Around The World In 42 Days
Without plans or arrangements, book a one-way ticket and leave…
A true adventure begins just outside of your comfort-zone…
In motion, with reckless disregard for an itinerary or reservations, 24 hours have passed since you boarded an international flight. After customs at Heathrow, the tube through London, Eurostar under the English Channel, and overnight at some random hostel in Paris, you find yourself smashin’ through the French countryside at 180mph on the TGV — you know it’s a train, but it dips and rides like a Cadillac.
No need to speak the language…
She’ll notice your camera and sense you want to take her picture before you motion, and you’ll feel her apprehension before you ‘ask’. The camera comes up in your right hand as you point at it with your left, she nervously begins to laugh. Laughter is contagious so now you’re laughing. She laughs even harder in response which then forces your continued laughter. A minute-long conversation of gestures, nervous giggles, laughter and smiles.
You’ll cross paths with men of character…
Such as Kuria, who take issue with those who have the means to study abroad only to forget where they come from. With his masters in engineering almost complete, soon he will leave France and return home carrying the degree necessary to secure government contracts in Kenya — contracts to address the drinking water issues in his country.
Let go…
Typically, you may be content to “go with the flow”, but this level — this utter lack of planning — makes even YOU uncomfortable. There will be times on this trip when you’ll board a plane with no idea where you’re going once you land. Embrace this uneasiness — go a step further and actively create it. These are chances to reacquaint with the intuition you have so successfully dampened by staying safe in your little bubble.
BARCELONA, SPAIN
Feel the sun on your face…
Six foot something Sadia
She’s Moroccan, from Spain and literally about six and a half feet tall — that’s like 198 centimeters in metric-speak. As much as you’d like to stay and work on your Spanish, you must continue to head east. A future trip back to Spain, wandering around for a month or so, is in order. But for now, it’s a big world and you have ground to cover; eastern Europe and India still draw your attention.
“Such is the letter V”?…
…or “That’s life”? You want to believe it was intentional but her middle finger tells you otherwise — French lessons in irony from a fiery red-headed Australian in Prague.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Meet the twins…
One of them is studying medicine in Europe, while the other is a free-spirit that you’ll talk to for hours. She’s likely to describe a situation as a “total schlimazel”, ask what are the most important things in your life, and introduce you to Tame Impala; all the makings for a “D & M” — a deep and meaningful conversation. You’ll learn this from her because, unless you’re Australian, you’ve probably never heard of it.
And then there were III…
NYE — PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Feel the love…
The John Lennon Memorial Wall
Serve the city…
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
When he begs for money… leave quickly.
Try to explain that you don’t have any, and sneak away to the ATM on the other side of the square. Next, hit the Burger King on the corner where you can order some type of Hungarian value-meal to-go. Super-size that ish, then hurry back. As he smiles from ear-to-ear at an unexpected gesture, think of all the events that had to line up, to deliver this hot meal, on a freezing cold evening, to an old man in Budapest.
Ruin Bars…
Modern history in Eastern Europe was shaped largely by the events of World War II, with the Jewish quarter of Budapest not offering an exceptions. Many of the buildings have been abandoned for decades and left to decay. In the last 10–15 years, artists have moved in and revitalized the area — creating art studios and opening bars. Fortunately, the renovations have occurred without much in the way of money, so the places retain the history and charm of ruins, injected with a vibrancy of culture and art. Add to this, the fact that Hungarians really know how to make good beer, and you’ve discovered a place to experience the nightlife for a few days.
The universe has brought you here…
The compounding of events, seemingly insignificant details and timing of your trip — of your life — has led to this moment; pay attention to what presents itself. This is important. Listen intently when you meet Olga and she speaks of her adventures to Abkhazia — a small disputed territory that’s had a long running conflict for independence in northern Georgia (the country, not the state). Unknowingly, she will determine your path. Tonight you’ll book a flight; tomorrow you’ll fly to Georgia.
Wander the streets of old town…
This place is full of history and architecture that sadly may not be around 10 years from now. Ornate, handcrafted, detailed, overgrown and breathtaking mansions from the late 18th, early 19th century are commonplace. From the earthquake in 2002, it’s all cracked, crooked, leaning over and crumbling. Out of necessity, most of these dilapidated buildings are still occupied but there doesn’t seem to be any plans or money to restore them.
TBILISI, GEORGIA
Two years in Tbilisi…
Heinz left some time ago on a flight to Sweden, with plans to ride his bike (bicycle) from there back to Australia. When his bike was stolen he became a kind of “artist in residence” at a hostel in Tiblisi, where he’s been painting polar bears ever since. Unable to contain your curiosity, “Why polar bears?” you ask. “I dunno,” he responds without hesitation; it seems the question must come up often.
“It’s funny how things just seem to fit together in this world…”
“…like the four of us sitting at this table,” says Heinz — speaking of your spontaneously assembled group, up all night sharing stories in the kitchen; an Australian, a Georgian, a Syrian and an American.
“Hospitality is vital to our country’s well-being…”
Walking around the neighborhood, you find yourself invited into a strangers’ 110 year-old house, where he starts pouring shots, and after each one he points at a dish and repeats one of the few words you are able to understand, “Chocolate, chocolate…” You chase each shot with chocolate and leave there after some time, feeling pretty good — about 4 pieces of chocolate deep. You continue to wander the streets only to be invited into another house. This gentleman begins pouring drinks, turns on everything in the kitchen, brings over his English-speaking neighbors, leaves, comes back with groceries, cooks dinner and sits down to enjoy a meal and conversation with you — a complete stranger. You learn the story of a Georgian Soldier that saved the life of a Russian solider and carried him to safety during the war. As a result of this kindness and hospitality, Georgia and Russian enjoyed many years of good relations.
Seek out those who make sacrifices for their beliefs.
MAIDAN SQUARE (FREEDOM SQUARE) — KIEV, UKRAINE
There are two kinds of chess here…
The friendly game played on a board, in the square. And the unfriendly fight in the street, for the square.
Knight takes the square… Check.
The people have barricaded all streets and entrances, and stand watch, day and night, through sub-zero temperatures and snow. They’ve been camped out here for months — some weeks pass calm and uneventful, others filled with riotous clashes with the police and extreme violence. Tonight, it’s quiet.
What’s a revolution without dancing…
24-hour entertainment from the stage at the very center of the square and simulcast on the adjacent 4-story jumbo-tron, keeps the spirits high. We see live recitals from school children, religious services, political speeches, traditional and pop music performances, and the occasional 2am dance party in the middle of the barricaded streets.
Subterranean…
You escape several hundred feet below the streets, slide through a Soviet-era subway/nuclear fallout-shelter, and make your way to the airport. A week after you leave, you see pictures of barricades burning, and read reports of police snipers on rooftops shooting people in the square.
Let us pray…
ISTANBUL, TURKEY
You are not a tourist…
There’s a boat tour that goes around the harbor, showing all the sights of the European and Asian side of Istanbul; I’m sure it’s really nice. But you have no interest in this. You ride the commuter. You mix with the locals. You make friends and hang out with the crew.
A way of life…
At any given moment — even now — the bridge that allows you to walk from Europe to Asia, and back, is filled with fishermen; 100+ during peak hours. It’s tradition, sport, a social gathering, and a source of nourishment — a lifestyle.
Friendly skies…
It’s a crowded, busy flight to India but there may be other reasons why Sofie — your beautiful Ethiopian flight attendant — hasn’t been out to check on the passengers.
IN-FLIGHT, OVER ABU DHABI
New Delhi, India
Perspective…
It’s the simplest things in life that bring true happiness — it has no relation to material possessions. The most generous people are the ones that have the least to give — and they freely give the last of what they have. These are truths that you either confirm, or learn for the first time, by exploring the world; and you become a better person for it.
(COMING SOON) — AROUND THE WORLD IN 42 DAYS, PART II: ADVENTURES IN INDIA
Captured 12.26.2013–2.4.2014 in England, France, Spain, Czech Republic, Hungary, Georgia, Ukraine, Turkey, Abu Dhabi, & India, using natural / available light, Canon 5d MKII, 24mm f1.4 L, 50mm f1.4.
Editors pick on Exposure
