Airshow audience / Flickr photo by kbaird

Making new things old

There are new products and services available now across all sorts of areas that quite amusingly attempt to make new things old again.  Many supermarket products now carry vintage style labels and branding; people will pay exorbitant amounts of money for old ‘vintage’ clothing; one of the best selling iPhone Apps of 2010 was Hipstmatic, which turns your phone into an old style camera in order to make your new photos appear old, it claims ‘digital photography has never looked so analog’.  We’ve all been pushed forward so fast over these last ten years into a cheap, temporary, disposable, stretched existence that people are now beginning to push back and lean on the more solid and genuine articles that we left behind.

Obsessed with taking photos

A slow photography movement was recently suggested by Tim Wu in his Slate article, ‘The Slow Photography Movement – What is the point of taking pictures?‘.  I certainly agree with what Tim has expressed in his article, photography has got out of control.  Whether it’s tourists snapping indiscriminately at landmarks, point-and-shoot photographers laden with thousands of pounds worth of equipment, or parents watching their child perform in a play through a viewfinder.  We are obsessed with trying to capture moments.  It’s as if we feel that what we can immortalise on film is of higher value than any reality unfolding at that particular moment in time.

We all need to be more conscious

Taking photography seriously is not for everyone, it is a rather technical skill, and like painting it requires time and a great attention to detail.  The slow photography movement already exists amongst serious photography enthusiasts, it’s integral to the skill; just as slow travel and slow food have always existed amongst serious travellers and foodies, it’s integral to the experience.  What the proponents of all these movements are really pushing for is a population with a higher level of consciousness, where even the most disinterested individuals understand the art of living.  We have all become so buried in work, technology and the fast pace of life that we’ve lost our heads and our vision; we’re depriving ourselves.

What do you think about these slow movements? Are they niche or are more people now climbing onboard trying to return to how things used to be and get back some of what we’ve lost?

I recently blogged about “10 Major internet developments in 2010“, and smartphone photography, or rather the new opportunities it is giving rise to, is definitely one of those.  Particularly in the case of the iPhone, apps like Instagram have really contributed to the rise in popularity of the camera phone.

As the larger news outfits look to cut costs on covering local and international stories, citizen journalism and backpack journalism, look to become increasingly important. The proliferation of smartphone photography will undoubtedly lead to huge libraries of real time images shared though various apps and websites.

News source:

This video was discovered through Twitter via a retweet from @BenColclough.

RT @CailinONeil: "What Camera should I buy?" http://su.pr/1XshXS thanks to @spudhilton @ibackpackcanada @candicewalsh @eloren

December 13, 2010 12:03 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@MarksTravels

Mark Sukhija

As such, it’s easier for us to build buildings than invest time in people through things like trainings & education programs.

If we fund a building, we can see it and touch it and know that our money went where we had intended it to go.

But, what are we missing when we invest only in things we can put our name on?

We are missing out on investing in real change.

The changes we say that we want to see in the world—in health, education, the environment, and in all of the social ills plaguing our schools, families, and our planet—cannot be fixed by investing in things. More schools, more bednets, more health centers, more books, and more school uniforms are not going to solve these problems, no matter how many we give away.

We can’t emblazon our name on a person’s forehead the way we can on a hospital building: Funded by the Smith Family. Investing in people isn’t as rewarding in the short term – you don’t see a space turn from empty to full, a building go up brick by brick, or books lining shelves. But, as we fill people with knowledge and skills, connect them to the ideas and resources they need to make the changes they want to see in the world, and create opportunities that didn’t exist before, we start to fill the real voids we have in the world: people with the skills and passion to go out and make the changes they believe in.

Continue reading this article on Lessons I Learned.

The workshop will be facilitated by Len Cordiner, founder and CEO of WHL Group, and will shed light on the needs, procedure and expected outcomes of an SME audit. WHL Group was originally a pilot project of the IFC, and since then spun off to a private company in 2006, operating in more than 100 countries and assisting more than 8,000 SMEs sell in the global market. With his experience, Mr. Cordiner will use his knowledge of small local accommodations and tour operators to interpret the need of the Internet and other tools to further succeed in a global market.

Bayside Resort, Fiji / Photo by whl.travel

The second phase encompasses a complete audit of an accommodation including a site visit to determine the market readiness of the establishment. The audit will consist of an assessment of the property’s physical condition as well as factors including legal status, quality of customer service and cleanliness and communications.

The third and final phase is the implementation of the results from the SME audit. This will involve professional photographers and copywriters to implement the construction of new websites with the goal to prepare each accommodation to accept and successfully fulfill bookings from international travelers.

The workshop will take place in the boardroom of the Ministry of Tourism, 3rd floor of the Civic Tower, Suva, Fiji.

Date: October 19, 2010

Time: 9am to 1pm

This article was originally posted on GeoSavvy Development’s website.

The expectation was that one or two of the pousada owners would be willing to go on camera and talk about the TDB. As a complete surprise, every local entrepreneur approached about the video wanted to express their interest in the innovative new payment mechanism. The following is the video that WHL Consulting has loaded into their entry for the G-20 SME Competition.

(English captions available on video)

This video was originally published on the GeoSavvy Development web site.

tui tuesdays. the best of days / photo by Ben Keene

The tribe I met this month…

Super yacht engineer Paul and medic Becca met on Vorovoro during the first week of the the project in 2006. They returned this month as if they’d never left, slept in a hammock by the high tide, and took part in village duties and fixed Poasa’s wind turbine.

Home cinema installer Ian was on his round the world ticket when Vorovoro got in the way. He stopped for a week, then two, became a chief, and helped the tribe & Tui Mali fix their antenna’s.

US study abroad students Jason, Amy & Ashley were taking a couple of weeks away from their studies in Australia when they came to the island. Ashley laughed a lot, Amy fell in the pig pen and Jason told everyone Vorovoro was his new favourite place in the world.

Qualified diving instructor, Dan and TEFL teacher, Steff plan to return and use their skills to volunteer in the nearby village of Ligau Levu soon.

Fred was a peace corp volunteer in Fiji in 1981 – when he married a local Indian lady. He returns every decade to explore a different part of the country. After spending time on Vorovoro he plans to settle permanently with his extended family in Fiji.

Mirel, when explaining to Tui Mali that he was from Israel, was asked by the chief if he flew helicopters. ‘No, logistics’ was the answer – followed by huge laughter all round the grog matt. Must be something in the water…

School-leaver Jade’s two weeks on Vorovoro turned into two months during which time she would draw crowds from the local villages as she sang ‘Isa Lewa’ in perfect harmony with island voices.

Camilla a software marketeer from Norway, Stacey an admin manager from the UK, Simon who talked a lot of rugby with the boys & Kim who mended the hammocks and Jim a Save the Children worker and his son Joe from Australia were some of the other tribe members I was fortunate to meet on this visit. Like many of them, I didn’t want to leave.

all the island ladies... / Photo by Ben Keene

The tribe I re-connected with…

More permanently you might recall – Poasa, Francis and extended family, boat captains Api & Jone, Kitchen queens Kini, Wati, & Skipper, & the team Fiji core – Nemani (who managed to collect over 100 plastic bottles spewed up by Labasa river in 45 minutes for an eco-scavanger hunt), Liavi (talanoa teller and garden nurturer with love for sale), a chap we call Pupu Epeli who lead brilliant workshops on island medicines and coconut jewelry making, & our current ‘wavu’ Ropate charging the four peaks and forever setting up and packing down grog sessions on the beach, in the bure, or under the stars…

Tui Mali – Vorovoro’s father figure, landowner, host extraordinaire and chief was as good as form as I’ve seen him in the last few years; the band from Ligau Levu village always seemed to turn up when the tanoa was full; the recent cup winning Mali Sharks who if you close your eyes sound more like a gaggle of teenage girls than a rugby team helped clear Tanoa Park; the women’s groups of Mali who make crafts for the visiting tribe members; the primary school who we were able to donate $600 this month from Kaz’s ongoing Zaishu project; and our friends from Govinda’s internet in Labasa who delivered the ultimate indian take out to the beach last Sunday.

Perhaps the biggest shock of the month for me was seeing a man getting off the boat at sunset on sevusevu day in the shape of Ratu Tevita. Having travelled from Nadi especially to see us all it was fantastic to welcome Te back with a large bilo of grog and a meke he had taught us.

Then there is the Cahill clan from Indiana who have been with us for a year now and lead the project so brilliantly: Mama Jenny’s good omens, Papa Jimmy’s ‘dam truth‘, Lucas’s beach pad, Bethany’s bright island fashion & little Ollie’s dominant fishing are some of the reasons that make this blond-haired-five-some an all round inspiration to many that meet them.

The tribe I need now…

For this life and community, our ‘bul’oqo’ – it’s positive local and global impact as well as the laughter and adventure – to continue and grow in Fiji we need support and new partnerships. Economically it’s been a tough year. So we are now looking to you more than ever to send yourselves, your friends, families, student groups, social networks and companies to our shared island home in the sunshine for adventure, inspiration and changemaking. Do it!

And for the first time there is now also the opportunity to play an even bigger part in the project. Ulai and I have some exciting options to become partners in Tribewanted Fiji for the next 10 years. So if the idea of Vorovoro connects with you – contact me today.

Vina’a va’alevu. Talo!

pics from island time in June

“A major sporting event creates a large influx of tourism to the host destination. What are the implications and benefits of that influx of travellers to a destination like South Africa?”

The two runners-up will both see their articles published in various places online and second place will also receive offer of an internship with WHL Consulting.  The winner will also receive these two prizes but will also be given 7-nights at one of two lodges in South Africa – the choice is yours.

Lodge 1 – Seaforth Country Lodge

Located in the beautiful Drakensberg area of South Africa, a few of hours from Durban.  Can you see yourself eating breakfast here before an afternoon of spa treatments?  The famous Sani Pass is only minutes away, making a day trip into Lesotho a must.  The region is well known for its incredible scenery, nature and walking trails. Win a stay at Seaforth Country Lodge.

Seaforth Country Lodge Breakfast Table / Photo by Jan Vrsinsky

Lodge 2 – Chestnut Country Lodge

Located near Hazyview, 30-minutes drive from the gates of Kruger National Park.  Can you see yourself eating dinner here after a long day spent spotting game in one of the world’s best known safari parks.  Win a stay here at Chestnut Country Lodge.

Chestnut Country Lodge Dinner Table / Photo by Jan Vrsinsky

For more information on the competition visit The Backdoor page, and to submit your entry use our online form to either copy and paste your article or upload a file (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt, .pages).  The judges for this competition will be announced shortly.

Further information:

• Destination Focus page
• Why have we added accommodation to the site?

Photo by Andy Carver

They’ve already been out and about on our roads in preparation. In May the car made a couple of laps around the M25, on a single charge – a distance of 400km – and still had 14% left in the tank. The team are meeting at 10am today at the London Eye to drive the car across to Paris, again on just one charge.

“Electric vehicles have the potential to realise a sustainable transport future, without depleting valuable resources for future generations. The RGE project aims to demonstrate this while pushing the boundaries of EV technology.”

Well known cameraman, Claudio Von Planta, who filmed much of the BBC Long Way Down and By Any Means Series is documenting the project. The mission is to get people interested in electric vehicles and engage a new generation of scientists and engineers through their outreach program.

The team designed, integrated and installed the different components into the electric super car, which can accelerate from zero to 100 km in seven seconds, reaching a top speed of 200 km per hour. The car has an average running cost of one penny per mile and a range of approximately 400 kilometres before the battery needs recharging. Charging the battery takes approximately six hours.

Source: This article was first published on GeoSavvy Development

Permaculture way of life

Aerial view of Strawberry Fields / photo by Alex McCausland

With the first working demonstration site in Ethiopia, Strawberry Fields Eco Lodge prides itself in its capabilities to teach guests how to plant their own fruits and veggies, take care of the land and live a natural life. Permaculture is an approach to designing a village and agriculture system that simulates the relationships found in natural ecologies¹.  All the fruits and veggies harvested at the permaculture garden are used in Strawberry Fields’ on-site organic restaurant. What started  in 2007 as a 2.2Ha plot of land known to the locals as a “lokollota”, or dead soil, this site is now an oasis to not only strawberries, but also a cultivating ground for visitors to grow papaya, mulberry, wanza, mango, beans, chick pea and sweet potato, just to name a few.

Currently, Strawberry Fields Eco Lodge is working with three schools to maintain their own permaculture farm. Mr. Tichafa Makovere from Zimbabwe was once a leading activist for initiatives like ReSCOPE (The Regional Schools and Colleges Permaculture Programme). Now, Mr. Makovere is the lead trainer and consultant for the project led by Strawberry Fields.

Organic restaurant

Permaculture farm entrance / photo by Alex McCausland

Once you’re tuckered out from planting your tazmir (Mexican apple) for the day, regain your energy at the organic restaurant. Better yet, you’ll enjoy foods coming straight from the permaculture farm itself. From fresh soups, salads, or just your ol’ burger and chips, the on-site organic restaurant is there to please you. You can even pick your own veggies going into your dish!

Don’t forget about the local dancing either. For a small fee, Strawberry Fields can arrange your very own Konso Cultural Dancing and Music night. With no limit on the size of a group, take the entire family!

Eco Lodge

Strawberry Fields lives up to its expectations for being an eco-lodge. With solar powered buildings, solar showers and composting toilets, your

responsible travels go a long way. Live like a local king or queen in a “tikka”, a thickly thatched wooden circular hut. The walls are clay, perfect for insulation from the daytime heat. Neatly furnished with a bed, bedside table, chairs and washbasin, each furnished aspect has been built by the hands of local people, adding a touch only obtainable by the traditions set forth in Ethiopia.

Trek Ethiopia for up to 12 days

The eco trails supported by Strawberry Fields is with the full intention of supporting the local economy and community. Along the way you will encounter true Konso culture whilst interacting with the community. Itineraries range from 3-day excursions to up to 12-day adventures, each day experiencing a different aspect and sight of Ethiopia.

Getting There

Want to feel prepared before you go to a land unknown? The website for Strawberry Fields Eco-lodge has taken great time to provide you with enough local knowledge to be a guide yourself.

The fee for a short stay volunteer is $50 USD per week, while for longer stay volunteers the stay is only $30 USD per week. The only extra cost to you is your transport! Arrive by plane to Arbaminch, about 85km from Konso. From there, Strawberry Fields can arrange your transportation to the lodge.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permaculture