The gaucho is more than just a figure from South American folklore; it is a symbol of resilience, independence, and tradition. Rooted in the vast plains of the Pampa, which stretch across southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, the gaucho has long been a master of cattle herding, horseback riding, and the art of the churrasco—a barbecue that is as much about culture as it is about food.
In the rural outskirts of Venâncio Aires, Brazil, Miguel Clestes Saldanha and his family have spent over three decades cultivating yerba mate. From planting and harvesting to processing the leaves, the Saldanha family’s dedication to their craft is evident in every step. Despite the challenges of economic pressures, their tradition of producing high-quality mate remains a central part of their lives, with each process—from drying to grinding—carried out with care and pride.
In Beijing, a group of passionate young performers is reviving the ancient art of Peking Opera. Led by Liu Feng, a self-taught artist, and supported by social entrepreneur Ian Charles Stuart, the Beijing Youth Peking Opera Troupe has spent years perfecting their craft. Despite the challenges of being self-taught and working outside of traditional institutions, their performances are garnering attention and respect, helping to ensure that this cultural treasure remains alive for future generations.
The asado en el cuero, or barbecue on the leather, is a traditional South American method of cooking meat that dates back to the gauchos. José Silveira, one of the few who still practices this rare art, cooks a whole cow on its own skin, preserving its juices for a tender, unique flavor. This ancient method, rooted in the history of the Pampa, continues to thrive, though it’s becoming a dying tradition due to modern challenges.
Mengxing, a young artist born with brittle-bone disease, overcame significant physical challenges with the help of a few key supporters who provided her with the tools and opportunities to pursue her passion for art. Self-taught, her bold and fresh approach to painting has gained recognition, and with the support of mentors and the art community, she is now pursuing her dream of studying art professionally. Despite her condition, Mengxing’s resilience and determination continue to inspire those around her.
Sihanoukville: A City of Contrasts by the Cambodian Coast
Sihanoukville is a coastal city in Cambodia. It's the third largest after Siem Reap and the capital Phnom Penh. Just like so many other cities in the country, it is full of small villages where people live in wooden shacks. Just beside the road, only a few meters from the beach, I found this group of houses.
Siem Reap: rain and shine; night or day.
Southeast Asia is known for its lengthy rainy seasons. And when it rains, it RAINS. During the monsoon season, water pours for about half an hour at a time, but the volume is enough to flood everything. Days usually start with a beautiful blue sky, the suddenly turns to an apocalyptic gray. You barely have time to find shelter and hell breaks loose.
Groceries and a haircut: the typical Cambodian market
Siem Reap is probably the most touristic city in Cambodia. There are several markets with little trinkets and cheap t-shirts where foreigners flock to get souvenirs. This is not one of them. This is an authentic Cambodian market, off the tourist path, where no one speaks English and all you can get are groceries and a hair cut.
The happiness in Cambodian villages is contagious
Cambodia is a poor country. A lot of what I saw in this Southeast-Asian country was very similar to what I'm used to back home in Brazil. The similarities are amazing, starting with the vegetation, the climate and the way people live. If I didn't know I was in Cambodia, just looking at the landscape, I'd say I'm somewhere in the Brazilian Mata Atlântica.
Bayon: the temple of 200 faces
In the center of Angkor Thom, capital of King Jayavaraman VII is the Bayon temple. It was the official state temple of the king and was built in the 12th or 13th century. The building's trademark are the hundreds of faces found on several towers. Nobody knows exactly how many there were originally. It is estimated that there were about 50 towers, added at various points in time, and today only 37 survive.
Drought Season in Cambodia: A Floating Village Stranded on Dry Land
In the heart of Cambodia’s worst drought in decades, I visited Chong Khneas — a floating village now left nearly landlocked. Once buoyed by the shifting waters of the Tonlé Sap, the community faces a quiet crisis. Tour boats still come and go, but the river is shallow, the nets are lighter, and children play or work along the docks, their lives shaped by both tourism and tradition. What I saw was resilience — homes that float, boats that adapt, and people navigating a disappearing tide.
It wasn’t planned—it arrived suddenly, with the hum of the city silenced by a massive blackout. Power was out, phones went dark, and traffic froze, but above it all, the sky opened up. For the first time in decades, the stars were visible over central Madrid. What began as a day of confusion ended with a rare moment of stillness and light.