Australia's "movie guy", Marc Fennell dubbed 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' as "the best 2 hour travel agent ad you've ever seen". So its only fitting that I found this Ben Stiller feature on the Delta Airlines inflight magazine 'Sky'.
The profile written by a forgivably gushy Steve Marsh, injects some psychoanalysis of Ben Stiller
The Ben Stiller Magic
Stiller, at least in the movies he directs, has always seemed obsessed with reality --specifically with how reality is shaped (or warped) by the stuff we watch when we’re on the couch...
"So why are you so interested in this notion of reality? It seems like your entire career has been obsessed with this idea."
"Wow," Stiller says. "I never really analyzed it. That’s interesting you say that, because I’ve never thought about it that way." He pauses.
I ask him if he ever daydreams. "No, not really," he says. "When you're making a movie like this, or any movie really, you're so in the moment, you’re not really daydreaming. But I do try to take time to appreciate the experience of doing things you wouldn't normally get to do."
He remembers one moment on the set of Mitty: "This wasn't really a daydream, but it was just kind of a moment of realization. I was in the water and we had to do a shot where the Zodiac boat is approaching me to pull me out of the water, and the only way we could get the shot was to put the camera in the boat, because it's like a POV of the boat coming at me. We were a mile or half a mile out to sea in the ocean off Iceland, and the swells were pretty big, so they dropped me in the water and just drove away. It was just a funny, surreal moment. Cause I'm really in the ocean here by myself. I couldn't see anything; the boat went far enough away that it was gone, the swells were at four feet. And I was like, This is crazy, this is actually... this is happening. I'm really in the ocean. If that boat doesn't come back... I mean, I know they know I'm here but... It's like the funny crossover of reality and movies, where you do real things but somehow you think because you're doing it for a movie that everything is OK. And, actually, the weird thing that you're doing is as dangerous or weird as it would be if there was no camera there; you're still really doing it."
Whether it's an astronaut going about his routine or a backpacker off to his next destination there is an element of being outside yourself that is necessary to accomplish extraordinary things.
Whilst walking around Cartagena I spotted this perch by the water. Not being scared of heights and with my fondness for climbing things I decided to scale it. I could be like a Pirate of the Caribbean.
Only at the top did I realise how precarious and foolish the endeavour was. What was I thinking?
From Below: Crow's nest in Cartagena, Colombia
From above: Probably not the best idea
We "get into the zone" or are under so much pressure we forget to appreciate the moment. When you're caught up in the moment or swept by momentum, things you never thought possible can be mundanely achieved.
We just have to remember not to appreciate them mundanely.
When on the road we have a tendency to go more extreme with our exploration. Arriving with fresh eyes and buoyed by fellow travellers, we delve deeper and are more open to opportunities
I had a 'Yes Man' year prior to my yearlong EuroTrip in 2011. Aided by the irregular hours of my new job I was able to experience my hometown of Sydney through a new perspective. During this time I navigated through several scenes, from spoken word, punk rock, comedy, art and hip hop.
I've been to my fair share of shows at interesting spaces and squats from my time in punk rock. This bunker party by Chowder Bay was my first in the electronic scene. This night affirmed what I'd always believed about Sydney. It might not stay out as late or have the reputed party scene as the other global capitals but there's more than meets the eye.
This night was interesting because of what I didn't do.
A yacht was docked close to the shore and several partygoers had swum onboard and reported the occupants were quite accommodating. It sounded like a crazy enough adventure to go on but I hesitated. My running mate and I had discussed the foolishness of risk-taking behaviour on the drive in, this certainly qualified. I'm also not that great a swimmer.
This missed opportunity and the topic of FOMO [fear of missing out] plagued me for weeks. I transcribed some great insight from writer Mike White who talked about it on Marc Maron's WTF podcast. It came up again in a podcast conversation I had with a yoga instructor.
Actor, Writer and Traveler Mike White speaks to Marc Maron about adventure
MIKE WHITE: (36m 20s mark) I've gone through this period where when I'm invited to do something random I just do it because I feel "I should do that". And after a while -- I recently read a book about fetishising, this thing we feel where we need to have experiences. Its a Buddhist-- at some point you can let go of "missing out on things"
Being a kid again at the 'Henry Head' bunkers
Photo credit: 미쉘sam's Flickr
CouchSurfing has always been a hit or miss affair for me. That said, many of my more memorable and obscure experiences have been through the hospitality exchange network. After returning from my EuroTrip I connected with a ragtag group of CSers to do some urbex [urban exploration] around the coastline of Sydney.
One of the CSers had recently returned from several years teaching English in Japan. Through further conversation we discovered that she was a running mate of my cousin who had been teaching english himself in rural Japan. That night I attended a joint birthday party celebrated by a CSer I had interviewed for my podcast.
Being a kid again: Cave clanning in La Perouse, Sydney
The best part of the outing was the imagination we injected into the experience. It was like a quest, we each got to display our specific attributes of height, balance and flexibility to progress. We pretended people in the distance were our future selves and that the island was inhabited by dinosaurs.
'Morro da Babilônia' lookout. Map drawn from memory.
There's something fun about walking around and stumbling onto amazing sights. It gives me the feeling of being an explorer. Even when the paths are paved once you get to a lookout with no one in sight you feel like a pioneer.
I found this lookout on top of Morro da Babilônia by Leme Beach which had breathtaking panoramic views of the city - Cristo Redentor, Botafogo Beach and Sugarloaf. The view of Copacabana from behind was partially obscured by trees however. You'll share the view with a gallery of Black Vultures, frankly I'm surprised the base wasn't littered with condoms and homeless/camping paraphernalia. You have to navigate through a Favela and negotiate around some barking dogs (bring a stick) but I felt safe walking alone. On the way back you can treat yourself to refreshing Açaí at the Chapeu Mangueira Favela, the cheapest I've come across.
I decided to google the name of the mountain and see how exotic the hike was. Its not as obvious as the time I "discovered" the 'City of Arts and Sciences' in Valencia but not exactly trailblazing either :)
Update: I returned the following day and was solo again save for the flock of Black Vultures. Here is the vista which I assure you does it little justice.
From L to R: Christ the Redeemer, Botafogo Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain
Its my fifth day in Santiago, Chile. The start of my South American adventure. Truth be told theres's been a weird energy from the start as I negotiate through the language barrier and the existential danger that comes with this region of the world. Most of it is a creation of the mind and one I hope to overcome.
There is a considerable lack of English but I'm encouraged by running mates who have been on this journey months longer than me who have grasped the language just by immersion and some cursory training. With the right mindset and focus I hope to do the same. I have no choice really as it has a direct effect on my quality of life. The other issue is "Dread", there are constant tales of muggings and petty theft. Some of it from experience though the majority of it is hype. Its like incessant talk of weather, its a real concern and factors into your movements but you wish you could move on to more interesting topics. Makes you appreciate how comfortable it is at home and how good we have it in Australia.
One of my comforts has been to rediscover some of the mojo I had for the European trip. I enjoy finding subcultures when I visit places, I find it connects me to the place and its people. It allows me to imagine growing up there. It also solves the language and danger problem as being around your kin alleviates so much tension. I found a Jazz Bar in Santa Isabel that was standing room only. The fact the bouncer couldn't understand me seemed to work in my favor, he spent most of the night shoo-ing people away but he inexplicably let me in. The night featured Cristián Cuturrufo, Chile's most acclaimed jazzman.
I found a compromise for communicating with locals and one I'll be adopting till I master the language. Instead of reaching an impasse after asking "Habla Inglés" and inevitably getting a "no". My second gambit is to insist I speak in terrible Spanglish whilst they continue talking Spanish.
For me the best part about traveling is novelty. Its exhilarating being in a foreign environment where everything feels new. Its like being a kid again, having that sense of discovery and play. As we grow and get accustomed to routine we become weary of the world. We recapture our child-like wonder when we travel and take on new pursuits. Ultimately what it takes is a shift in thinking. The marvels of nature and the awesomeness of people has always been there, we just had to seek it or see things through fresh eyes.
The view from Henry Head
I recently did some urbex (urban exploration) with CouchSurfers around La Perouse & Henry Head bunkers. Though I've urban camped and explored abandoned spaces before, I would consider this my first full urbex experience. We explored the disused military sites scattered around the nature walk that skirt the NSW golf course. I had punk rock friends who were part of the cave clanning community years ago but had never gotten around to joining them. My friend later told me the space we visited was used for the annual cave clan awards night.
The experience was heightened because it was shared with 3 fellow noobs, save for the smartphone GPS most of the exploration was trial and error. One of our cohorts had never even heard of urbex but was intrigued enough to give it a shot. Through her time teaching in Japan she had grown to appreciate nature with her side trips around the country, as we got to know each other we realised we knew the same person. She was penpals with my cousin who also teaches in Japan, I joked that our mind's eyes might have been referencing the same Facebook photos of his. Another small world moment of synchronicity.
Its worth noting that my two other partners were involved in gaming and quantum physics, the twin subjects of my current project. "We're all connected maaaaan".
The best part of the outing was the imagination we injected into the experience. It was like a quest, we each got to display our specific attributes of height, balance and flexibility to progress. We pretended people in the distance were our future selves and that the island was inhabited by dinosaurs. The most thrilling episode was when the helicopter of the neighbouring hangar took flight, it felt like we were at Area 51. Interestingly the chopper never blasted away, instead it circled the grounds with its menacing spotlight. We hid like fugitives baffled as to what its intentions were.
Close Encounters...
The night was capped off with beers at the Maroubra beach rock pool. It was a fun day recapturing the play of childhood. Comedians Pete Holmes and Zach Cregger discuss being childlike and how we should give ourselves permission to play more:
VIDEO: You Made it Weird with Pete Holmes - Zach Cregger on being a kid again
You Made it Weird with Pete Holmes #76 - Zach Cregger on being a kid again
ZACH CREGGER: (1h 04m) I am spending all day mobbed with children and its the best. I forgot how effortless... it is insane. Everything is fun for them, they're not jaded at all. Its crazy. I can't believe I used to be like that!
PETE HOLMES: We all were like that. I just talked to Duncan Trussell about this on his podcast, kids have an open heart...
One last thought to close my final Chapter in Germany and the book for 2011. As I write this in my Selcuk hostel, Turkish TV is showing the fireworks display along Sydney Harbour. Home.
In Hamburg, I was able to cap off a memorable year by paying tribute to the special moments and people that have shaped my journey. Germany is where my EuroTrip began and it was only fitting to close the year there. As Germans are avid travelers, I had plenty of friends to reconnect with through bonds made around Europe and Australia the year previous. December was like one big Christmas present.
Thanks to all my incredible German friends who have shown great warmth and hospitality. Germany will always have a special place in my heart.
As for the year...
Its difficult to fully explain the great fortune I've had in finding the amazing people I've met and the moments I've been graced to experience. Interestingly the inability to wrap one's head around it is precisely what makes it so magical. Part of me wishes I could bottle it but would I really want to?
I experienced the 'Wunder' exhibition at the Deichtorhallen in Hamburg with my artist friend. A particular exhibit caption and this portrait below sum up my feelings capably
Miracles tend to occur suddenly and unexpectedly. They appear as if out of nowhere, posing as a riddle to bystanders who lack the knowledge required to integrate the inexplicable event into existing frameworks of meaning nonetheless such miracles are regularly anticipated and hoped for...
"It's Christmas time in the city" - One of the things I've enjoyed in Europe that we don't have in sunny Sydney are outdoor ice rinks. Whilst its fun watching amateurs like myself fumble around, I am truly mesmerized by skilled skaters gliding gracefully. Weaving artfully through the chaos, lost in a world of their own making. For me it's poetry in motion.
I've watched ice skating in Europe at the Winter Wonderland in London and will be spending my December amongst the Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets) of Germany.
After being transfixed by a contended skater in Köln, I was reminded of this sentiment by David Brooks':
TED Talk Transcript - David Brooks: The Social Animal (18m 44s)
... And then the final thing I'll mention is something you might call limerence. And this is not an ability; it's a drive and a motivation. The conscious mind hungers for success and prestige. The unconscious mind hungers for those moments of transcendence, when the skull line disappears and we are lost in a challenge or a task -- when a craftsman feels lost in his craft, when a naturalist feels at one with nature, when a believer feels at one with God's love. That is what the unconscious mind hungers for. And many of us feel it in love when lovers feel fused.
The last few days I've been living and ego-tripping with athletes studying at the SpoHo in Köln, the most esteemed Sports College in Germany. The sportsmen are trained in all sports and disciplines but each has their preferred expertise.
I've spent the last few evenings watching inspiring videos with German snowboarders and surfers. There is nothing more uplifting than watching talented masters doing what they love and performing to their peak. I can think of only two things better:
1) Watching it in the company of people who share the passion
2) Doing it yourself!
Day 312 - Piusstraße, Köln VIDEO: 'The Art of FLIGHT' trailer (3m 09s)
Day 313 - NeuMarkt, Köln VIDEO: Nike 6.0 Leave A Message (Full Movie. 23m 49s)
Update: Things always come in threes. My judo black belt, ultimate-frisbeeing host in Bremen shared this video of bladers ripping it up in Hamburg. So Geil!
As an added bonus, OzHipHop legends the 'Hilltop Hoods' feature on the soundtrack.
I've always been curious about what other people are doing, constantly wondering if everyone else was having more fun than me. I'm fascinated by other people's experiences and how they process them. Part of the reason I'm traveling is to create my own stories, to feel more like a participant and not just an observer.
After a while you realise there's a fine line between someone with good stories and a great storyteller. Its a futile exercise comparing stories as our experiences are personal to us dependant on our personalities and value systems. People who've been to the same places or have traveled alongside one another will have their own perspective of that time.
There's a comfort in knowing that we only really control our journey, to strive to be the best version of ourself as possible. To quote the great Sly Stallone "We might not be the best in the world but we can be the best in our own life"
I found this book in a Utrecht boekenwinkel. In 'Exactitudes' the Rotterdam based duo demonstrate that there is a sense of uniformity even in our attempts to be unique. It challenges our definition of self, it absurdly realises the conflict we have with wanting to forge our own path whilst wanting to feel a sense of belonging.
Exactitudes: Arie Versluis and Ellie Uyttenbroek
Since 1995 photographer Arie Versluis and stylist Elly Yttenbroek have worked together on the project 'Exactitudes'. Exactitude is a contraction of the words 'exact' and 'attitude'. It concerns a long-term photo project in which a wide-range of different groups of people are portrayed in an identical frame, in the same pose and with strictly observed dress codes...
I no longer feel the need to compare experiences with my fellow man, now the curiosity comes more from a place of interest rather than envy. Other people's stories
Here is a listing of blogs I've collected from fellow travelers:
Day 134: On a moonlit night at a [Foz] beachside bar for a typical ERASMUS night, I'm sure we can relate to feeling alone in a crowded room. This was one of those evenings. Staring into the abyss that was the Atlantic ocean only amplified the feeling. The horizon makes you wonder about what's on the other side - Friends and family across the pond, how far from home you really are and the "meaning of it all".
This photo collection is by French artist Jacques Mataly, exhibited in Serpente Contemporary Art Gallery (Porto, Portugal)
The horizon is our limit. Suddenly we contemplate our finitude and we know that beyond this line, it continues, amplifies, the immense stretches, chaos reigns as lord, the magnetic fields are developed, the background noise murmur, disorder thrives. Behind the horizon is infinite, all things, everything that we do not know, all that eludes us and upset us, all that we can not grasp in his hands embracing, watching, everything that our intelligence can not master and subdue, behind, right behind, opens up the territories of our ghosts, fears and beliefs.
Spotted by the Deesa statue at Plaça de Catalunya. 1pm, Martes. 29 Marzo, 2011.
A 50yr old homeless dude must have been riding his bike home after a night on the piss. He trips himself up on the steps by the Fountain. His carton of milk splashes to the ground. He decides to sleep right where he is. Takes his jacket and leather shoes off. One hand resting on the handle bar, the other on the basket mounted at the front. He blows chunks.
A Fisherman's luck Awoken by birds he sits up. There's still time. He grabs what he needs and races to the water's edge. He doesn't carry much, all he plans to catch is a glimpse. He bristles past the early risers, past men on boats beginning their morning routine. He reaches the clearing and waits, he knows its a creature of habit. He squints hoping to see the giant berthing in the horizon. He knows in this season at this time, his chances are slim. He waits. He walks around hoping to find it from another vantage. Nothing.
Coming towards him, Something catches his eye He can hardly believe it. Though not unheard of, this breed rarely arrives in these waters. But the weather has been known to invite it. He puts his hand out to feel the fish dart around his finger tips. He casts his net, hoping to see a bounty upon his return. The whale wouldn't surface at all that day. But as he retired back into slumber, he couldn't help but smile at his good fortune.
3 Marzo, 2011 It snowed today in Venice. Just enough to look cool from a window, but not enough to look cool on the ground. It snowed twice in Venice last year.
You repeat, hone and get fed great ideas through conversations. That's where a lot of these poems were born from. Having time to chill in Venezia has allowed me to pour these out rapidly. Enjoy!
The short way Cities are cities. Museums are museums. When static, we're complacent. In motion, we're fatigued. Experiences seem rehearsed. Paved by literature, dulled by reproduction. Though wonder is lost in wandering it can be found. For when we are lost, we have something to find. And we become explorers, revealing beauty in discovery
The long way One gallery. A hundred masterpieces. One city. A thousand years. One mind. A million thoughts. Collected but never fully contained.
To discover the wonder, we must wander in discovery. Explorers using each other as maps, guiding us to our exits.
Perhaps continuing deeper, to stay and amaze. Charting a path with one another until we are found
