We were out with friends before leaving California and they asserted that we need a theme for our around-the-world trip, maybe dancing, kissing or eating strange food in each location and then documenting it for your home viewing pleasure amusement. Although we liked the dancing idea, it’s been done — check out the “Where the Hell is Matt?” video below:
Bottom line: We’re not sure what to do — or what you and the rest of the world want to see — so we’re hosting a contest for suggestions. The person who provides the winning suggestion will win a one-year subscription to our exclusive, Kitsch Around the World club: one quirky gift chosen just for you from each of our home bases during 2010. You can enter by leaving a comment on this post or by using our contact form (please use the subject “Kitschy Contest”). Please note: The direct email contact we previously posted is not working, so if you submitted that way, please let us know!
The deadline for submissions is Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 9th). Please enter early and often.
Good luck, and we look forward to hearing your wacky ideas!
PS, for the people who wonder how Matt got people to dance with him, here’s your answer:
Every community has their traditions/rites of passage/dares. What about participating in said events? Like if you came to Sparta, you’d have to do a lawn mower race
Karaoke in each place singing in that countries language. Pretty easy in Hawaii… but quick to get harder!
I think it would be fun if I sent the two of you on a scavenger hunt in each destination.. I will decide on a list of things to obtain and you must photograph your journey and post it for all to see….
I have a better idea! Have you ever heard of Geocache? This would be a fun thing to do! Go to geocaching.com for the rundown….
You should do the geocaching thing! Even if it is just for fun and not part of the contest…
OR….Maybe Brian should propose to you in public somewhere in each destination…..he should get down on one knee and serenade you….:)
Lovin’ these ideas, guys! We would have never thought of some of these. I agree, Mary, geocaching sounds fun, contest or not. Thanks!
Entry for “Kitschy Contest”:
Document your new friendships with stories and photos!
Love, Mom
OR How about cooking a traditional meal in each place you visit. Post photos of your acheivements and provide recipes for us to try at home!
Love, Mom
In my travels, I have found bathrooms to be fascinating and different. My (first) suggestion(maybe only) is navigating the bathroom in some way. Maybe flushing the toilet or something similar. I think of the outhouse I used in Costa, the reverse flushing toilet in Australia and the pull cord flusher in Switzerland. My all time fav by the by was the platform toilet in Prague. There was seriously a platform above water level in the toilet that everything landed on prior to the flush. Gross. I am so excited for you guys!
How about renewing your wedding vows at each new location….that would make one gorgeous wedding book!!!!
Post pictures of yourselves in the traditional dress of each region!
Oh lordy, do I want that kitsch!
How about do a contest where people guess the price of a can of coke at each location?
Not as good as Drew’s horrible foods of the world suggestion … but at least this one doesn’t involve you guys eating horrible foods of the world!
Oh my gosh…that was so great watching all those peeps get up on stage after his presentation to dance with him! Totally gave me chills.
You know why the whole “dance with matt” thing worked? Because he was connected with his Calling and I'm totally going to blog about it – with a thank you link to you of course for introducing me to it.
My entry to the contest:
In every major location, ask a random stranger if you can take their picture & interview them. Pick a topic and/or major question of your choice. If I were doing it, I would ask them: Do humans have souls? or something like that. But, I think it would be fun if the two of you picked a question or topic that you are curious about. I would *LOVE* to read these stories on your blog. Oh…I guess you could also interview them using video. Either way. I don't care. I'd just be curious to hear your question and all the answers.
Have fun and I hope I win your contest :~)
I completely agree, Cassandra! I get chills every time I watch Matt's video. And thanks for your contest entry — really great idea!
I just found out about love-locks. So cool. There are spots in a bunch of countries where couples affix padlocks to a public place, like a fence or gate. It symbolizes their enduring love. Maybe on your travels you’ll find them? Or start your own? Then you should keep all the keys on a chain… What you do with the keys is up to you. Toss them into the ocean at the end of the trip? Bury them? Lock them in a shadow box for display and throw away the key away…
A friend explains it here: http://evocativeobjects.blogspot.com/
Hi Kate and Brian,
Since your mission is of an exploratory nature, why not track the original explorers, navigators or then those who became the “Flockers” to the destination. Why and what made them settle in that place. Little plastic (made in China, etc.) soldiers or replicas are part of the storytelling process for kids and should be readily available. In the souvenir shop, you could shoot video cam of their layout telling the story. A little sense of humor, a juxtaposition of then and now, could liven up the shoot.
OR . . . What each place recognize as their country “tree” or “flower”? This would be a dryer subject
but depending on your search through thrift store you could come up with hand painted ceramics of the flowers and plenty of stories from the shop owners.
Probably not kitschy enough, huh? Okay! Well, then there are bugs or snakes or other creepy things . . . these would get your Dad's attention.
I'd like to see a special segment on Watsons-Unleashed called “Watsons-Buggin-Out.” In these posts we, your followers, would see pictures of you, Watson's, interacting and discovering all things buggy in your current location. Could be killing, could be eating. Basically the bigger the buggier the better. But you knew I'd suggest something like this.
Yours,
Andrew
I'd still like the idea of having your follower bid on the right to watch you (perhaps via Skype) eat gross stuff. But I'm like that.
Yours
Drew
The Kitschy Contest is now closed. Many thanks to all who entered! We'll be in touch with the winner in the next few days.