Todo Tranquilo is pleased to announce the addition of blogger and photojournalist, Nick Carrel. He will be focused on developing blog content with topics related to Todo Tranquilo's lifestyle, and topics of interest. But in particular, Nick will share some of his knowledge on yerba mate as we develop a section offering traditional yerba mate gourds and accessories. Keep reading to learn more about Nick & join me in welcoming him to Todo Tranquilo.
With a bushel of yerba mate during a harvest in Argentina.
When I came across Todo Tranquilo, it was a Venn-diagram of my interests. "Surfing. Yerba Mate. The Arts." While I have been drinking yerba mate for years, it was only recently that I took up surfing. A long-standing friendship recently blossomed in to a beautiful relationship after both returning from international travels. My girlfriend has a passion for surfing, and I've been a snowboarder all my life. We spent all summer at Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz and I was hooked. We included a road trip down to San Clemente, Ventura, San Luis Obispo & Hwy. 1 back up the coast. Unfortunately, the mountains have had no snow this season. Fortunately, I've got surfing this winter.
Slacklining at Chambers in Lake Tahoe.
How do you relate to the Todo Tranquilo vibe?
Taosim had an early influence on my spiritual quest for deeper understanding. In the Tao te Ching, the concept of wei wu wei comes up, which translates to 'doing without doing'. In the same way a surfer does not overthink his actions while carving, or in the same way an artist allows inspiration to flow from the core of their being, wei wu wei guides a life in harmony with the Tao. I'm humbled to channel my energy in to a lifestyle brand aligned with my virtues & to express what I love and share it with all of you.
Taking it easy in Posadas, Argentina
What is your relationship with yerba mate?
I chose to be an advocate and evangelist for yerba mate, and believe in the health and social benefits it provides. After having drank it for years, I traveled to S. America to see how it's grown, manufactured and eventually shared among a variety of different cultures. It's an amazing drink shared by over 90% of folks in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In our technologically-frenzied nation challenged by poor health, yerba mate serves as a symbol of health, an off-line social connections and a sign to slow down just a bit.
The drink of the gods - pre surf in Santa Cruz, CA
What are you working on now?
I've teamed up with a local artist, Enrique dePola, who creates amazing ceramic designs. You wouldn't believe this kid is only in high school - he's thinking about social and environmental issues facing the world of tomorrow, unlike most kids. Despite the complexity of challenges the future holds, Enrique represents an optimism that the next generation will rise to the occasion of problem-solving. Anyways, we're designing some California-designed mate gourds that should be available for sale soon. I'm working on importing organic yerba mate, too. As a way of educating and introducing traditional yerba mate to the community, I've also hosted yerba mate circles - an opportunity to try different cuts, blends and styles of yerba mate. If you're in the area, come check it out! More info here.
Enrique on the wheel, Santa Rosa, CA
Hand-crafted gourds in-the-making, Santa Rosa, CA
What was the last concert you attended?
J-Boog at The New Parish, Oakland, CA
Current playlist?
House of Shem, Katchafire and Jah Rydem
Current book you're reading?
Let My People Go Surfing, by Yvon Chouinard
Next travel destination?
Nicaragua or Costa Rica
Looking forward to the journeys ahead. Much love to you all.
Love & light,
Nick