Paul Salopek - The Slow Journalist

Map of Paul Salopek’s Out of Eden Walk. ( Ryan Morris/National Geographic)

Inspiring stories especially this time of year are always... well inspiring, but this one? It's not simply inspiring, that's an understatement. It's remarkable, well over the top and hard to imagine what it takes to walk four years toward the end goal destination to South America.

 He says he's behind schedule and figures it will take 11 years but doesn't mind at all, because he's having the time of his life doing what he loves to do, walking, learning and meeting people from all over the world. He's doing this not through virtual reality, but by meeting people face to face.

This incredible foot trek Paul Salopak is on, was originally taken by early humans when they migrated out of Africa, covering some 20,000 a transcontinental miles and has been funded by the National Geographic Society, the Knight Foundation and the Abundance Foundation.

Paul Salopek calls what he's doing, "slow journalism" but I think it's more than this. I see it as a kind of anthropological cultural investigation, having a significant affect on how we see ourselves, others and the world. I especially love how he's involved school children, encouraging them to engage and learn about their own surroundings, communities and environments.

Paul Salopek is an individual who undertook an epic journey and a kind of slow journalism vision quest. After listening to him this morning being interviewed on the Current I recollected hearing him a while back and I was now motivated this time to make sure I found his blog and website which is simply amazing! I'm joining the journey vicariously and virtually!

http://nationalgeographic.org/projects/out-of-eden-walk/about/

Gypsy Wagons & Caravans

Many years ago I acquired a marvelous book called, Gypsies Wanderers of the World by Bart McDowall and Bruce Dale . I still have it and I often look at it. The link I have provided gives you an insight into the beauty captured by the authors, and in particular the photographic art work of Bruce Dale who worked as a photographer for the National Geographic for over thirty years.

Have you ever had a dream of living as a wanderer of the world in a Gypsy Wagon? I have. I've always been enamored by the beautiful craftsmanship of these incredible beautiful creations inside and out.

The thought of having it horse drawn, a beautiful wagon to live in, greatly appeals to me, as well being a horse nut and animal lover is my cup of tea.
Here's a fellow called  " Bear " that does just this, lives and travels in  Gypsy Caravan, in the contemporary world, and living the old tradition. He explains and describes the reasons he loves the lifestyle, which makes a lot of sense to me!
As well I have a great appreciation and love for the Roma people and their culture.


Juliette of the Herbs lived with the Gypsies in the United Kingdom. She was a great animal lover and studied to be a Veterinarian, but she really learned about animals from the Gypsies.

I could live here!

                                                         

National Geographic Asks Do Animals Have an Innate Sense of Music?

Here's a confirming article from National Geographic, about the music of animals.
Personally I've never needed science to prove to me music is shared universally by all living things. First Nations people have always known this. Certain professionals in science world deem it necessary to factually demonstrate over and over to human beings that animals and the environment are directly connected.  This is a positive thing however, I wonder if science really makes the difference in changing minds. To me it's a spiritual awareness and walk, not necessarily factual reality that will change world for good, the way the Creator intended .