Hampi, India, is best known for being the site of scores of ancient temples that are set among a surreal landscape of boulder-strewn hills. Its a popular place to hang out on the backpacker trail. Somehow, every roaming musician seems to end up at the same place in Hampi: The Tipi. Incredible jam sessions take place on a nightly basis at this gathering spot. While staying at the Tipi I had the good fortune to meet Rafael, a young French guitarist who shared my love of Django Reinhardt and Gypsy Jazz. This is a little clip of us playing the jazz standard "Minor Swing" by Django himself!
Singing on the Roof
Is there a better place to strum a carefree song than on the rooftop of a Nepali bus? Tired of being stuffed inside cramped coaches, a fellow traveler and I decided to ride out the final leg of our journey to Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha, on the roof rack. I took out my trusty guitar to commemorate the auspicious occasion. Here's a little bit of Jason Mraz' "I'm Yours", played off the cuff!
Bat Cave of Battambang
Every night shortly before sunset, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolds at a cave in western Cambodia. Over a million bats initiate a symphony of high-pitched shrieking in anticipation for the night's feast. Quick as a flash, they come streaming out of the large opening of their cavern dwelling, and do not stop their procession for over an hour. Locals bring their children to witness the event. Everyone stares up in awe. I motorbiked over here with some other backpackers and we joined in with the gawking crowds. Too bad none of us remembered to bring a Batman costume. Well, there's always next time...
Street Crossing: Hanoi Edition
This is how you cross the street in Vietnam. If you ever want to get anywhere by foot, you will quickly learn how to do this too. And I thought crossing the street in Syria was an experience!
A Kick in the Longyi
No, it's not hacky sack; it's Chinlone. No visitor to Burma can go long before observing a group of men enjoying a round of the country's national sport. The game is especially popular at sunset, which is when I captured this video in the historic town of Pyay. The sumptuous view from Pyay's Shwesendaw Pagoda was just to good to keep for myself. So, enjoy the clip, grab yourself a ball, and start warming up those feet. You'll need plenty of practice if you hope to keep up with the Burmese!
The Art of Aleppo Street Crossing
Aleppo Street Crossing from Adam S on Vimeo.
An instructional video for crossing busy streets in Aleppo, Syria. Frogger, eat your heart out. Special thanks to Richard for putting his life on the line.
Jamming in Olimpos
Sometimes amazing things happen when I break out my guitar on the road. Like catching the ear of one of Turkey's outstanding flamenco guitarists, Murat Koseler...who just so happened to be staying at my hostel in Olimpos, Turkey. Thanks to Stoo for uploading the video!
A Call to Prayer in Edirne
Observed from the courtyard of the Üç Şerefeli Mosque in Edirne, Turkey.
The City That Will Take Your Breath Away. Literally.
I´m currently holed up in the highest capital city in the world: La Paz, Bolivia. While I recover from altitude sickness, I´d like to show you the view from my hotel.
Altitude of La Paz: 12,008 feet
Room in Downtown Two Star Hotel: 15 dollars
View from Hotel Terrace: Priceless.
Altitude of La Paz: 12,008 feet
Room in Downtown Two Star Hotel: 15 dollars
View from Hotel Terrace: Priceless.