Announcing “Davenburgh” – and a Chat with David Simmer II
It is a very chilly day in Edinburgh, but I warmed my bones over a wonderful conversation with David Simmer II, a fellow travel aficionado and one hell of a great guy. It was great to catch up, Dave, and I look forward to hosting Davenburgh 2009. Read on for the detail…
Your fun site, Blogography, describes you as a “brilliant commentator”, “graphic designer”, nevermind being a prolific blogger. You also have a number of interesting projects on the go. What do you tell people when people ask that dreaded question, ‘what do you do’?
For a living? I’m a graphic designer and artist, and have worked on all kinds of projects at one time or another. Everything from advertising and product packaging to video games and storyboards for movies. On my blog I don’t go into much detail about the more personal aspects of my life (work, family, offline friends, etc.), so most of the time I just let people use their imagination when it comes to what I do. This is a fun for me, because often times I’m given careers far more interesting than my real job… like hired assassin or international gigolo.
So based on your travel map, there are few places you haven’t been. What places in the world do you find really inspirational?
This is a really good question and a very difficult one to answer! It doesn’t take much to impress me, so I find inspiration most everywhere I go. That being said, if I were to write down the first places that come to mind, my “top six list” would look something like this:
1) Thailand, where I was first exposed to Buddhism and was inspired to apply its teachings to my life.
2) Bryce Canyon, which is one of the most beautiful and inspirational natural wonders I’ve ever seen.
3) Paris, where it’s hard NOT to be inspired by the beautiful art that permeates the city.
4) New York City, a sensory overload filled with so much “everything” that it pretty much beats the inspiration into you.
5) Barcelona, where the parks and architecture have inspired me quite a lot in some aspects of my work.
6) Warsaw, where it’s easy to be inspired by a people who have rebuilt so beautifully from such devastation and tragedy.
Where haven’t you been that you want to go? Anything in particular?
So many places. If forced to come up with a “top six list” at this moment it would go something like this: 1) India, 2) Australia, 3) Peru, 4) Cambodia, 5) Switzerland, 6) The Amalfi Coast in Italy. Ask me tomorrow, and the list will probably be entirely different, however.
You’ve met a TON of bloggers – do you tend to meet up with them when out traveling?
Very much so. I actively seek out bloggers whenever my travel schedule allows, and enjoy hosting “DaveEvents” to better connect with my readers and fellow bloggers. A list of past meet-ups can be found on my blog: http://www.blogography.com/event.html
Do you think we’ll see a Davenburgh event sometime in the future? If for no other reason then to make one of those totally-fabulous icons (see the above “Events” webpage for details).
Isn’t it just criminal that I haven’t been back to Edinburgh in six years now? It’s been well-documented at Blogography that it’s my favorite city on earth, so why don’t I commit to it right now? I will do my level best to have DaveEvents in both London and Edinburgh in 2009, and will get back to you when I find time to work a trip into my schedule. Though, if the US economy gets much worse, I may have to cross The Atlantic in a row-boat, eat nothing but Pot Noodle, and sleep in the street! Here are your badges for the events:
A keen observer will note that the kilt Lil’ Dave is wearing is from Clan Munro, which is all explained here: http://www.blogography.com/archives/2006/09/kilt.html
David Simmer II is a graphic designer living in Washington State, located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the United States. He is passionate about travel, and hopes to see as much of the earth as he can before he leaves it. When not exploring the world, Dave likes to watch television and movies, paint with watercolors, read comic books, listen to 80’s music, and maintain his blog at www.blogography.com and document his Hard Rock Cafe visits at www.davecafe.com. — “As I travel from place to place, I see that people are more alike than not. If we took time to truly understand each other and focused more on our similarities than our differences, I’m convinced that humanity could overcome any adversity. Our hopes should not ride on merely wishing for a better future, but instead building it with an open mind and an understanding heart.” – Blogography, 2006
If you’re interested in joining us for Davenburgh 2009 let us know in the comments and we’ll endeavour to keep you updated when arrangements have been made!
Want to have a chat with me over a cup of tea (via Skype or in person) then get in touch.
January 5th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Being based in Dublin I’ll definitely be at either meetup this year.
Anthony McG’s last blog post..Watch
January 5th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Excellent. Bring on the Irish contingent!
March 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am
[...] such as Tweetup and EdTwestival. However, the most powerful event I’ve recently attended was Davenburgh, which Dave and I announced at the beginning of the year. It ended up being just the two of us, for [...]
October 14th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
[...] such as Tweetup and EdTwestival. However, the most powerful event I’ve recently attended was Davenburgh, which Dave and I announced at the beginning of the year. It ended up being just the two of us, for [...]