About 60,000 years ago, our ancestors took the first steps out of their prehistoric African “Eden” to begin exploring the earth. Writer Paul Salopek has set out to recreate that epic journey on foot, starting in Ethiopia and ending at the southern tip of South America. Impressed by his dedication? Be even more impressed when I tell you it will take him seven years. Yes, seven.
Along the way, he will explore the major stories of our time — from climate change to conflict, from mass migration to cultural survival — by walking alongside the people who live them every day: cattle nomads, artists, traders, farmers, shopkeepers, scientists, everyone.
Paul Salopek’s supplies, which will feed four men for about five days.
Every 100 miles along the Out of Eden Walk route, Salopek will pause to make a digital record of his location, called a Milestone. Each will consist of photographs of the ground and sky, video and audio recordings, and a brief interview with the nearest human being. Below are some photos from his milestones so far (click on them to view the full entries from the National Geographic blog.)
Herto Bouri, Ethiopia, 10°17’12” N, 40°31’55” E, January 22, 2013
Herto Bouri, Ethiopia, 10°17’12” N, 40°31’55” E, January 24, 2013
Dalifagi village, Ethiopia, 10°37’34.8” N, 40°18’43.9” E, January 28, 2013
The Afar Triangle, Ethiopia, 10°7’39” N, 40°30’59” E, January 29, 2013
Warenzo, Ethiopia, 11°18’11” N, 40°31’36” E, January 30, 2013
Paul’s reportage will be published primarily by National Geographic magazine, appearing as regular online “dispatches” and as periodic full-length articles in the magazine’s print and mobile editions.
Journalist Paul Salopek retraces the the oldest journey of all, walking out of Africa at the infinitesimal pace of our ancestors and producing “slow journalism” as he goes. Yet Paul will use the most up-to-date tools available, and constantly experiment with new forms of media, narrative, and interactivity to tell these stories.
– National Geographic
Follow Paul while he travels and/or learn more about the journey in his own words HERE.
(Photo credit: Paul Salopek)
Think people should hear about this?