Having a passion for culture and tradition, I have traveled extensively to remote areas of the world trying to discover the beautiful people who I have come to love and respect for their differences. These differences in each of them are the color, splendor, and spice of life. I find in them an opportunity to learn and grow as each has so much to teach. The cultures are rich in honored tradition but not without struggle. There is pride in the village. There is warmth in the home. There is love for one another and hope for the future. There is respect for the elders and sometimes the transition of "progress" from the humble home to the "better life" is painful for the ones moving on as well as the ones remaining in the village. Today culture is fragile in many areas of the world as change presents itself in varied ways. There is an interruption of closely held tradition and the curiosity of whatever else may be offered in place of the time honored ways. In any case, the beauty of the people remains and the warmth of their hearts is a gift to a traveler like me.