Tyler MacNiven is practically an inspiration to all travelers... He traveled by foot from the most southern-most tip to the northern-most tip of Japan! This was quite a journey of his, as he walked the entire length of the country in 145 days! There were three reasons for this unbelievable trip... First, when he went to Japan a couple years before, he fell in love with the country and decided he needed to go back and visit again. Second, he had high hopes of impressing a girl, Ayumi Meegan, whose parents recorded the longest unbroken walk in history. And lastly, it was on this trip that he became known as Kintaro, which means "Golden Boy" in japanese, mostly because of his blond hair. He had made a wise choice of embarking on this journey, and even though he had some hard times along the way and many unexpected things, he walked the entire length of the nation with courage and determination. He never gave up! That's what is so fascinating about Tyler MacNiven... He knew from the very beginning that this was going to be a hard task and goal to accomplish; however, he went through with it, developing a totally different view towards travel and its capability of seeing things you might've never seen before. Because of this journey, he had made a documentary video, "Kintaro Walks Japan", about his adventures... He is truly a person to look up to and is a great role model for many travelers worldwide!
1. What is the most important thing you can take away from Tyler's approach to travel?
I personally think that one of the most important things you can take away from Tyler's view upon travel is that you shouldn't be afraid to accept a new challenge when embarking on a new journey! Travel is most definitely a way to accept new ideas and the surroundings around you. Wherever you go, if you have the opportunity to put yourself "into the moment", you'll definitely get that muvch more out of it for sure! I think traveling is way to take advantage of the trip. By being fearless and taking risks, you can definitely get the most out of a trip!
2. How do you think Tyler's approach to travel relates to his normal everyday life?
Tyler MacNiven seems to come off as a very outgoing, fearless, and very social person! He is willing to put himself out there and do pretty much anything and everything that comes his way, and that is definitely how his everyday life relates to his travels. His travels are full of determination and goals, seeing it all in a very openminded viewpoint. Everyone changes because of travels and come out of their comfort zone or even develop a totally different viewpoint upon the world, yet somehow, Tyler seems to stay the same, showing his personlaity not only through his travels, but also in his everyday life!
3. What is a quote that stands out to you from either of Tyler's videos? And how can you apply that quote to our upcoming travels or your life in general?
One of the many things Tyler says upon his adventure, one quote seems to stick with me: "When you are traveling in a vehicle, you are going through the scenery. When you are walking, you are a part of the scenery." I absolutely love this quote, as it explains the entire essence and atmosphere of traveling! In my opinion, it truly is hard to experience and completely indulge a trip when you're constantly using public transportation to get places. It's way too easy to get caught up in public transportation.... Yes, it may be the easiest way out when you don't want to get up and do anything, but then again, why are you on this trip? When you travel, the best way to gain experience and develop memories, is to truly become part of the scenery... Walking on foot gives you time to reflect, and it is truly a great, natural, healthy way of travel. On the trip this summer, I expect lots and lots of walking, and I'm totally fine with that! It gives me a chance to live in the moment, as you never really know when the next time you'll be here will be...
4. What do you think Tyler's advice to you on our upcoming trip would be?
I think that Tyler's advice towards our upcoming trip is to truly love in the moment and take advantage of anything and everything in front of you! Looking over even the most simplest things shouldn't be on our agenda... We need to be openminded and indulge every single little second of our trip! We need to be fearless and just let loose and have fun, all while exploring the new culture around us, whether it's interacting with the locals or trying new food. This trip is all about taking new chances and challenges, as it's the only real way to put yourself in the midst of the moment!
5. What are you most excited to ask Tyler about during our interview?
One thing I really want to ask Tyler about is what were his emotions at the very beginning of his trip compared to the feelings he had at the very end! With everything that he went through during his experience, I'm sure that something must've changed about himself and who he is in the world. Everyone finds themselves on a journey, and I'd really like to know what those emotions describe about him...
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Beowulf
Using what I know about the story, having read it, and an online source, Beowulf, a hero of the Geats in Scandinavia, comes to the help of Hroogar, the king of the Danes, whose Mead Hall (Heorot) has been under attack by a being known as Grendel. After Beowulf slays him, Grendel's mother attacks the hall and is then also defeated. Victorious, Beowulf goes home to Geatland in Sweden and later becomes king of the Geats. After a period of fifty years has passed, Beowulf defeats a dragon, but is fatally wounded in the battle. After his death, his attendants bury him in a tumulus, a burial mound, in Geatland.
This poem and story provides the basic foundation of the common theme- good versus evil. This theme is widely used in many popular works of literature; however, it's also seen in real-life situations, as well as the media. Everyone has heard of the famous superheroes, among them being Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor... the list could go on forever and ever! Each superhero has a story, a plot, in which he has to fight against the evil forces and create stability for peace and good. When "the battle was over[,] Beowulf had been granted a new glory: Grendel escaped", which reflects the constant battles between the superheroes and the supervillains we know today (818-820). Beowulf was most likely the very first foundation of all of these stories, comic books, and movies... This theme correlates with the media very well, a theme that is greatly represented and vivid in Beowulf.
Beowulf is also well represented in many real-life situations, such as in school. In everyone's life, there is a bully that constantly tries to tear down your confidence, making themselves feel better as they do it. Whichever way they do it, whether it's physical or verbal, it hurts the other person. In Beuwolf, Unferth constantly talks negatively about Beowuf, trying to ruin his confidence of being a hero-like character: "You've been lucky in your battles, Beowulf, but I think your luck may change if you challenge Grendel..." (526-529). Unferth tries his best to ruin Beowulf's reputation and self-confidence; however, the good always wins, and therefore, Beowulf puts Unferth's comments aside and does what he thinks is best. This idea can be visualized with bullying in today's world. Unless you don't stand up for yourself and don't say what you believe in, you will always win against the bully and prove them wrong!
Lastly, another major theme is chivalry and heroics, having pride in one's country and being considered a true hero. In Beowulf, Beowulf is considered to be a brave man within his character. e says, "My purpose was this: to win the goodwill of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel's fierce grip. Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death" (634-638). Beowulf was truly a great character and had a lot of bravery and honor, a hero to all the people of Herot. He was willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of his people, for the benefit of the country, proving that he'd rather die in battle with Grendel than to live a complete coward and full of embarassment. This theme and idea correlates to well-known movies today, such as Braveheart and Patriot, which show pride in one'se country and the power to be a hero to all.
As you can see, Beowulf is a story that can be related to today's world, especially media. Whatever connection you may make, it will definitely lead you back to the roots and foundation of Beowulf and its themes.
This poem and story provides the basic foundation of the common theme- good versus evil. This theme is widely used in many popular works of literature; however, it's also seen in real-life situations, as well as the media. Everyone has heard of the famous superheroes, among them being Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor... the list could go on forever and ever! Each superhero has a story, a plot, in which he has to fight against the evil forces and create stability for peace and good. When "the battle was over[,] Beowulf had been granted a new glory: Grendel escaped", which reflects the constant battles between the superheroes and the supervillains we know today (818-820). Beowulf was most likely the very first foundation of all of these stories, comic books, and movies... This theme correlates with the media very well, a theme that is greatly represented and vivid in Beowulf.
Beowulf is also well represented in many real-life situations, such as in school. In everyone's life, there is a bully that constantly tries to tear down your confidence, making themselves feel better as they do it. Whichever way they do it, whether it's physical or verbal, it hurts the other person. In Beuwolf, Unferth constantly talks negatively about Beowuf, trying to ruin his confidence of being a hero-like character: "You've been lucky in your battles, Beowulf, but I think your luck may change if you challenge Grendel..." (526-529). Unferth tries his best to ruin Beowulf's reputation and self-confidence; however, the good always wins, and therefore, Beowulf puts Unferth's comments aside and does what he thinks is best. This idea can be visualized with bullying in today's world. Unless you don't stand up for yourself and don't say what you believe in, you will always win against the bully and prove them wrong!
Lastly, another major theme is chivalry and heroics, having pride in one's country and being considered a true hero. In Beowulf, Beowulf is considered to be a brave man within his character. e says, "My purpose was this: to win the goodwill of your people or die in battle, pressed in Grendel's fierce grip. Let me live in greatness and courage, or here in this hall welcome my death" (634-638). Beowulf was truly a great character and had a lot of bravery and honor, a hero to all the people of Herot. He was willing to sacrifice himself for the benefit of his people, for the benefit of the country, proving that he'd rather die in battle with Grendel than to live a complete coward and full of embarassment. This theme and idea correlates to well-known movies today, such as Braveheart and Patriot, which show pride in one'se country and the power to be a hero to all.
As you can see, Beowulf is a story that can be related to today's world, especially media. Whatever connection you may make, it will definitely lead you back to the roots and foundation of Beowulf and its themes.
Boasting like Beowulf
My name is Kasia and ballroom dancing is my passion,
These professional shoes and dresses are definitely my fashion.
I live, I breathe, I dream of a ballroom,
I can't stop moving, I'm like a flower in full bloom.
My rhythm, my steps, make you go crazy!
Look at you, you're such a lazy daisy.
Now, you see, this is 'cause I'm so good.
You say you can dance better than me?
Not even close... You wish you could!
You can't chacha, samba, or jive your way through,
Hey! You can't even waltz or quickstep without a helping crew!
You lost the counts, you messed up your steps,
How are you gonna get back up looking like that?
You have to step to the right, take a step a back,
Replace your foot, go to the left,
Pick up your knee, kick to the front,
Pick up your arms, stand tall, and look pretty,
Are you already getting a bit sweaty?
One more time and then it'll slide...
Don't forget to move those hips from side to side!
I'm on Dancing with the Stars, you better believe me,
I'm one of the best, you gotta agree!
I win first everytime, medals and trophies,
I beat each and every dancer with these skills of mine
All with the snap of my fingers!
I give it my all and that's for sure,
What do you say? I definitely do? That's right!
When I dance, I dance from my heart and soul,
I bet I beat the groovy times of rock-and-roll!
I'll help you with your feet, those of a "prancer",
I can do all that, I'll teach you my thing,
I'm Kasia, and that's cause I'm a ballroom dancer!
Word. :P
These professional shoes and dresses are definitely my fashion.
I live, I breathe, I dream of a ballroom,
I can't stop moving, I'm like a flower in full bloom.
My rhythm, my steps, make you go crazy!
Look at you, you're such a lazy daisy.
Now, you see, this is 'cause I'm so good.
You say you can dance better than me?
Not even close... You wish you could!
You can't chacha, samba, or jive your way through,
Hey! You can't even waltz or quickstep without a helping crew!
You lost the counts, you messed up your steps,
How are you gonna get back up looking like that?
You have to step to the right, take a step a back,
Replace your foot, go to the left,
Pick up your knee, kick to the front,
Pick up your arms, stand tall, and look pretty,
Are you already getting a bit sweaty?
One more time and then it'll slide...
Don't forget to move those hips from side to side!
I'm on Dancing with the Stars, you better believe me,
I'm one of the best, you gotta agree!
I win first everytime, medals and trophies,
I beat each and every dancer with these skills of mine
All with the snap of my fingers!
I give it my all and that's for sure,
What do you say? I definitely do? That's right!
When I dance, I dance from my heart and soul,
I bet I beat the groovy times of rock-and-roll!
I'll help you with your feet, those of a "prancer",
I can do all that, I'll teach you my thing,
I'm Kasia, and that's cause I'm a ballroom dancer!
Word. :P
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