Welcome to Gypsy Wednesday! Every Wednesday, I strive to highlight all the juicy morsels related to travel and beyond.
A gracious reader recently donated to this website, reasoning that I am inspiring and deserve the money. I certainly won’t refuse a week’s supply of lattes. This got me thinking, who inspires you?
Dorothy Parker
Reading a Dot or Dottie poem is reason enough to rise in the morning. Indeed, she was troubled. Had tempestuous affairs and sought comfort in the bottle. But with spark and wit like that, something’s got to temper it. Her shining moment had to be when she was sacked by Vanity Fair in 1920 after her critical essays offended some corporate power-mongers. A gal who bucked the system before it was fully formed. I’m in love. Dorothy taught me the importance of being noticed for my brain, not just my bra size. Although, that’s not half bad either.
Amelia Earhart
How fitting that her first exposure to flying was in Canada at the National Exposition held in Toronto during the year 1918. Upon noticing Earhart watching from a clearing, a pilot at the exhibition dived towards her, but she remained solid, not flinching as he came closer. Something powerful was awoken. Instead of attending Smith College she undertook a number of odd jobs to save for flying lessons. This is how I feel about travel, when you focus on something that can’t be ignored, you simply must do it. Amelia had that drive when she approached her mentor, Anita “Neta” Snook and requested, “I want to fly, will you teach me?” She was remarkable for pursuing what she loved even against convention and logic.
Karen Blixen (aka Isak Dinesen)
Blixen could be accused of contributing to European colonial expansion by setting up a coffee plantation 10 miles southwest from Nairobi and employing members of the Kikuyu tribespeople as workers. Not so, for she was actually a non-conformist. She treated workers fairly, never meddled or imposed her beliefs into their culture. Her most famous work, Out of Africa recounted a determined, capable woman not afraid to learn or grow. Her poetic memior made me long for Africa, to see beyond tribal war, the dissonance and as her 1915 poem, Ex Africa hints at: “Out of Africa, always something new.”
Andrew Zimmern
A man who will consume stinky tofu, chicken uterus or slow roasted cane rat is not only inspiring, but fascinating! I’m an obsessed foodie, and Andrew takes travel cuisine a leap beyond the norm. Each show gives the viewer great background on the country he’s exploring and the dishes in question. My recent fave is when he sampled grilled tubes of organs. It was vile, disgusting, but I tip my hat because he won’t hesitate to go there. He embodies the spirit of adventure. Instead of why, how about why not? Catch the marvelous Bizarre Foods on the Travel Channel every Monday night.
Radiohead
I’m always awed by the talent of musicians, because there are so many. What makes Radiohead unique is their longevity and prolific creative voice. A band together this long has to run out of creative juice. U2 and a song about boots comes to mind. Somehow, Radiohead never runs out of anything. Their philosophy is don’t do something if it doesn’t feel right and think ahead. Much like traveling the world. When their contract with EMI was severed in 2007, they cleverly released In Rainbows as a direct download from their website with the tagline, “Pay what you want”. I bow to these rock gods.
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@ayngelina – Ah, good point. Noticed Metric is playing a show here (TO).
I’m shocked my fellow Canadians didn’t add Metric to the music list, particularly Live it Out. Listen to the lyrics and you’ll see it’s the perfect travel song.
@Trever Clark – I actually like Durian, hehe. Darn, no missed that episode. Arcade Fire, of course – Montreal band, I’m ignorant on Alex Grey, so will check him out!
Karen Blixen and Dot.. yuppers. AGREE! Inspiring women. It is a shame that Dot had mental issues though. Why does brilliance in some people have to = nutjob? No offence.
I’m with you on Radiohead and Andrew Zimmern for sure! Speaking of Bizarre Foods, did you see the episode where he eats the durian? My wife and I went straight down to the local Asian market and bought one after we saw it. It was as bad he said on the show.
Other people that inspire me: The Arcade Fire (for music), Alex Grey (a great artist), and of course, Nomadic Chick!
@lily – Your comment seriously made my day. :) Some folks see Radiohead as depressing, but they really are brilliant musicians and songwriters.
Yay Radiohead! I love everything they do, so glad you feel the same; some folks, *inexplicably* are not fans! On your recommendation I will read Dorothy Parker for the first time. And as for inspiring people, look no further Jeannie you are an inspiration to me and many others judging by the comments I see on your posts.
@Keith – That doesn’t surprise me. Somehow I think our meeting would entail some music comparison, too. You think? :)
Radiohead? Me too. :)
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