backstory

Backstory Substack offers a nuanced perspective on current events, environmental issues, cultural insights, and personal narratives, framed by four decades of global travel. It explores inequality, historical connections, the impact of art and literature, and personal encounters with wildlife and local communities.

Current Events Environmental Conservation Cultural Insights Personal Narratives Travel Experiences Art and History Societal Inequality Healthcare Wildlife Encounters War and Conflict

The hottest Substack posts of backstory

And their main takeaways

Kevin Can't Come to Phone Right Now

1018 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Travel Stories Cultural experiences Adventure Historical context
  1. In Sudan, communication was very different. Making a phone call was challenging and expensive, with long waits and unreliable connections.
  2. The desire to escape from the familiar led to adventures. The narrator felt drawn to go to places where they could be far away from civilization and immerse themselves in new experiences.
  3. Unexpected connections can bring joy. Despite the long wait, a surprise delivery from home arrived months later, reminding the narrator of the importance of family and traditions.

Who Do You Trust?

533 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Culture Destinations Politics History Personal Stories
  1. Trust can be complicated, especially when you feel uncertain about the people around you. It’s interesting to see how perceptions of trust can shift based on personal experiences.
  2. Cultural differences play a big role in how people express themselves and interact. The traditional clothing in Bolivia shows a strong connection to heritage and identity.
  3. Life experiences can shape our beliefs and trust in institutions. Felipe's journey from having a heroic figure in his grandfather to feeling let down by the police reflects how personal history can change one’s worldview.

Migrants

533 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🏝 Travel Migration Culture History Personal Stories
  1. Right-wing parties in Europe are gaining popularity by targeting immigrants. People are often divided on these issues, and it leads to a lot of tension.
  2. Traveling through Yemen can be an adventure filled with unexpected stories and characters. The locals have a rich history and love to share tales, but some things remain a mystery.
  3. Life in Yemen can be tough, with many people dealing with war-related injuries. Despite the struggles, there are moments of connection and humor among the people.

MAGA

533 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Cultural analysis Media influence Social Issues Historical context
  1. Technological advances can change society dramatically, sometimes causing more problems than expected. It's important to be mindful of this when we embrace new technology.
  2. Historical events often show us how quickly things can change, like the leap from a successful moon landing to the Apollo 13 crisis. It's a reminder of the unpredictability of progress.
  3. When people seek new experiences, they can end up in awkward situations, but those moments can highlight our shared humanity and the unexpected journeys we take together.

Syria

436 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🏝 Travel History Food Religion Personal narratives
  1. Syria has a rich and complex history with many layers, from ancient Roman influences to the modern political unrest. The country has beautiful places that tell stories of its past.
  2. People in Syria have a unique way of life, filled with vibrant markets, traditional crafts, and warm hospitality. Even in tough times, the culture shines through.
  3. The personal experiences of individuals show how life in Syria has changed dramatically over the years, with many living in fear or facing loss. It's important to remember the people behind the headlines.
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The Greatest Performance Ever

436 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Travel Storytelling Cultural heritage Entertainment
  1. Travel can be full of wild and unexpected experiences. Meeting new people and sharing adventures can change how you see the world.
  2. Cultural performances, like wayang kulit puppet shows, can be exciting and engaging for all ages. They bring communities together and celebrate traditions.
  3. Being a part of artistic performances helps preserve culture. Having the right tools, like a banana tree for puppetry, can be essential for delivering a true and heartfelt show.

Crash

436 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Global Issues Social Behavior Public response
  1. Different cultures react differently to accidents; in some places, people look for someone to blame, while in others, they remain calm and help each other.
  2. Icelanders have a very practical approach to problems, dealing with issues like car accidents without unnecessary drama or panic.
  3. When things go wrong, the response in Iceland often involves community support and humor, making light of the situation rather than escalating it.

Weapons of War

436 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Human Rights History Geopolitics
  1. Weapons can change hands in unexpected ways, often fueling conflicts between different tribes. For example, in Darfur, weapons once belonging to defeated forces became tools in local disputes over land.
  2. Modern conflicts can see the rise of brutal paramilitary groups that use advanced weaponry against civilians. Groups like the Rapid Support Force in Sudan highlight how everyday weapons can cause immense suffering.
  3. Despite the violence associated with weapons, there’s still hope for humanity and creativity. In the search for puppets, there's a desire to remember that people can create beauty even amidst chaos.

Jerusalem

387 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Religion Territory Culture Migration
  1. Jerusalem is a complex city with deep historical, cultural, and political tensions.
  2. The experiences of individuals in Jerusalem reflect the ongoing conflicts and challenges in the region.
  3. The city's diversity is evident in encounters with different groups and their varied perspectives and experiences.

Who Inherits the Earth?

339 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Books Travel Current Events
  1. People in power, even despots, often associate themselves with reading books, some choosing well-known classics.
  2. The joy of traveling is enhanced by the books accompanying the trip, creating an inseparable link between reading and journeys.
  3. In a world where technology dominates, the belief in knowledge triumphing over superstition and ignorance is questioned, especially when observing the behavior of powerful individuals.

Malaria

339 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Malaria Medical care Personal Experience Travel Healthcare system
  1. The world's first malaria vaccine program started in Cameroon, marking a health revolution for Africa.
  2. The significance and impact of experiencing malaria firsthand in Africa, highlighting the challenges and realities of the disease.
  3. The importance of access to medical care and the different healthcare experiences faced in various regions, from experiences in Africa to a reflection on the British NHS.

The Hard Stuff

290 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Local culture Food Friendship Memories
  1. The author shares a personal story about the challenges of finding and enjoying alcohol in South Sudan
  2. The story highlights the cultural experiences, friendships, and adventures that come with seeking a specific type of drink
  3. Through encounters with different people and places, the narrative reveals the complexities and dangers of alcohol consumption in a rural setting

My Face is Mine

242 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Photography Religion Travel Art History
  1. The concept of image rights and consent has been a concern since the early days of photography in 1838.
  2. Different cultures and religions have varying views on images; aniconism plays a significant role.
  3. Photography can evoke strong reactions based on territoriality and cultural norms, as seen in various encounters in different parts of the world.

Trauma

290 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
💾 History War Personal Stories Tragedy Memory Legacy
  1. Trauma can have a lasting impact, even from seemingly minor incidents
  2. Family history and past experiences can shape how we view the world
  3. Events from history can have long-lasting effects on individuals and societies

Children of Survivors

242 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Religious history War history
  1. Children of survivors may feel pressure to live up to the expectations imposed by their parents, who endured significant trauma.
  2. Jerusalem is a complex city with deep historical and religious significance, where old and new elements constantly intertwine.
  3. Visiting places like the Holocaust Memorial can evoke intense emotional responses and reflections on past atrocities.

A New Way

242 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Exploration Community Culture Traditions Environment
  1. Humans struggle with change but are fascinated by the critical moments of change
  2. Communities often face challenges in adapting to new ways of life
  3. Cultural and religious beliefs can play a significant role in shaping community values and actions

Omens

193 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Cultural Exploration Memories Artifacts
  1. Discovering old items can evoke strong memories and emotions, connecting us to our past experiences and travels.
  2. Objects collected over time can create a tapestry of memories, serving as a personal museum of experiences and encounters.
  3. Each item found, no matter how seemingly ordinary, can carry a story or history that adds to the richness of our personal narratives.

Billionaire on a Bus

387 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Experiences Culture Journey Exploration
  1. Inequality: Eight richest billionaires own as much as three billion poor people in 2023.
  2. Travel Experience: Author's challenging and memorable journey by bus in Ethiopia in 1994.
  3. Cultural Insights: Observations on societal differences, struggles, and interactions during the journey.

Tribe in Tribe

290 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Nature Conservation Exploration
  1. Communities can have obsessional collective delusions like paranoia about sorcerers or other irrational beliefs.
  2. Supernatural stories and irrational beliefs can be baffling and hard to understand.
  3. Survival often involves adapting and finding ways to coexist within challenging environments.

No Story Today

339 implied HN points • 20 May 23
📚 Literature Nature Wildlife Writing Diary Memoir
  1. The author struggles with writing in the presence of wild animals in their writing space.
  2. Wildlife interruptions have affected the author's writing projects in various locations.
  3. A recent encounter with a pygmy shrew disrupts the author's writing plans, leading to no story for today.

memory

242 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🏝 Travel Memory
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of keeping travel notebooks to remember details like names, characters, and conversations.
  2. Memories can be triggered by recalling specific images and notes, helping reconstruct experiences like restoring an old building.
  3. The post highlights three different locations visited recently: Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Ribeira Sacre region in Galicia, Spain, and Clun Castle in Welsh Marches.

Boyz n the Huth

145 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Yemen Saudi Arabia Religion Civil War
  1. Missiles were fired at ships in the Red Sea from Houthi-controlled Yemen in January 2024
  2. The Houthi movement in Yemen started as a religious revival and grew into a full-scale rebellion by 2014
  3. Yemen has a complex history with tribal leaders, prison systems, and involvement in wars with Iraq and Saudi Arabia

Titanic Connections

242 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
💾 History Maritime Connections Tragedy
  1. The Titanic connections led to various interesting stories and events
  2. The town of St. John's is deeply rooted in maritime history beyond just the Titanic
  3. The enduring fascination with the Titanic stems from the multitude of unique stories and incidents related to the tragedy

Walking Through Vermeer

290 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art history Museums Artworks
  1. Vermeer's art continues to captivate audiences, with a major exhibition in Amsterdam showcasing much of his work.
  2. Exploring the history and locations related to Vermeer's life provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of his art.
  3. Various historical events and figures, like the Delft explosion and Hugo Grotius, add layers of intrigue to the story of Vermeer.

How Kings Are Made

242 implied HN points • 06 May 23
🌍 World Politics Power Conflict Olympics Drought
  1. The journey explores the culture gap between different tribes in Sudan.
  2. The story highlights the impact of historical events on Sudan, including drought, famine, and communal violence.
  3. The narrative showcases the resilience and triumph of marginalized communities, as seen through the Sudanese Olympic athletes.

Jerusalem

242 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🏝 Travel Heritage Landmarks Cultures Tourism
  1. In Jerusalem, everyone wants to be at the center but not everyone can be there.
  2. Elaborate stories are constructed by different groups to prioritize themselves in the city.
  3. Different individuals in Jerusalem have unique roles and perspectives, adding to the complexity and diversity of the city.

Grandad's Cash

193 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
💾 History War Military Collectibles
  1. Grandfather's banknote from Germany was a significant memento from the war.
  2. Grandfather's wartime notebook revealed his experiences at the Battle of Cambrai.
  3. The banknote symbolized a topic he could discuss, unlike his war experiences.

When Cash Lets You Down

193 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture History Travel Economics Society Politics
  1. Cash is becoming less common in daily transactions, especially in Europe and North America.
  2. The value of money is based on trust, as demonstrated through historical events like hyperinflation in Zimbabwe.
  3. Distrust in the financial system can lead to black markets, corruption, and chaos in society.