Chasing Cover Drive

Cover Drive is back! They didn't actually go anywhere but they started doing a weekly YouTube show called Chasing Cover Drive. It's basically a reality tv show that follows the band around while they are on tour, getting into hilarious misadventures.

Amanda, Bar-man, T-Ray and Jamar are working their way through the music industry and we get to be a part of their journey. What's special about their story is that it feels completely organic. Their fans love them and they love their fans. There is real passion here, and that translates into a level of authenticity that is delightful. Plus, it helps that Amanda, throws shade like nobody's business and the guys take real pleasure in torturing her poor soul.

If you haven't already seen an episode, I demand that you stop what you are doing and immediately start watching from the beginning. Chasing Cover Drive is more entertaining than half of the reality tv out there and the music is better than the other half. 

If you want to check out the first article I did on this talented Bajan band, check it out here. Then leave a comment below of the funniest moments in the show. 

Hitch The World: The Chronicles of Patrick Joseph Falterman II

A friend of mine posted a comic strip by Things in Squares on my Facebook page which had a lot of insightful things to say about travel. It was the story of Patrick Joseph Falterman. Basically, there was this dude, living in Texas and he wanted to see the Amazon. So, he did.

It may not seem like a lot, but taking that leap can be a pretty horrifying experience. Luckily, this gentleman's journey was epic. On his site, hitchtheworld.com, you can find archives of his travels. Reading through them, he articulates things that I've felt, but have never been able to put into words. He perfectly expresses the need to get away and writes about all the hits and misses that come with that need. Something, which I find incredibly difficult to explain to people, especially if they've never felt it. For some, travel isn't just a thing you do because you have vacation time. For some, its a thing that lives inside, that can make you miserable if you don't listen to it, but can also bring you more joy than you ever expected.

I never got a chance to meet Patrick but I'd like to think that if we met on the road, we'd hang out for a couple of weeks. Reading about his trips, reminded me that while this may not be 'normal' there are other people out there doing the same thing. Some in way more extreme circumstances. Not everyone may be a nomad, but everyone should have the zest for life this guy did. 

Please check out Patricks website, hitchtheworld.com. There's loads of great travel stories and advice that would be a shame to go to waste.

Working On Your Blog While Traveling

Traveling should be about being in the moment. Experiencing things wholeheartedly so that you are able to maximize the journey you are on. But how do you balance that with work? I've found that when I'm traveling although I'm inspired, the last thing I want to do is work. My reasoning is, I should be able to work because I have free time. I should be able to give the blog the attention I can't while I'm working a regular job. However, working kills the adventure.

The problem I'm facing, which I know most people struggle with is, that elusive work and life balance. How do you get the rest you need while still being productive in a meaningful way? Thinking about it, it's a catch-22. Writing about the amazing experiences I'm having, stops me f
rom fully experiencing them. It takes you out of the experience itself and forces you to see it as a marketable commodity.

The reality is blogging is hard work. Any job is hard work, especially if you are trying to be good at it (even more so if you aren't being paid). It requires a lot of time and effort which are limited when you are only in a location for a couple of days. It takes a lot of time sitting down and writing a post and believe it takes even more effort to force yourself out of a comfy bed after a long night out to open your computer and stare at the screen begging for words, photos and videos to materialize. Personally, this blog came out of a need to use my travel experiences and thoughts. I've done some things and I needed to share them even if it is just being launched into cyber space without a paddle.

I think the moral of this story is; work is hard, travel is great and balancing the two is damn near impossible. But if this is the path that you have decided to take, its also necessary. So have fun when there is fun to be had and try to make the best of those necessary lulls in action, like an eight hour flight to China. What do you think? Have any tips on how to blog while you traveling?

The Greatest Reward And Luxury Of Travel...