10 Videos that Inspired my Travels
In the internet age YouTube, Vimeo, and DailyMotion are king. Thousands of videos are uploaded, shared, and critiqued daily. It may be a panda sneezing or a pop stars new video. Each one has the same purpose. To engage their audience. These are the videos that inspired and continue to inspire my love of travel and exploration. I recommend you find your list. And in particular order:
- Salsa House En Cuba- Descarga En Callejón De Hamel
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This video and others like it make me move no matter where I am. Latin and African cultures are largely based on movement and passion. In Caribbean nations like Cuba and the Dominican Republic (Hispaniola) dance is the number #1 way to socialize and meet people (#2 Ice Cold Cervezas). Don’t be afraid to get up and move those hips. It doesn’t matter if you know the steps. JUST MOVE
2. LEARN
LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.
Rick, Tim, and Andrew are great filmmakers and show a side of travel that few see. They highlight the adventure and life changing aspects of travel. Although these were commissioned by STATravel, the message of independence still rings through. Travel is a life journey that we all should take. Don’t allow your fear of the unknown to limit you.
3. Hayaku: A Time Lapse Journey Through Japan
Hayaku: A Time Lapse Journey Through Japan from Brad Kremer on Vimeo.
Time lapse is a VERY difficult form of photography (yes it’s still photography usually) to be good at let alone master. Brad Kremer’s work is an example of innovative and creative storytelling. I have been fascinated by Japan for quite some time. It’s a country that blends the modern with it’s past. They embrace balance in all aspects and seasonality is key within many aspects of their lives. This video reminds me why I love travel and the vast difference between American culture and others.
4.Lisa Kristine: Photos that bear witness to modern slavery
As a photographer, I hope that someday my work will invoke emotions strong enough to motivates others to act. Such work is rare. Kristine’s work reminds us that a world of pain and suffering still exist. These are worlds largely forgotten by western society. This video reminds me that photography is a tool for change, both positive and negative and should be wielded carefully as a single image can change the world.
5. Ken Robinson: Changing education paradigms
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The education system in America is TRASH!!! I have lost all patience with it and refuse to mince words. We are failing our children on a daily basis and change needs to happen. This wonderful talk (from TedTalks) and animation by RSA shows this in a way that we can easily digest and begin to process solutions. I can write all day about what’s wrong but Ken does well in 10 minutes.
6. Where in the World is Matt?
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What I find most impressive about this video is the locations he went to. There are some places that many western travelers would never visit yet he went and danced (Including my hometown of Cleveland). This is actually the second major video he did I believe. The first was sponsored by Stride I believe but this wasn’t. Kudos to him for pushing this movement forward.
7. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Thriftshop
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Yes I went here. The beauty of hip hop is that often times it tells a story. Many don’t hear it but from the moment I heard this track it hit me. Materialism is bad. I covered Macklemore back in 2009 when I was an entertainment writer in college so I was familiar with his work. If you haven’t had a chance to check out his other tracks you must. One of the most socially conscious MC’s going today. Samelove and Otherside are amazing. My materialistic nature is something I had to let go of once I decided to embark on this project. Think about what your spending and how better that money can be used. $50 for some socks? Seriously?!?!?!
8. Will I Am : T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)
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Every year I pick an anthem. This was mine for 2012. This song pushed me to lose 30 pounds, fund this project, and finish some academic goals I had in 2012. All accomplished because I pushed myself. If someone beats me they earned it. Push yourself because you are the only one holding you back.
9. Nino Ferrer: Les Cornichons
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No idea why this song stuck with me all these years but it did. I first heard this in my college French class. I pick up languages quickly and this song helped me with French. If you want to learn another language start by listening to music in said language. You’ll be surprised how your taste in music will expand as well as your absorption of another language.
10. America, Fuck Yeah! Ultimate Edition
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I was on the fence about posting this but then I realized something very important. This is my website and I can do what I want. FUCK YEAH!!! This video reminds me of everything that’s right and wrong with my home. But when all is said and done I’m a proud American. I thoroughly pisses me off when people have the balls to tell me “Don’t let people know your American in etc etc etc”. Fuck that. Aside from the fact I’m clearly a black man that speaks English, I walk around with an US military issue camouflage rucksack. If I could, I would wear an American flag cape everywhere I went just to prove a point. Never be ashamed of who you are and where you’re from. I was born American, have fought for America, and will die American. I just plan to go see and experience all the cool things the rest of the world has to offer.
