In many ways, living on the east side of the Big Island was like living in a strange dream. Synchronicities and odd coincidences happened almost every day. Today’s video is a glimpse into that world.

I hitchhiked a lot when I lived on Hawai’i, but my favorite trips were when I could ride on the back of a truck. With nothing between me and the forest, I felt like I was gliding just below the canopy of Albizia and Ohia Trees, and in those days I would often play Washed Out, the band featured in this video.

It’s a challenge to capture that feeling, but the atmosphere of this short video should point you in the right direction.

Soundtrack

“It All Feels Right” by Washed Out.

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Today’s video was just TOO cute not to publish, especially the first 10 seconds.

Just outside of Island Naturals Market there’s a prime place to find birds scavenging, but on one particular day, I noticed a small house sparrow with a broken leg that seemed braver than the others. It got closer than many of them would dare. At the time, I called it a 1-leg bird, but really, it did have 2 legs.

It’s birds like this that inspire me to create quirky characters like the Jagrul bird… Anyway, enjoy this 42-second clip! This house sparrow is pretty adorable.

Transcription

Me: Hey, little guy! I will call you, 1-legged Jim.
Woman: He’ll come back. He’ll chew that, and then he’ll come back for that little chunk.
Me: Cute. He’ll come back.
Woman: How long have you lived on the Big Island?
Me: Over a year.
*chirp*
Me: Oh, and now he gets all camera shy. So close. So close to the sandwich before. You’ll be back! He’ll be back.

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There’s more where that came from! Be sure to check out the wealth of travel videos in the Travel Video category.

Frankly, I’ve been looking forward to posting today’s video for WEEKS.

But, being slightly obsessed with chronology as I am, I’ve endeavored to publish these Hawaii vidz in the order they were shot, and as I’ve gone through the June 2014 archive, I am reminded at just how remarkably eventful and fun that summer was for me…

Anyway, today’s video is a real performance by my radical friend Lamar. If you’re a Rocky Horror Picture Show fan like I am, I suspect you’ll recognize the song. (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this video?) More to come.

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There’s more where that came from! Be sure to check out the wealth of travel videos in the Travel Video category.

Today’s video is probably the most violent thing I’ve ever posted.

Thankfully, it’s just bird-on-bird violence, and for all I know, it might even be a mating ritual. I’m posting it today because there’s just something about this video that I find hypnotizing. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I feel compelled to share it with you.

I mean, how often do you walk to the store, only to find at least a half-dozen birds fighting to their possible death? Plus, Myna birds are invasive to Hawaiʻi.

Anyway, enjoy this 58-second clip of the bird fight!

Transcription

Woman: Don’t let them fight.
Me: They’ve been doing it forever.
Woman: Don’t let them fight, and kill the other one.
Me: It is their nature.
Woman: Huh?
Me: It is their nature.
Woman: I know, but let them fly away.
Me: They’ll just do it somewhere else.
Woman: Really?
Me: I think so.
Woman: I’ve never seen such fight. It’s terrible.
Me: I haven’t either, but I don’t know too much about this species… CRAZY!

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There’s more where that came from! Be sure to check out the wealth of travel videos in the Travel Video category.