What Souvenir Do You Buy When You Travel?

Murielle Blanchard
December 12, 2020

I am not a shopper at home and even less when I travel. If I bring back any souvenir at all, it must relate to somebody I met, an event I attended or an experience that changed my life.

Travel Souvenirs With Meaning

On the island of Ua Huka (Marquesas Islands) I bought a Tahitian ukulele. I met the old man who made it. He is the last one of the ukulele sculptors on the island. In Kenya I bought a beaded intricate necklace used by Masai women during their traditional dances. I bought it from a woman who comes from the village of Umoja Uaso (“unity” in Swahili, the Uaso Nyiro is a nearby river). The village, founded in 1990, is an all-female matriarch village located near the town of Archers Post in Samburu County, 240 miles from the capital, Nairobi.

Twelve years ago, I helped a refugee family from Myanmar to adjust to their new life in Salt Lake City. To this day they are still a second family for me, and I have a strong bond with one of the daughters. When I visited Myanmar, she asked me to bring her back a traditional Burmese wedding dress. Looking for the dress added a meaning to my trip.

Onshore Adventures

While in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I attended a concert of their traditional music. All the musicians were peasant from the area outside town. They had all made their own instrument. I bought the equivalent of a flute from one of the musicians. He had played that flute for the last 12 years. He needed the money, and I was happy to help. When I look at that flute, I see somebody’s life.

From my journey to see the gorillas in Uganda, I brought back the walking stick I used for two days to hike in the Bwindi forest. The stick was hand sculpted by one of the guides.

Often objects have a story and therefore a life. It is part of the magic of travel and I wanted to share the joy I find in bringing home souvenirs that hold such special memories from my travels.

I would be honored to help you plan your next vacation wherever your dreams might take you!

Murielle Blanchard

I have been a travel consultant for more than 35 years, and during that time I have designed customized itineraries for clients all over the world. I have traveled widely myself and have discovered the most interesting hotels, lodges, and restaurants. I would be delighted to offer you the benefit of my unique travel background. Whether your next holiday involves family, a romantic getaway, adventure, luxury, or relaxation, I have ideas, contacts, and a wealth of experience to place at your disposal.

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