After a brief but sensational visit to Africa in 2011 I was bitten by the travel bug. So within six months I had saved some cash, vacated my apartment, quit my job and was en-route 'round the world'. Just before I left I saw this video by Matt Harding for the first time. It's beautiful, moving, inspirational and so authentic. I immediately knew I wanted to make a similar video, but with hula hoops. So into my already stuffed backpack I crammed a tripod and four hula hoops. Yes this is possible. They stayed with me for an epic journey through three continents.

A lot of people take photos when they travel, photos of buildings, parks, animals etc. and some people even take videos. Appreciate for a moment if you will the logistical nightmare of taking a video, with you in it, at the top of Machu Picchu, while hula hooping, with a clear view of the ruins, no-one in the background, and all while getting a llama to stay still. I stepped outside of every comfort zone I had, awkwardly carried hula hoops around all day in national parks, lost hoops in transit and got escorted out of places by security. But I also had a lot of fun, made new friends, enlisted strangers to hold the camera, inspired kids to hoop, got cheered and high-fived and even got a free lunch. Here are some pics below! Thanks to Nina and Nima for being camera holders, and all the other random shaky hand folk too.

about to get drenched in iguazu falls, brazil

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Hooping Round The World

Karina Hularina

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