Ep 3. Venezuela: Slugging It Out in the Jungle

Word Travels is a travelogue series with a unique twist - rather than simply exploring exotic locales and cultural sites across the globe, hosts Robin Esrock and Julia Dimon immerse themselves into a location and the people living there. In season 1 episode 3, titled "Venezuela: Slugging It Out in the Jungle", the hosts find themselves exploring the remote jungles of Venezuela and participate in one of the most popular national sports - Slug Boxing.

The episode begins with Robin and Julia's arrival in Venezuela. The duo is met with a warm welcome from the locals and immediately set on a tour of the country. As they explore the various landmarks, they encounter a group of locals indulging in a sport that draws their attention - Slug Boxing.

Curious to learn more about this unique sport and its origins, Robin and Julia venture deep into the Venezuelan jungle to meet and train with the slug boxers. An indigenous group known as the Piaroa, who have practiced this form of boxing for centuries, teaches them the techniques of the sport. The slug boxers use gloves made of nets and filled with dried corn kernels to protect their hands and face while fighting.

Throughout the episode, the hosts give the audience an insight into the unique culture of the Venezuelan jungle and the significance of Slug Boxing to its people. They participate in the tournaments alongside the locals and get to witness the passion and energy that the sport evokes in the audience.

As they prepare for their scheduled slug boxing match, Robin and Julia experience another side of the country. The jungles and natural surroundings are stunning but rife with danger. The hosts, along with their new friends, navigate dense forests, crocodile-infested waters, and mosquito-ridden swamps as they continue with their slug boxing journey.

The episode also touches upon the economic crisis that is looming over the country, with plummeting oil prices, hyperinflation, and political instability. The people of Venezuela, particularly those in the rural areas, have been adversely affected, and the hosts take us on a journey to better understand how the crisis has impacted their lives.

Venezuela: Slugging It Out in the Jungle is an engaging and insightful episode that gives audiences a glimpse into the diverse culture and captivating landscapes of Venezuela. Through the lens of a unique sport that's popular among the locals, Robin and Julia explore the country's traditions, history, and challenges. Join them on this thrilling adventure and discover a side of Venezuela that's quite unlike the usual travel brochures.