

483: Drew Binsky | Vicarious Trips and Travel Tips
Mar 18, 2021
Drew Binsky, a prolific traveler and YouTuber, has visited nearly every country and shares incredible travel stories. He recounts his 24-hour adventure with isolated pygmies in Africa, revealing the deep emotional connections formed. Binsky also discusses meeting Zablon Simintov, the last Afghan Jew, and why Afghanistan tops his list of dangerous destinations. He dives into the complexities of traveling in war zones and offers amusing anecdotes from his travels, like an awkward encounter at the Gaza border, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures he's experienced.
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Visiting the Pygmies
- Drew Binsky visited the Pygmy tribe in the Central African rainforest, a challenging trek through dense vegetation in extreme heat and humidity.
- He witnessed their unique lifestyle, including hunting, cooking, and celebrating with palm wine, emphasizing the universality of human needs and experiences.
Observations and Interactions with Pygmies
- Drew observed instances of albinism among the Pygmies, likely due to incest within the small community.
- He also shared in their cultural practices, including smoking locally sourced marijuana, further highlighting the common human desire for altered states of happiness.
Meeting the Last Jew in Afghanistan
- Drew, being Jewish, visited Zablon Simintov, the last remaining Jew in Afghanistan.
- Simintov shared his story of persecution by the Taliban, emphasizing his determination to preserve his culture despite the risks.