The fedora donned, bull-whip wielding archeologist is one of the most celebrated movie figures of all time. His iconic silhouette paired with John William’s adventure rousing score is enough to inspire even the most unadventurous desk jockey into vivid daydreams of fortune and glory in exotic locales. He is the epitome of adventurous and purposeful travel. Indiana Jones adventures have taken him far and wide in search of archeological treasures with immense power while battling occult crazed Nazis, a cult of slave driving Thuggee and Soviets.
Professionally known as Dr. Jones and reveled in some circles as a treasure hunter and looter, Indiana Jones has been there and seen it all. Dodging poisoned darts from spear chucking natives while escaping a ruined Peruvian temple to freeing the enslaved children of an Indian village from a kali worshiping cult, Indiana Jones’s travels have made him an expert in Local culture, a veteran of countless battles and well seasoned adventurer that’s been to every corner of the globe. Here are some ways we can be more like Indy next time we hit the road.
Dig into the Local Food Scene
Chilled Monkey Brains. causticsodapodcast.com
At the Maharajah’s feast in Pankot Palace, Indiana Jones and his companions, Short Round and famous singer Willie Scott, are treated to a lavish spread of odd dishes including, beetles, eyeball soup, chilled monkey brains and the center piece of the feast Snake Surprise. Whether it’s roasted crickets in Thailand or natto and horumon in Japan, with an open mind and an open mouth you might find you like some culinary delights that you’d never be able to find at home.
“I had bugs for lunch.” oscars.org
Play Nice with the Locals
Short Round and Indiana Jones. indianajones.com
Having been to countless countries Indy has connected and made friends with a number of memorable companions. Short Round, a Chinese taxicab driver whose parents were killed in a Japanese bombing, was monumental in helping Indy free the enslaved children of an Indian village while battling the Thuggee. Indy and Short Round met when Indy caught him trying to pick his pocket. That fated meeting was the beginning of an awesome side kick relationship that led to one of the most awesome adventures on film in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Sallah. indianajones.e-monsite.com
Sallah, an excavator and burly family man with nine children is one of Indy’s most trusted friends. Having accompanied Indy on Several adventures most notably the hunt for the Ark of the Covenant and the quest for the Holy Grail, Sallah is the type of friend anyone can benefit having. Jovial, generous kind and possessing a convenient talent of procuring transportation out of thin air.
We might not have some awesome side kicks along our travels but a smile goes a long way. Having a conversation with your tuk tuk driver or the proprietor of the local coffee cart you’ll be privileged to an outlook from someone that lives in the country you’re sojourning in. You gain insight from local perspective, get suggestions for things to eat, places to see and who knows, if you guys hit it off you may make a companion willing to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Grow a Pair!
Snakes, rats, roaches, and killer ants haven’t stopped Indiana Jones. While everyone has their fears, Indiana Jones repeatedly demonstrates his tenacity in conquering his fear of snakes and other creepy crawlers. Once you leave the comfort of your cubicle, steady life and the safety of home it’s a new ballgame. There’s always going to be something to be afraid of. Whether its snakes, bugs and creepy crawlers, not being able to speak the language, traveling alone, or even the terrorists, the best way to conquer you fear is to do it the way Indiana Jones does. Dive right in.
