I am Bosse, a Ryce Traveler of the first hour, snow lover at heart and someone with a passion to make the world a better place.
What do you do in daily life?
In daily life, I work as an account manager and try to give shape to my drive to improve the world.
What was your first introduction to Ryce Travel like?
After the digital pre-work, this was during a “Hello Goodbye moment” in the arrival hall of Bishkek, during one of the first Ryce Travel trips ever. But then, of course, with Peter instead of Joris Linssen. Wonder what the trip would have looked like differently…. Probably a lot less adventurous haha.
What do you think of Ryce Travel’s vision/mission?
I absolutely love that Peter is empowering local people with Ryce Travel to improve their well-being in a structural way. This is also one of the reasons why I have gone with them 3 times now. A great example of how to make a difference in today’s tourism industry. Now if only every company/organization would do this….
How do you explain Ryce Travel to friends/family?
A nice cross between a trip and a winter sport, with a social mission. Great for couples, siblings, groups of friends and single travelers, among others.
What destinations have you been to?
I have now been with Ryce Travel 3 times. Successively to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Georgia. Kyrgyzstan was the first destination and this trip immediately made the most impression. Of course because it was a new way of going on winter sports (IN THE HIMALAYA!), but mostly because the contrast with our own society is so great. How great this contrast is Peter showed us very closely by introducing us to the local culture and local people, who helped us get to the most pristine bits of pow, too. Then Kazakhstan, I LIKE! A country that, although Borat proved not entirely realistic in its description, has a tumultuous history and was downright beautiful. The vistas of the tundra and steppes are still in my memory, as is the Charyn Valley. In addition, it is a country where my appreciation for karaoke has risen to the next level, something Peter is also very active in. Finally (for now) Georgia. Again, a wonderful trip best described (due in part to the weather) as POW POW POW POW. Both in the form of a whiteout during an extremely cozy stay in a goofy hotel on a mountain and in powder. Powder as in: riding a Pistenbully up a mountain and driving down the most insane lines, only to be picked up at the bottom to do the same thing again. What more can I say?
What do you like best about Ryce Travel’s trips?
The combo of travel and winter sports. Riding powder lines I could only dream of before. Not having to worry at all (about the logistical part), everything is arranged for you in such a way that you have the chance to focus completely on the experience. Getting in contact with other cultures, knowing that your trip can contribute to the well-being of the local people. Meeting fine people. I could go on and on, but then I’ll really close with sociability, which maybe I should have started with.
How have you yourself contributed to supporting local projects?
I did a project with Peter and others at the Lowlands campground for basecamp in Kyrgyzstan. In fact, I knew that a lot of stuff is left behind at Western festivals but almost fell over in amazement at how much was still there. In consultation with Peter, we ended up rescuing 12 mucky tents, 16 camping chairs, 10 air mattresses and 5 tables from the incinerator in 1 afternoon. So stuff that is apparently “worth nothing here anymore” and is a nice addition to the resources in Kyrgyzstan.
To reiterate the contrast between our culture and that of Ryce’s destinations. Well not everyone may have the ability to roll out a project, but don’t worry: Peter will gladly give you advice on how best to fill the empty space in your suitcase with items/resources that can do a lot for people at their destination.
What dream are you chasing yourself?
Setting up my own business with which I can make enough money to improve the world. Where the gain can be expressed in impact. So something like Ryce Travel 😉
