Snapshots from The World: Locals in Action

As a Resident of The World you’ll arrive at the doorstep of local communities around the globe – and be welcomed with open arms. Shift your perspective from casual tourist to engaged explorer and discover how different cultures bring our world closer together.

Surrounded by the lush landscape of Panapompom Island, set within the Deboyne Islands of the Louisiade Archipelago, Papua New Guineans showcase their traditional war dance to captivated spectators. While these rituals vary across the regions and tribes of PNG, they honor methods of combat, symbolizing the heroism, valor, and warrior spirit of the Papuan people.

A ferry from downtown Sydney takes Residents to the world-famous Manly Beach. Walking the length of the beach is the perfect way to watch local surfers in action, a hobby that’s been a part of Manly Beach’s culture since the 1800s. The first recorded body surf took place here in the 1890s, and it became home to the first-ever World Surfing Championship in 1964.

Residents of The World were treated to a master class of teaching by former Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO following a run-through of the Snow Queen dance from the “Nutcracker” ballet. Queensland’s premier ballet company is one of only three of its kind in Australia.

At the farmers market on the Fijian island of Savusavu, friendly vendors sell fresh produce and handmade goods. Fragrant and juicy, Fijian pineapples are especially known for their intensely sweet flavor.

With a warm “mauri” (hello), shop owners welcome Residents to the island of Kiritimati in Kiribati. Amazingly, because the many islands straddle the equator and the 180th meridian, Kiribati is the only country in the world located in all four hemispheres.

Hawaii’s Waimea Canyon is an extraordinary natural attraction known for its red striated rocks that reflect a series of lava flows that occurred over the past several million years. Bringing it all to life are local storytellers who share their unique insights into this ancient land. At one of the lookouts a Hawaiian who grew up in the Waimea Canyon region regales Residents with stories of native history and culture, including sharing the meaning of several Hawaiian words. His cape and hollowed-out gourd were what the Hawaiians used for sun protection for centuries.

Pickup volleyball games are a common pastime on Manhattan Beach, a relaxed community on California’s southern coast. The nearby pier is a longtime landmark, and homes line the beach behind bike and pedestrian paths.