Keir Alexa

Blood Sacrifice in Sumba

Blood Sacrifice in Sumba 3840 2560 Keir Alexa

This blog post might not be for everyone. It discusses real animal sacrifices that are still happening in another part of the world. But for those who want to learn about the ancient traditions of Sumba, an island located in Eastern Indonesia, this post is for you.

Sumba Island is the only island of Indonesia where a majority of the population still practices the same traditional beliefs and rituals as their ancestors did thousands of years ago. They are one of the poorest parts of Indonesia.

I was staying at Nihiwatu, a luxury resort on Sumba Island. It was our first dinner when Terry Simmons (a world-renowned surf coach) told us, “We have been invited to a funeral at one of the villages close by. The funerals are super gnarly with lots of blood every where! They sacrifice buffalo, pigs, and sometimes horses.”

Our invitation came because the grandfather of Canella, one of the girls who works at Nihiwatu, had passed away.

As a traveler I always like to experience new things, but at the same time I was really nervous about this all. The idea of seeing animals slaughtered in front of me was scary. I am an animal lover!

But I decided I could not turn down the chance to learn more about an ancient culture. The funeral was on Monday and we found out about it on Thursday. I had only a few days to mentally prepare.

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THE FUNERAL

The day of the funeral it was all I could think about. We had to dress in traditional Sumbanese attire. Men had to wear skirts and carry Sumba swords. I had to wear a long skirt and make sure my shoulders were covered. Dressed this way, we got in a car and drove to the funeral. The smooth paved roads turned into bumpy rocks and as I looked out the window I saw untouched land full of plush greenery. It was a 15 minute ride, full of beautiful scenery, before we arrived at the village.

The moment we got out of our car I sensed everyone staring at us. It was all local villagers. We had to walk up a hill, and then we were greeted by a man who was dancing. His eyes were blazing and his mouth, bright red from betel nut. He whipped out his sword with a grin, hoping back and forth on each foot. I couldn’t look away!

After his dance the man led us to the village. It was packed with people staring at us. It felt a bit strange, but don’t worry, they were just curious. There are not many tourists in Sumba. This means you sometimes get more attention than you want, but you also get to experience a village that is true to its nature.
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I felt very honored to be there.

I remember Terry warned me that the head of the village would offer us interesting tea and betel nut. “Its an absolute insult if you do not accept it so just take it.” Most of the people chewing the betel nut had bright red teeth, or no teeth at all. Luckily I was not offered any.

Quickly, everyone started to huddle around in this center ring. They had us hop up on stones, which I later found out were tomb stones filled with dead bodies. Tinus, our Mori Uma (Butler) from Nihiwatu told us that the horse was first to be sacrificed.

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I could feel my heart beating in my chest. Ah man, why does the horse have to be first? I thought. I love horses.

It turns out the horse is sacrificed for people that are high up in the rankings. They sacrifice the horse so that the diseased can ride the horse to heaven.

As we awaited the sacrifice I looked around and noticed that it was all men standing around us. The women stayed in their villages with the children. Some curious kids would jump up and sneak around the sacrifice grounds see what was going on.

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Still there was no sight of any horse, and I was beginning to feel tense. Maybe this had been a bad idea? I thought. I looked behind me. I was standing on a tomb stone, and there was a small rock cliff behind me. I wanted to be able to make a quick escape. But it didn’t look like that would be possible.

Next thing I know three men were corralling a beautiful light brown horse dressed in a traditional hand-woven ikat textile. The horse had a red headdress on that reminded me of a Mexican piñata.

The man with the red mouth who had greeted us started to dance again. Back and forth on one foot, and then the other. I felt my heart beat faster with each step he took. And then in a rapid movement he cut the horses neck, and blood began to squirt everywhere.

 Woaaaaaah! What the hell did I just witness?

 I had to look away. It was a bit traumatizing.

It wasn’t over yet though. A group of young men started leading water buffalo’s into the ring of people. I’m going to save you the details of what happened next because it was brutal. But all around me men were cheering. This was very exciting for them!

I later learned that most of them eat rice and vegetables every day. So a sacrifice was a chance to eat meat, and this adds to the excitement. They use every part of the buffalo.

In the end there was the slaughter of one horse and nine water buffalo. It was one of the most barbaric things I have witnessed and it was very intense.

 

Still I want to share this story so that you can learn something new about a culture very different from our own. It is horrible to witness the slaughter of innocent animals. But these are ancient traditions with a lot of meaning behind them. It also means that very malnourished people get a chance to eat meat. In the end everyone has their own perspectives on life (what is good and what is bad). I am grateful for the chance to experience something so different from my own culture.

It was an experience I will truly never forget.

What are your thoughts on animal sacrifices? Should animal cruelty be stopped or is it important to respect ancient traditions?

Checking In: The Selman Marrakech Hotel

Checking In: The Selman Marrakech Hotel 1024 683 Keir Alexa

Just ten minutes outside of the medina’s walls, the Selman is the perfect spot for some calming privacy amongst the Marrakech chaos. With private riads (traditional Moroccan homes), an 80 meter long pool, sexy dining options and sixteen gorgeous Arabian thoroughbreds roaming the premises, the Selman Marrakech Hotel adds up to one magical getaway.

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ALL ABOUT THE SELMAN

The Selman opened its doors in 2012 (a baby in comparison to La Mamounia), but the sleek and ornate Moorish design adds some maturity to the boutique hotel, like it has always stood there as some magical castle out of a fairytale.

With large grounds and only 60 rooms, the hotel is intimate and vast. A five minute golf cart ride from reception delivered us straight to our private riad’s door where we were welcomed by our own personal butler, Karim.

Hospitality doesn’t exactly cover the service we experienced at the Selman. Honestly, the warm welcome reminded me much more of staying with an old family friend. Not only was Karim incredibly attentive and sweet, but the hotel’s director also showed above and beyond kindness. When she heard about the photos I planned on taking on the grounds, she let me borrow from the gift shop’s exquisite handmade kaftan collection. Each piece was unique and stunning and it was so hard not to chose them all!

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Photo by Alan Keohane

THE ROOM

One-room riad — Karim met us with a tray of dates and almond milk, the standard Moroccan welcome! Champagne and desserts awaited us inside (so pretty and delicious the platter was half empty in fifteen minutes). Although we were pretty preoccupied with the sweets, I was immediately drawn to the room’s central fountain, decorated with pink flowers and separated from the room by glass doors. The room itself was decorated with embroidered fabrics — it felt like living in a lavish tent.

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The riad’s layout — a private villa with one bedroom, one bath with a jacuzzi-sized stone tub (could easily fit four people), private garden with 16-ft pool (which we found romantically lit at night, after returning from our daily adventures).

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THE ARABIAN HORSES

The biggest deal at the Selman — the horses. Rightly so, considering the hotel is named after the father of a line of thoroughbreds. The hotel is home to sixteen Arabian horses. They are mainly kept in two stables and five paddocks located on the gardens, all beautifully decorated in an Indian and Andulusian style. I was able to take photos just outside the stables, which I have to admit was a little intimidating at first! The horses are such majestic creatures, I was nervous to get close, but I soon realized they seemed more afraid of me than I was of them!

The horses are trained to perform as well. While dining at one of the hotel’s restaurant, Assyl, we were all invited to step outside for a fifteen minute show — an incredible and unique spin on dinner, especially enjoyable as I sipped on some bubbly champagne.

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THE DINING

Assyl — With low tables, dim candle light and a garden view, Assyl really gives off an alluring and sexy vibe. The decor is in the Ottoman style with carved wood and twinkling chandeliers, while the food is traditional Moroccan, coinciding with the live music!

Selman — Although I did not have time to dine here (so much to do with so little time!), the Selman restaurant is Assyl’s trendy, younger sister — with international food, cocktails and electro lounge music.

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The Selman was such a relaxing getaway from the Medina’s rapid movement and I loved returning at night to sink into the magic of this gorgeous country estate!

Keir Alexa Santorini Greece

WHAT TO PACK FOR SANTORINI GREECE

WHAT TO PACK FOR SANTORINI GREECE 847 683 Keir Alexa

Keir Alexa Fashion Greece

 

Keir Alexa Fashion Greece

 

 

Greece has 227 inhabited islands for a perfect wanderlust getaway. Santorini is as magical as it looks. Yes, your Instagram pictures will be breathtaking! From infinity pools to stunning one-of-a-kind views! Make your packing list light and simple, with white on white looks, off-the-shoulder tops, swimwear that doubles as tops, and tons of stripes. This season’s trends are all about bodysuits, off-the-shoulder tops, and ruffles.

Below are some of my favorite items to pack for a memorable Santorini Greece getaway.

Click on the links below to shop.

Heidi Klein Striped Bikini to perfectly match the stunning surroundings.

2 The perfect vacation look – White on white as seen on @thenatalieliao Wearing white denim culottes from Zara.

Lisa Marie Fernandez swimsuit that perfectly doubles as a top.

Zara Sandals for all the walking during sightseeing.

Eugenia Kim Hat “Do not disturb” as seen on @garypeppergirl.

6 On trend off-the-shoulder striped ruffled top from Topshop.

7 Get the glow from the super popular new Haloscope from Glossier.com.

8 Fashionable and comfortable Zara black sandals.

9 Always a classic that goes with everything – Levi’s denim shorts.

10 Don’t forget the sunscreen! Shiseido sunscreen for face and body.

TIPS

Best website for planning your trip to Greece www.greece-is.com.

Best sunset + view for stunning pictures = Visit Oia. Oia is a town on the Island. Get there early for the sunset to beat the crowds.

For more info on Greece and more travel pics check out my other blog post here.

Love always, Keir

Duality in Motion: Riding the Harim Bingham Train

Duality in Motion: Riding the Harim Bingham Train 1280 960 Keir Alexa

Machu Picchu is a really special place. It was rediscovered by Harim Bingham with the help of local farmers. The Quechua citadel was revealed in 1911.

The best way to travel to and from Machu Picchu is by train. Keep in mind we planned ahead, and I’d recommend that you do the same. This area is pretty secluded, a secret gem of the Andes and about 50 miles from Cuzco.

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Enjoy the scenery. Fabulous culinary experiences await you. It’s like stepping into the 1920s era of high dining and accommodations. The tables are intimate, the atmosphere is charming. Warm tones and the plush upholstery make these Pullman style carriages elegant and luxurious.

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Harim-Bingham-Train-Seats

 The Belmond Hiram Bingham train has four carriages, two dining carriages, an observation carriage with bar and a kitchen car where the onboard chef creates a four course meal. This train is capable of carrying as many as 84 passengers.

During our journey, we enjoyed live Peruvian music and pisco sours.

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After a long day hiking it felt nice to relax and unwind aboard this comfy and luxurious train. As the sun started to set, I looked out the glass window and noticed the stunning Andes mountains. I could see my reflection in the window and started reflecting on my life and how my true passion in life is to travel and make memories all over the world.

My recommendations:

 You need to book this in advance since there is limited space. Learn more about the Harim Bingham train HERE.

Keir Alexa Travel

Mystical Machu Picchu

Mystical Machu Picchu 1024 683 Keir Alexa

They say Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by Harim Bingham. An American explorer “stumbled” upon the site and exposed the secret to the world. So the people came from everywhere to see the city built on top of the mountains.

One of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu was considered an archaeological secret, but I can’t help but question that. I questioned that as I took step after step up the mountain. Panting, heaving, sweating with the altitude change. Once on top, once breathing in the ancient city, staring down at the citadel, standing a mile and a half above the sea, I could feel the breathing.

I could feel everyone who had stood there before me — the rush of modern tourists now, the clamor of historical explorers then, but then even further back. In Machu Picchu you can feel the generations and generations of locals who must have made the climb, who saw the beauty and wonder and never told a soul.   Maybe kids running away from home, lovers escaping the city, sportsmen attempting an epic adventure. Their stories collect in the stone.
Then history flies back even further. The whispers become even deeper. You hear crying from the Spanish invasion that caused the Incas to abandon the city. You hear the war and the flee and the city dying, but behind that you can hear it thrive. You can hear the bustle of the urban center Machu Picchu once was to the Incan Empire — music, laughter, footsteps, parties, hard work, prayer, and construction. On Machu Picchu you can almost hear its initial construction. Listen to the Incas place stone after stone on the lush green mountains, hundreds and hundreds of years before your grandparents were even born.

The stories that have accumulated in that city surround you the moment you reach the top and take in that first deep breath of shallow mountain air. The wind circling you, the clouds constantly moving, swirling around you. You stand in the center of green mountain tops, your heart beat attaching to something greater. Your story, right then and there, is added to the city’s epic tale for future adventurers to breathe in.

In Machu Picchu, you feel part of history.

Machu Picchu cannot be explored in a couple hours. We spent two days led by a guide named Ruben, learning the city’s history while admiring the mysterious architecture. With over two hundred structures, milling llamas and clouds that occasionally engulf the city, the atmosphere is mystical and otherworldly. Even the route to the landmark is epic. We flew from LA to Lima, Peru. Next, we boarded a plane to Cuzco where we got on a train to Machu Picchu, where took a bus up the mountain, clenching the sides of the vehicle with every bump and wavy turn, until being thrown into the terrain where we hiked up giant rocks until we reached the top.

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The journey was worth it. I had wanted to see Machu Picchu for years and the experience was beautiful. The morning was spent excavating, the afternoon spent meditating and before sunset we descended the mountains. We headed into Aguas Calientes where our hotel, Inkaterra, was located. There we would rest in the cozy atmosphere, but the allure of Machu Picchu kept me antsy, reeling, alive.

 

Keir Alexa Machu Picchu

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At one point I sat on a rock at the peak on Sun Gate in silence, staring forward, encircled by mountains. I felt grounded, at peace. I paid respect to the people who had sat there before me. I admired what man can make and what nature has given us. I breathed.


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Sun-Gate-Peru
Machu Picchu is in ruins, but it is alive with memories.

A Quick Guide to Swimming with Whale Sharks

A Quick Guide to Swimming with Whale Sharks 4777 3184 Keir Alexa

Whale Sharks are the largest fish on this planet, some growing to forty-feet or longer. They’re bus length. These gentle giants migrate around the world in enormous packs, camping out in dozens of tropical feeding grounds — from Australia to Belize to Indonesia. But one of the best spots is the waters of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico where nearly three to five hundred have been reported in one season.

Lucky for us, whale sharks are harmless to humans, making it possible to swim with them! Don’t worry, they eat plankton. Focus on the whale part of their name, not so much the shark, and your nerves will settle. Get ready for an adventure!

THE TREK
Isla Mujeres, an island off the coast of Cancun, is the closest land you’ll find to the whale shark feeding ground. After flying into Cancun, the island is easily accessibly by 20-minute ferry ride.

I chose WildAid for my guide, and was very happy with the experience. A shuttle picked us up directly from the airport and drove us thirty minutes to the harbor where we boarded our ferry to Isla Mujeres.

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BOOK AT ULTRAMAR

THE SEASON
Whale Sharks migrate every year traveling to warm waters, so you have to catch them before they leave! Whale season off the Yucatan Peninsula usually lasts from June 1 to September 15. Tours run throughout this season, but the third week of July, during the full moon, attracts the most whale sharks at one time.

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THE HOTEL

Our WildAid package set us up at Privilege Aluxes hotel located on the northern tip of the island. The luxury resort is extremely clean and comfortable with a beautiful location, overlooking the ocean and close to nearby shops and restaurants. Equipped with three restaurants and a spa, the hotel has a lot to offer. A great oasis to rest up for all your whale shark swimming adventures!

Although I loved my stay, Isla Mujeres is well-equipped with several other great hotels from the luxurious to the very affordable.

Luxury —Zoëtry Villa Rolandi is a picturesque oceanfront resort complete with spa, fine dining and an assortment of activities including snorkeling, golf and even culinary classes. With only 35 suites, Zoëtry has an intimate retreat vibe.

Mid-Range — Ixchel Beach Hotel, as suggested by the name, is located right on the beach just a few miles away from Cancun. The hotel has everything you’d need — relaxing pool, comfortable and sleek rooms, a close proximity to the island’s main drag, and a wonderful staff.

Steal — Hotel Rocamar starts at $80 a night, though rates increase during high season. The hotel is located oceanfront with a patio overlooking a reef. The decor is all wood and ceramic combined with hoop chairs and open white rooms. It creates a fusion between the authentic and the modern. Very close to shops and dining, the hotel is great place to crash if you plan to be on-the-go throughout your stay.

VIEW MORE OPTIONS AT HOTELS.COM

THE DIVE

We embarked on our journey at 6 AM and set sail for about two hours out to sea before reaching the perfect location.

Rules and regulations need to be followed while swimming with whale sharks. Make sure your tour is licensed, led by a guide, and will provide all the proper gear. Only three people are allowed in the water at a time and you cannot touch the animals. Following this code of conduct protects the animals and allows thousands of visitors to experience the magic every year.

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The guides at WildAid are incredibly helpful and informative. Not only did they calm my nerves on the dive, but they educated the whole group on wildlife conservation during our stay. Back at the hotel, WildAid provided dinner and discussion, informing us on the horrible transgressions facing wild life today and the great work they do to combat these crimes.

The Earth is overflowing with unbelievable creatures and magnificent mysteries. Take the opportunity to marvel at their beauty! Fears and jitters are expected, but the experience is worth it all. Great for couples, families and friends, swimming with the world’s largest fish is definitely another check off the bucket list!

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Have you ever swam with whale sharks? If so.. I would love to hear about your experience! Please leave a comment below! 

MY TOP BEACH GETAWAYS & BIKINIS!

MY TOP BEACH GETAWAYS & BIKINIS! 1568 1048 Keir Alexa

 

 

Keir Alexa Beach Getaways Vacation Bora Bora

 

 

Keir Alexa Top Beach Getaways

 

 

Keir Alexa Top Beach Getaways

 

What To Pack For A Beach Vacation

 

Dreaming about your next beach getaway? My top three beach vacation spots 2016: Bora Bora Tahiti, Exumas Bahamas, and the ever beautiful St. Barths Caribbean always produce the ultimate Instagram-worthy pictures. This Summer I’m packing bikinis and cover-ups that are easy to mix and match for a perfect day in paradise. These are my top 6 looks to pack and shop for this Summer…..can you say hello to bikinis with ruffles that double as tops with white denim shorts? Yes! Your packing problems have been officially solved = Pack light then mix and match. Check out the links below to shop my favorites + more Instagram travel pics @KeirAlexa. Leave me a comment below and let me know your favorite beach getaway or any vaca you’re looking forward to this Summer.

Love always, Keir.

1: Bora Bora – Same Swim Bikini

My Instagram Adventures Follow on Instagram

2: Bora Bora – Eres Bandeau Bikini

3: Exumas – Lisa Marie Fernandez Bikini

4: Exumas – Marysia Scalloped Bikini + Topshop White Denim Shorts

5: St. Barths – H&M Bikini + Zara Shorts

6: St. Barths – Miguelina PantsH&M Bikini + H&M Hat

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