Josh Wedlake spent a month riding a bicycle from Berlin to Istanbul. Not only was his ride an impressive feat of endurance, the animated video recreation he’s made of his trip is nearly as amazing. For over four months upon his return, Josh was animating and editing a 3D version of his journey using an open-source animation tool called Blender.
Not only does the film provide viewers with a beautiful visual feast, Wedlake provides a wonderful accompanying narration, loaded with deep reflections and plenty of poignant moments. Passionate travelers like Josh are inventing a new method of travel storytelling, using digital tools and new methods to bring their experiences to life.
Best of all, Josh is raising money from his ride and the video to donate to charity. If you like the film, you can offer a donation here and here.
Today’s video of the week comes from TheAlohaRobert on YouTube. Called simply Hawaii Time Lapse in HD, it’s a mesmerizing look at the beautiful Hawaiian landscape. But I was most impressed with the active cloud formations that often travel in different directions in the same scene. It’s proof of the changing winds aloft at different altitudes that pilots try to take advantage of.
Do you have a great travel related suggestion for our Video of the Week? Fill out this form or just include my twitter handle @veryjr in your tweet about it. Maybe we’ll use it as next week’s Video.
GadlingTV’s Travel Talk, episode 7 – Click above to watch video after the jump
Ever wanted to build an igloo? We’re savoring the end of the snow season by taking you to the Sierras to show you how!
This week we’ll also discuss the White House’s second attempt to nominate a TSA Director, why Cuba is developing faster than ever, the business model behind the Somali pirate industry, and a popular tourist destination where a kiss could land you in jail.
We’ve got a new (spicy) Tasteful Destination for you, and some little known facts about a tea you know and love with Tea Time. Grab a blanket or cup of hot cider and enjoy!
If you have any questions or comments about Travel Talk, you can email us at talk AT gadling DOT com.
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Hosts: Stephen Greenwood, Aaron Murphy-Crews, Drew Mylrea
Produced, Edited, and Directed by: Stephen Greenwood, Aaron Murphy-Crews, Drew Mylrea
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Music:
Tea Time
“Revenge of the flying monkeys, part 2”
Ayetoro
Tasteful Destinations
“Stop Yield Go Merge”
Derek K Miller http://www.penmachine.com/ (courtesy of Musicalley.com)
It’s hard to imagine a Cuba different than the one we have now. You know, that country 90 miles from Florida that Americans can’t visit? It’s a travel embargo that’s been in place over 50 years. But back in the 1930’s, Cuba’s capital city, Havana, was poised to take its place among the Caribbean’s foremost tourist destinations.
At least that is, according to this vintage travel film, curated by an organization called the Travel Film Archive. It’s fascinating to see this bustling city as it once was, bustling with tuxedo-clad waiters, humming trolley cars and open air businesses. Give it a watch and prepare to be taken back to another era, an era when Cuba was “just another destination” competing for tourist dollars. There’s plenty more vintage tourist movies over at the Travel Film Archive YouTube channel.
It wasn’t until a close friend of mine wound up in a wheelchair that I took any notice of sports for quadriplegics. That’s when I realized the athletic feats accomplished by these wheelchair-bound competitors are truly astonishing. While I, and my perfectly capable limbs, stood on the side lines and cheered, my friend was out skydiving, skiing and even kayaking as a “quad.” Check out the ten best extreme wheelchair sports in this round up of videos.
Can’t Feel My Legs, Haha Clay Egan is one of the best Rock Climbing drivers in the world. This inspirational man broke his neck in a motorcycle accident, but that never stopped him from participating in events that have him literally falling off of cliffs. After one wild fall, he remarked, “Man I can’t feel my legs!” Just a little quad humor.
North Pole Wheelchair Accessible
The North Pole is wheelchair-accessible? David Shannon proved that it is. He reached the summit on the 100 year anniversary of the first North Pole expedition. This video outlines the journey he took and the obstacles he encountered. Many able-bodied people try and fail, but this quadriplegic was a success.
Hang Ten, Baby. Quad Surfing
The Disabled Surfing Association of Australia allows Kelly McCann, a C2 quadriplegic to surf. She has no use of her arms or legs and needs constant breathing assistance, but can get on a board and experience the awesomeness of the ocean.
Yes, He Can Gene Rodgers does it all in this video clip. Bungee jump? check. Ride an elephant, check. Parachute? check. This quadriplegic has done it all and his catchy little background song is by the blind musician Jeff Moyer. “Yes, I can”….and yes I will be singing this all day now.
Leave Your Disability at the Dock
Beautiful clip on sailing for quadriplegics. Control the sails and gain your freedom on the open sea. There is a man in this clip who gets to take his wife and service dog out for a sail. On land he is dependent. In the boat, he is in control.
Scuba Diving, Up Close and Personal
Dive right in. Regardless of your abilities, diving is a wonderful experience. The adaptations they have for quadriplegics like zip in wet suits and webbed gloves make it easier for anyone to give it a try.
Gooooaaaal!
Power soccer athletes doing their thing. Played indoors with a foot guard over the front of a power wheelchair. This sport allows individuals who are completely dependent on others for their day to day care to be competitive athletes. Fun video to watch!
Ride a Bike
All ages get together to ride hand cycles. These awesome pieces of machinery allow the wheelchair bound freedom on the streets. I loved seeing the little kids on the bikes. The clip mentions how the hand cycle gives them common ground with their family and friends. Going for a bike ride puts everyone on the same playing field, nice.
Sledge Hockey at the Paralympic Games
Exciting game! Check out these Canadians, nothing disabled about them. They came away with the GOLD.
King of Extreme Wheelchair Sports
We end this round-up of the 10 best quadriplegic extreme sports with the “King of Extreme,” Rugby. Wheelchair rugby, or Murderball, is brutal but thrilling to watch.