Living with the Tribes: The Adventures of Mark and Olly Season 2 Episode 1 The Journey Begins

Living with the Tribes: The Adventures of Mark and Olly is an adventurous TV series that explores remote, tribal communities around the world. In season 2, episode 1, titled "The Journey Begins," the series follows Mark and Olly as they embark on a new adventure - traveling to West Papua, Indonesia.

The episode starts as Mark and Olly land in the bustling city of Jayapura, capital of Papua province. Here, they meet their local guide, Pak Marius, who will accompany them on their journey into the remote highlands of West Papua. As they make their way to the village of Yabogaima, Mark and Olly are introduced to the stunning landscape of West Papua - rugged mountains, dense forests, and rushing rivers.

Once they reach Yabogaima, Mark and Olly are welcomed by the villagers who invite them to sit and chat over some traditional food and drinks. Here, Mark and Olly learn about the unique culture and customs of the Dani people, who have lived in this region for generations. They also discover that the Dani are known for their fierce independence and have resisted assimilation from the modern world.

Over the next few days, Mark and Olly dive deeper into the Dani culture, learning about their traditional farming methods, hunting techniques and daily routines. They hike through the mist-covered mountains, cross the turbulent Baliem River, and visit a nearby village to see a traditional pig feast celebration.

As they spend more time in the highlands, Mark and Olly begin to appreciate the challenges of living in such an isolated region. They realize that the Dani have developed robust networks of cooperation and support to survive in this harsh environment. They also witness the challenges faced by the people in terms of healthcare, infrastructure, and access to education.

In the climactic scene of the episode, Mark and Olly accompany Pak Marius to visit a local shaman, who has a reputation for healing people with his traditional herbal remedies. This encounter takes place in a sacred forest, and Mark and Olly are impressed by the shaman's deep knowledge of local plants and roots. The shaman invites Mark and Olly to participate in a healing ritual, where they are asked to drink a bitter concoction made from various plants. Although skeptical at first, Mark and Olly decide to take part, and the experience gives them deeper insight into the mystical world of the Dani people.

As the episode comes to a close, Mark and Olly bid farewell to the Dani people and head back to Jayapura, grateful for the wonderful experiences they had in West Papua. The episode leaves audiences with a deeper understanding of the unique culture, history, and challenges faced by tribal communities in remote parts of Indonesia. It also highlights the importance of cultural preservation and mutual respect in today's ever-changing world.