe, logistics, and salaries for make-up specialist and actors).

And here are some silly ideas for future trips:​

• Throw paper airplanes off the 5 highest peaks in your travel destination.  Jazz it up by first designing the planes with names of friends, sentiments, or worries you'd like to ​let fly.
• Instead of just going to Vegas to party, take the Old Mojave Road to Vegas..  then party.
• Find the best croissant in Paris, the best cappuccino in Rome,  or the best taco truck in Los Angeles.  Put an interesting spin on the mission by forbidding the use of the internet or apps in your search.  All direction and advice must come from locals.
• Buy a traditional outrigger boat in the Philippines and sail it to different islands.  My buddy accomplished this for about 3,000$.  Alternatively one could buy a boat or raft in several countries and navigate down a river.  Sell it when the journey is done.
• Look for a missing treasure or into an unsolved mystery.   In the Philippines I've looked into a case of mass demon possession and chased the Pinoy vampire.  We're about to take a shot at finding Lost Dutchman's Mine on an episode that will appear in season 4 of Road Less Traveled.  The chupacabra, El Dorado, and Arc of the Covenant may still be out there...

Have any other great travel mission ideas?  Have you experienced travel with a silly scheme as a backbone?  Please tell me about it in the comments.

I blogged recently about spreading positivity into the world by acknowledging the people around us. This is something we can do even while grumpy; however, if we really want to light up a room we've got to have our lanterns burning bright.  
I believe one day science will confirm that on some level everything is waves and vibration. Even we ourselves are a little tiny wiggles in the fabric of the universe. On a micro-level we pulsate differently day to day and moment to moment.
 Have you even been in a bar when a fight breaks out? You probably felt something going down moments before you saw a fist thrown. Have you ever been in an emergency where someone succumbed to panic and then it spread like wildfire? Have you ever known someone so charismatic that they immediately warm an environment like a fireplace? These are all dominant vibrations that can change the tune of everything around them.  
I've spent a lot of time thinking about how I can keep mine as buoyant as possible. Here is what I've come up with. I am by no means a master of any, but I'm trying. If you have other suggestions, I'd love to see them in the comments.

Exercise & Play

I like to do something physical everyday. Merging elements of play into my workouts keeps my childlike nature alive, which I hope to maintain till the grave.
There is more than one way to bake a cake but I sort my workouts into three categories:
1. Weights:  Lifting iron keeps your muscles strong and bones dense. It cajoles your body into producing testosterone. A strong body is less likely to be injured. I recommend lifts that engage several muscles like squats (ass to grass), clean&jerks, and bench press. Pull-ups, rope-climbs, or something of this variety is also important for an adventurous lifestyle. Ease into it and make sure your technique is proper.
2. Stamina:  A stiff hike, run, bike ride, or swim.  
3. Dynamic:  Activities that blend reaction time, coordination, technique, and balance. Most sports do the trick. 
​

Don't Expect Purchases to Make you Happy

You see this leaping 2001 Subaru Forester? I bought it 7 years ago for 4,000$ cash. It's seen more adventure than 95% of the SUVs in Los Angeles at a fraction of the cost. I didn't buy it to make myself happy. I bought it as a tool to create experiences that would make me happy (like backcountry camping with friends). Although the passenger side mirror is now taped on and it's scraped up good, it still serves its purpose. Every now and then I catch myself ogling at the newest vehicles on the market, but then I'll remind myself to only buy one when I need it. The mindless craving to buy stuff we really don't need is the persuasive pull of marketing.
 Arthur Jeon correctly points out, "We are swimming in commercialism.... it saps our freedom and increases our sense of an isolated identity.  Our sense of self becomes, without our permission, defined by our possessions; we judge and parse each other in this paradigm, and in doing so we travel farther from the recognition of our connection to each other."
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​Manage all Expectations 

Denmark regularly tops the list of happiest citizens. One key reason: Low expectations. How many times have I sabotaged a travel destination by imagining the ideal version of the place before I arrive. I picture myself walking with a lover in Hawaii... sunny and warm with the soft sound of ukulele floating on a tropical breeze, but then get crushed by blasting wind and pelting rain.
Recently I've adopted some stoic philosophy into my mindset. Seneca and Marcus Aurelius mastered the comprehension of "It is what it is." That's not to say we don't try to right wrongs and challenge injustice, but rather we understand when something is completely out of our control (e.g., rain in Hawaii). Instead of brooding or bitching you work within the undeniable reality.
We can apply this principle to people as well. Again, I try to be courageous and assertive in the face of bad behavior, but consider if it's malleable. Some people will always be late, always worry, always be messy, etc. You can avoid them, but you can't change them. Getting angry about it is as logical as cursing at the rain in Hawaii.
Consider all the rage on the highways in Los Angeles. Is this not partially because we expect to cruise straight to our destination? There will always be that slow guy in the left lane, that dude who cuts in front of you, the hesitant driver, and the person who blasts their horn in anger. It's much more bankable that the rain in Hawaii. It's a force of nature. Let it rage around you like a typhoon, but don't let it snatch your inner peace.  We must respect the inherent danger of a storm, but pointing your finger at the clouds and screaming obscenities is the behavior of a lunatic.

Meditation & Meditative Practices

Meditation is a "spiritual" practice that now has the full blessing of legit science behind it. I remember the first time I managed to be totally present. The sensation was like a mind altering drug. Suddenly I was just consciousness in a room, fully aware of everything which was presently around me. It was akin to the refrigerator stopping to reveal an unperceived layer of silence. That humming is our thoughts which ceaselessly carry our awareness from one moment to the next. Set your timer and try thinking of nothing for five minutes. You will quickly realize how the kingdom of your mind is in complete mutiny.   
The principles of meditation are easy to describe, but if you'd like and intro book I suggest Waking Up and Wherever You Go There You Are.
A practice such as Yoga is not only great for flexibility and strength but often entwined with mindfulness, so you benefit both in the body and brain.
​

Get Outside

Nothing resets me like a night in the forest, mountains, or desert. All my big city concerns diminish and the lens opens wide on my perspective of life. I'm now committed to camping once a month and doing weekly hikes.
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Cultivate Strong Friendships

Social media does not meet our ancestral need to have a tribe. Cultivate yours wisely. I like invest in people who are honest, fun-loving, compassionate, and introspective. The best way to find the right friends is to be genuine. When you broadcast on your true channel your people will tune in. When you've found your tribe you must invest time and energy into bringing that group together and sharing experiences that will bond you. Consider selecting a place where you will live not for the salary, views, or prestige; but rather as a spot where friends will gravitate.  Give your friends your loyalty and trust.  Listen to them when they speak. Help them when they are in need. Counsel them when they are in error or uncertainty.