I Believe I can Fly ( flight of the frenchies). Trailer from sebastien montaz-rosset on Vimeo.
Yeah....and you thought you were cool...these dudes represent epic in my eyes.
Viewing entries tagged
adventure
Nomad•ness gal Abigail Tarttelin is the first noted woman we've given this title to where it's difficult for me to write about her because I simply don't know where to start...
In an attempt, let's start on one afternoon in July 2006, Paris. It was the afternoon to shoot my short film, and I'd wanted Abby in it after using her talents for my mise-en-scene exercise earlier in the month. In the dark, with just she and I, and my DP, Batool, we created one of my favorite pieces of art below.
It wasn't until one of my very last nights in Paris that I realized in 2006 that Abby had just finished high school in London and decided univeristy wasn't for her. She's was making a b-line straight for her craft, and thus far everything has worked in her favor.
Her travels, mainly for work as an actress, had led her all over Western Europe, even attending the Cannes Film Festival, as well as within the United States with bouts of time in both New York City and Los Angeles.
Starting off in independent shorts, such as mine above, she eventually progressed into full length features like "The Butterfly Tattoo" and "Schrodinger's Girl" which premiered in the Official Selection of the independent film festival at Comic-Con 2009.
Her life, already, is a whirlwind. More recently to add to her list of achievements, Abigail just got her first book publishing deal and the official release of her debut novel, "Flick" will be released in April 2011. You can preorder HERE ON AMAZON.COM! Check her blog out HERE!
I'm a runner. I very much focus on the future and what I could be building, creating, perfecting to make my dreams and obsessions come true. I think faster than the average individual, probably right on par with any New Yorker. We're sick.
It's always running to do so much, and sadly we dont learn to balance until we have no choice. Our minds or bodies shut down. For me it was my first full blown panic attack and I quickly learned how to say "No." Something I'd never done before, assuming I could assume every role that was brought my way. How silly we are.
What I find, in life, is that there are crucial, and many times life changing moments of pause. It's those times where you are in a place and time and you are so present that you chills. You may close your eyes, breathe in the air, give thanks to the higher power, what have you. But for some reason, you stop and you recognize the pause. I have to admit I live in New York and love it at times, but I don't find those pregnant pauses here.
Sea of Japan at our sunset drinking and talking party on the beach. 10 mins from my old apartment in Niigata, Japan.
It's when I'm abroad. I am so moved by life, when I travel that I have them so periodically, it scares me because it reinforces that New York will probably not be my home, for life. I want to live in a place that makes me feel that way, and makes me live life in a way, where I feel that daily. Maybe that's why I move around so much. The new beginnings. the new discoveries. The understanding that every new place brings about a new pause. Here are a few of my random moments of pause around the world. This is a very modified list.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Preparation
Photo shoot after different Japanese tea Ceremony
I missed Loi Krathong. Honestly, out of EVERYTHING I wanted to see in Thailand, but knew I would miss by leaving early, this was that one thing that hit the hardest. I'd been excited about going to Loi Krathong, since hearing about it. Well, it's night in Thailand right now and I know the guys there are having an awakening while watching tens of thousands of lanterns float up into the sky.
It has to be such a spiritual experience, and something I would consider bopping back into Thailand at some point to experience in person.
I hope the Jet Set Zero crew enjoys it thoroughly tonight. Wish I was there, but happy I'm here.
I also hope they are more successful than we were, trying to set off lanterns, when I was there.
Remember me and Jeremiah?
In reality there are a million and one reasons to go to Europe. Reasons even I don't know, merely seeing three countries on the Western side.
But, I've been a STA Travel customer. I admit, that's dwindled since turning 26 years old.(Another perk of traveling to and through Europe is they consider you for "youth" discounts until 26 yrs. old. bless their hearts.)
Since then, I've had to find discounts the same way the rest of the population does. Regardless, one who wants to backpack or just travel through a few countries in Europe will love this deal. Especially, if you hate flying.
I'm going to get into this on an 'Interact with Evie' episode, but I had severe flight anxiety for a long time. It still is NOT one of my favorite things to do. Little fun fact.
So.....the sale. Eurail is doing a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE on Railway passes! Get a Global or Select Pass and you'll get another one for free. Sale started today, until supplies last! Get on it.
View ad on STA Travel HERE!
This particular day at work, Jean-Pierre and I had a four hour break in between classes. In the past, we’ve gone home and chilled out for a few hours, but today adventure was in the air. Where I thought we were simply headed for a joy ride towards some hot springs, Jean-Pierre was on a personal mission to find the legend, in Chiang Mai, known as Crazy Horse.
Coming from New York, I have a lot of friends that are involved in an array of hobbies. Jean-Pierre is the first ever rock climber in my circle of friends. He’s a beast on these rocks! His excitement, almost immediately, became my excitement. I knew, looking up at that rock, that I’d be witnessing JP climb up it. It was only a matter of time.
So, while riding into the jungle route, on a dirt road, re-remembering “Oh shit, I am in Thailand,” we ran into these three women from Colorado. Of course! We all got to talking and they started spitting out words and rock terminology that only rang a bell in remembering former childhood episodes of “Guts”. It was dope!
I’m very happy for him. I’m happy for all of us to find our outlets, that keep us centered back home, here. It’s just as important as finding new things here that encourage happiness. Jeremiah loves music…karaoke is his thing. As it should be, he has an amazing voice. I happen to be a writer. Sitting somewhere secluded and writing for hours brings me pleasure that many never know. Jean-Pierre is a climber. It’s in his blood. I can only respect and admire that.
So, as we spoke to these women, and as I watched one ascend and descend the rock, I could feel JP’s eyes glaring.
“He wants me to try this,” I said to myself. The weird thing was, watching the women, and JP free climb just to get a “feel” for the rock, sparked my interest as well. What is happening to me? Have I been hanging around this man too much?
Sorry for the lack of original music that was attached. YouTube goes in...
Jean-Pierre and I had two hours to kill in between two of our classes today.
We ended back up at the Crazy Horse rock climbing site. Initially, I wanted to check the cave there that has apparently been decked out with huge Buddhas and dragon style railings.
One wrong entrance later, hiking up the side of a mountain on steep, outdoor makeshift steps, we ended up in the mouth of a random cave.
I'm not even going to front on it, I was scared as shit to go in. This is one of those moments when common sense is screaming for you to turn around, not fuck with mother nature, and keep it moving.
But...then there's Jean-Pierre. See the problem, and the reason why I do crazy things around this man, is that I trust him. Riding daily on someone's motorbike at an average of 85 kph will do that to you. I don't know what it is. I just feel like, even if shit goes down, if he's there we'll both get out alive. So, unlike me, I follow him.
The inside of this cave got two reactions.
Mine: "I feel like I'm in the bottom of the cave in the movie Goonies. This feels like a massive fake movie set."
JP's: "I feel like I'm in a scene from Jurassic Park and a Velociraptor is just going to come out of no where."
I can honestly say that I have never seen, nor been in, anything of this magnitude before in my life.
It was terrifying and invigorating all at the same time.
Utterly amazing...
Today reminded me of why I started traveling in the first place. Those moments when you see things, meet people, and are in awe of something greater than you've ever seen before.
It is one of those moments, where love takes on a new meaning, and true life is lived. It is where true inspiration is bred, and grown.
I am so blessed and humbled to have been able to see all I did today, and to experience all of the Angkor Wat offerings.
Walking through Angkor in the midst of a full on monsoon shower and lightening storm was the eeriest, and most enchanting thing I have ever done in my life. The photos...my goodness, the photos. You all are in store for a huge treat with upcoming travel photography and a pending episode in a few weeks.
I love this! I feel so alive today!!! Thank you all who have supported. It, literally, means the world to me.
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Asia, I love you.
You have done me well over the last year and a half. After this trip, I must leave you indefinitely.
Africa is calling.
Morocco, I'm coming...2011
It is time...
Brainstorming on a 3-week trip between Morocco, Egypt, and Spain. When will it be done?
Today this waterfall, in the middle of this jungle, brought me to life...dopest day in Thailand by far!
Jet Set Zero Season 8 Thailand Cast and Crew
Photo by Tyler Batson
Every once in awhile, there is a film that speaks to the core of your values and life. There's a film that guts you, whether from controversy or from truth.
I remember one day, while working at truTV, I had a co-worker Seida come up to me.
"Have you ever heard of the book Eat, Pray, Love. Evita it reminds me of your life so much. I love the way it's written. It's a little slow when she gets to India in the second part, but she reminds me of you so much. I can picture you writing a book like this one day," she said.
I responded,"No but I keep seeing people reading it on the subway. What's it about?"
Seida continued her pitch, " Oh my God you have to read it. It's about a woman who gets a divorce, then quits her job, and travels through Italy, India, and Indonesia on this trip to go find herself. It's something I could picture you doing."
I bought the book the next day. I finished the book three days later. I loved it, especially the India part. This conversation took place in Summer 2008. Little did I know that two months after it I'd be in Edinburgh, Scotland, three months after that I'd be living in Japan, and eleven months after that I'd be on my own trek around India. In conjunction with the travels, I'd start writing my own memoir. That which I am now approximately 170 pages into right now....funny how the Universe works.
I LOVED the book, and am a bit of a skeptic of the book to film transition. But this one, I HAVE to go see.
For all the women out there. For all the true life livers out there. For all the travelers out there. This film is the story of just one of us. Don't worry mine is coming...
Between Basquiat and Eat Pray Love I'll be spending this weekend at the theater.
Nomad•ness Episode 8 takes us to the mecca of India, and one of the World Wonders, the Taj Mahal. This one monument was the whole reason this trip was planned in the first place. Join us as we deviate off the intended itinerary and end up in the desert on top camels...
This time last year, I shared some of the same feelings I am experiencing now. Confusion. Anxiety. Apprehension. Excitement. Adventure.
This time around it is a reverse in geography. Then, I was leaving New York to head to Japan. Now, I am leaving Japan, headed to New York, while approaching India first.
Stephanie and Melissa are already on their plane from NYC, headed to Delhi. I will be meeting them, at Nirvana Hostel (check my facebook friends, they are on here) for us women to embark on a journey of self-reflection, revelation, and adventure. I began planning this trip months ago with myself as he only occupant. I am happy to be sharing it with these ambitious ladies.
India is far more than a trip, another installment in Nomad•ness, and another stamp in my passport. India represents a manifestation of a dream.
My top three dream trips are Egypt, India, and Greece. Though I have traveled to many places, these three, I have not.
Two years ago, I remember vividly, laying on my bed in the Bronx, on the phone with my younger sister and talking about going to India. The prospect of travel is something both of us have inherited, much from our father. During this phone call, I could envision seeing the vibrant colors of the cities. I could taste the magnitude of the Taj Mahal.
Sarafina spoke about her interest in visiting the Motherland, South Africa specifically. Both of us took our brains on a wanderlust that night. One phone call.
Two years later...2010.
February 1st my sister departed for South Africa/Namibia and will be there until April 1st.
February 26th I depart Tokyo, Japan for India to conquer three cities in ten days.
As my mother always says, "It's never a matter of 'if'. It's always a matter of when."