trourist

We wish to share with all of you those small jewels found in video format on Vimeo. For over a year now, we’ve been registered with a couple of travel groups (Travel the world; World, travel and people) where people share spectacular and inspirational videos. Thanks to the subtlety practiced by the people who’ve realized these videos, we’ve been able to take a tele-journey and experience the grandiosity of Berlin and the beauty of Old Havana. Sometimes one doesn’t need to leave home in order to travel.

A masterpiece which perfectly conveys the essence of Berlin.

Little Big Berlin from pilpop on Vimeo.

A trip which will allows us to partake in those experiences lived by Ivan Vania in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

A journey through asia from ivan vania on Vimeo.

An intimate video of day-to-day life in Old Havana

Habana Vieja from Van Royko on Vimeo.

Trourist is present in Vimeo too. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and share your travel videos.

Do any of you know or have you ever visited the Principality of Hutt-River, in the Copeman Empire and the Melziquedek Dominion? What?

Though we like to think that many of our readers are also avid travelers, if truth be told most of you probably haven’t heard of the above now, have you? Why? Well, cos we’re speaking about micro-nations, as in tiny and miniscule, the kinds of destinations that only show up on the oddest, outlandish maps.

These micro-nations are diminiutive entities which have proclaimed themselves independent, soveriegn states … unfortunately, they possess no legal foundation. Those who create micro-nations do so for different reasons, among which are: publicity stunts, artistic expressions, political protests … the list goes on. What really fascinates me though are those micro-nations which are created for the personal amusement of an eccentric personality who appoints himself king and metes out nobility titles and creates his own symbology. You’ll have to admit, it is kind of funny.

Two of the most well-known micro-nations are:

Principality of Hutt-River: in 1970, a farmer from western Australia fed up with his government back home took advantage of an obscure law dating back to the 15th century and declared himself “free” and became Prince Leonard I. He currently makes a living off tourists selling souvenirs.

Sealand: a naval platform built during World War II by the Royal Navy. Said platform was taken over on 2 September 1967 by Paddy Roy Bates who named himself “His Royal Highness Prince King of Sealand”. Despite its small size (550 square meters), Sealand is one of the best known micro-nations, thanks to ongoing disputes with Great Britain, which on several occasions tried to claim the platform on the grounds that it resided within its territorial waters.

If you’re fed up with your country and wish to emigrate to one of these far-out destinations, following is a list of micro-nations, sure to satisfy all tastes and persuasions. If, in turn, you wish to head up your own personal enclave, there’s also information available on how to do that. Whatever your decision, good luck! ; )

Cahersiveen and its surroundings are among the most scenic sites in all Ireland. This small Irish village, located along the route of The Ring of Kerry, is renowned for the hospitality of its inhabitants and the cozy pubs they frequent.

During the two summers I spent there, I was left agog with the wondrous landscapes this area has to offer. Fifteen kilometers from the village one can find deserted beaches, historic ruins, breathtaking palisades and mountains with spectacular views of the entire Iveragh Peninsula and deserted islands whose waters will astound you for their icy temperatures and crystal clarity.

I lived memorable experiences there. Unfailingly, I enjoyed Derrynane National Partk or whenever we embarked on an excursion along the cliffs. These day-trips invariably culminated in a dip at one of the above-cited deserted beaches, the most spectacular being Finian’s Bay, Balinaskelligs, the beach at Derrynane National Park and Glanleam, a tiny cove with a tropical touch.

Another experience worth living is a visit to Ballycarbery Castle and the Cahergal ring-shaped fort. Both of these sites, a mere 15-minute stroll from the village of Cahersiveen evoke the history of this country and the mysticism of this land.

Another suggestion I overwhelmingly endorse is stopping to knock back a robust beer or two –if it’s a Guiness, all the better– at one of the pubs frequented by locals. During the summer season, on any given night, you will find locals getting together at these pubs to sing Irish folk songs to the rhythm of a bodhran, harp or violin. My favorite pubs are: Mike Murts and The Ancher.

If fine dining is your thing, I recommend The Point at Reenard Point, where you can also catch a ferry to Valentia Island. My favorite dish as I recall was one which offered a variety of fish and fresh seafood. Thanks to the good relationship that the restaurant’s owners have with Spanish fishermen who fish in local waters, you can also find some exquisite wines here from La Rioja.

Lastly, what is undeniable a must-do is a day trip to Valentia Island. You can rent a bike in Cahersiveen and pedal your way to the ferry just 20 minutes away. Circling the island is done relatively quickly, but the best part will be the verdant countrysides and wonders of nature you will encounter along the way. One hour from Knightstown by bike is Fogher Cliffs. The view from here, looking out to sea and southwest Kerry will leave you speechless. If you’re continuing by bike, I advise you to stop and get re-fueled at The Lighthouse Café that opens only during the summer season. Ten minutes away, you’ll come across the Glanleam beach, by far one of my favorites because of the intimacy of its atmosphere and the tropical feel one experiences from the abundant flora.

So, without question, if you’re travelling to Ireland, you can’t miss this part of the route along The Ring of Kerry, one of the most scenic sites you will ever visit.

Ballinskelligs Bay. Photo by Willi Morali

Tokitan.tv is a new adventure launched by Haritz Rodriguez. Vís a vís his video blog, he aims to touch base with the traveller all of us carry within and have them live experiences and adventures that are do-able by just about anybody. His travelling philosophy can best be summarized by the following slogan: “BIG adventures for small travellers“. Since a video is worth MORE than a thousand words, we’ve decided to share with you this trailer:

On Tokitan.tv, you and others will be able to watch videos of Haritz’s trips and excursions sailing across the Greek isles, surfing in Lapurdi, trekking through the Pyrenees or listening to the sound of deers bellowing in Soria. These videos deliver fun, originality and spontaneity and last about five minutes, not to mention that they are also informative and a cool way to learn new things.

We’ve known Haritz personally since we started developing Trourist and, if truth be told, we must admit that our working philosophies are very similar.

We wish you all lots of luck with this new adventure and hope you enjoy these videos on an ongoing basis.