Philly Photo Prints Now Available

As I continue in my mission to capture Philadelphia as I see it, I’m proud to begin offering prints in various sizes and forms. Via a small print shop with great customer service, (phillyphotodecor.darkroom.tech), you’ll be able to order a variety of prints to satisfy your want of Philadelphia wall art and decor. Canvas, metal, frames, white border, or large prints—easily, perfect quality, and affordably priced.

If you follow me on Instagram at @marcexplores, you’ll see that my most liked shots are available for purchase pretty shortly after they’re up.

If you’re looking for something custom, or a shot that you want from Instagram but aren’t seeing it here, shoot me an email.

Unbelievable Places That Are Hard To Believe Really Exist

Redundant title aside, I believe. I believe in these places because the world is incredible. I’ve been lucky enough to see so many places that made me question my own eyes.

I’m sharing this video because of its incredible beauty, and because it’s a meditation. No narrator counting down to 1 in a booming voice. Just photos and music. Put it on full screen mode, turn the volume up and zen out for a few minutes.

What is "Wild Swimming"? For writer Joe Minihane it was the breakthrough to dealing with his anxiety.

Some travel to seek. Some travel to escape. For many of us, it's both. Such respect for writer Joe Minihane, who sought a cure to his anxiety in nature, stumbled, and found his truer path. A beautiful video well worth eight minutes of your day. 

For more awesome videos from filmmaker Ben Cox and the Progress Film Company, click here. 

And check out Joe's book Floating for the full story on his journey. 

WHERE THEY CHASE CHEESE

This is not a Monty Python bit. This is real. And it's why I love the world and people and crazy ideas and competition and, yes, cheese. 

The Photographer Capturing Indonesia With No Hands Or Legs

Achmad Zulkarnain is a professional photographer telling the story of Indonesia from his own unique perspective. I am so inspired by his story, and hope you will be too. 

Learning from a 102-Year-Old Track Star

“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.”

— Winston Churchill

I have never traveled with Ida Keeling, but I have traveled with people like her many times over. Whether it was on a hike with an 90-year-old retired teacher in the Galapagos or paddling in Mexico with an 84-year-old grandfather of "jeez, is it 18 now?" who was kayaking for the first time, I've been able to see the power in people pushing against the aging process. 

Ida is a similar inspiration. One that takes that Churchill quote above to its highest heights. My takeaway isn't that someone can be a 102-year-old track star and world record holder (though that is of course unbelievable!). It's that she worked her tail off as a single mother, experienced devastating personal losses, and was suffering from depression at 67 years-old when her daughter (a track and field coach) encouraged her to participate in a 5K. From there, her will and choices made every day have made her healthier, happier, and have taken her around the world. 

We can't plan to be running at 102 years old. But we can choose to be active today, tomorrow and the next day and see where it leads us. Go for a walk (in nature if possible!), a hike, a run, a swim--whatever activity makes you feel best. Just look at the video screen shot below. How can you not love this woman and all that she embodies? She got there one day at a time. As she says in this Runner's World interview, "Every day is another day forward."

Ida has a new book out too! I just added it to my list. 

Can't Nothing Bring Me Down: Chasing Myself in the Race against Time

By Ida Keeling

Bioluminescence is the Coolest

There are nights when I miss standing on deck and watching the ocean churn deep blue and black. But I especially miss the times when a blue streak from a fish or blueish waves would illuminate the darkness, giving us a sense that we weren't on the ocean, but in space. Check out this quick video to learn about that blue glow, bioluminescence, and why it is one of the coolest phenomena on the planet. 

As night falls on certain beaches around the world, the waves glow with an eerie blue light, neon dots that make it look as though stars are washing up on shore. What you're seeing is actually millions of microscopic organisms called bioluminescent phytoplankton.

From Homeless to Tour Guides

I am really taken with this piece from Gerard Groves and Emma Snodgrass for the BBC.  It highlights Invisible Edinburgh, a social enterprise that trains homeless citizens to work as tour guides. This 5-minute video features two guides who have been at the bottom and are now living full lives, supporting themselves and enlightening tourists on a deeper level. If you find yourself in Edinburgh, take the tour!  

Click here to watch the video. 

2018 World Happiness Report

The UN's 2018 World Happiness Report is out.  Here's the roundup of the Top 10.  How do you feel about this list?  And happiness reports in general? 

If you want to dig into the full 172-page report, here it is.  If not, click below for the top 10 snapshot. 

NY Times 52 Places to Go in 2018

I cant say I'm the biggest fan of lists, but if you can't find some travel inspiration from the New York Times 52 Places to Go In 2018 list, well...

Having just spent a long weekend in New Orleans, I love that the list kicks off with the Big Easy.  From there, the list hops all over the world with beautiful photos, video snippets and a bit of "why now" as well.  Check it out! 

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/travel/places-to-visit.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftravel&action=click&contentCollection=travel&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=9&pgtype=sectionfront

NatGeo Captures Footage of a Snow-Covered Rome.

Making a magical place even more magical.