Going Coastal

Growing up, the ocean was always a big part of my life. Every summer I'd be on the coast. Running through the sand, playing in the water, soaking up the sun. There was no better escape after months of school, trapped inside of a classroom. I've never really realized it until recently, but I'm relaxed when near the water - whether that means walking along a lake in the middle of Yosemite, peering out across the bay in Portugal, or even being in the middle of a rain storm. But when I'm in it, that's when I'm the most at peace. There's just something magical about feeling weightless, floating along. Diving below the surface drowns out the rest of the world - mutes everything that isn't important. Gives you a moment to yourself, for as long as you can hold your breath. I don't think I'll ever be able to live somewhere that doesn't have access to a substantial body of water. It's just too important to me (maybe thats why half my stories are about water in one form or another).

So where am I going with this? Well, I've clearly been on a travel kick recently and I found two videos that deal with exotic places, travel, and the ocean. If you combine all three, I'm in heaven. There really isn't anything more I could ask for. So lets kick back and enjoy.

The first piece is a perfect example of a documentary. Its one of the few that I've ever seen that is truly unbiased. It's exactly what it should be. A film that just observes. It makes no judgment, presents no opinions. Just a eye that happens to be recording what it sees. I love the shot composition. Nothing too over baring or complex, but nothing boring enough that it loses your focus. The lack of music until the end also sucks you in - forcing you to listen to each little nuance in the world. It's like you're actually there with him, maintaining the lighthouse.

I'll just go ahead and add Uruguay to the list, right after Rwanda.

They Are The Last from Kauri Multimedia on Vimeo.


The second piece stood out to me for two reasons. The cinematography and how much it reminded me of the Caribbean. Not only did I spend each summer on the coast each year, I also was fortunate enough to spend at least a week in the Caribbean, island hopping. It's been some time since I've been there and I miss it. Now, I realize this piece is about Seychelles - a group of island of the East coast of Africa, but the way of life, based on this piece, seems to be very much in line with the Caribbean. The slow pacing, laid back attitude, colorful buildings, smiles on everyone's faces. As for the cinematography, I'll let it speak for itself (the water dripping onto the lens - beautiful). Sure, I could do without the semi-cheesy music, but overall this is a pretty strong piece. How could you know want to spend time in such an environment?

This alone got my wheels churnin' thinking about posting up somewhere near the equator for a while. I'm sure there are a couple dive shops out there looking for some help...

Big Little World from Paul Wex on Vimeo.