Adventure Aaron

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MY ADVENTURES OF LIFE

Feb 2012

I am not an advice column. I am not an expert in human behavior. I am simply a guy who has traveled the world, seen lots of history, made plenty of mistakes, been hurt by those I thought would only help, lived with the poor, and dined with the rich. I am simply a guy with a new found happiness, a new found perspective. Here is the point of view from my adventurous life.

Over the course of this blog, I have always tried to give my point of view from my perspective in life and offer you the opportunity to evaluate, grow, get motivated, make changes to your own life, and/or simply agree with it. Recently, while traveling alone for my longest period to date, I have come to terms with the adventures life has given me and the avenues it is allowing me to take in the future. I have friends, ex-girlfriends, family members, and random strangers to all thank for helping me understand, avoid, and gather perspective from. All based on the mistakes they have made, are making, or avoid making. Death is real and if things happened to you tomorrow, preventing you from doing what your doing now, would you have changed the way you were living your life? I did and here are my new founding’s…

It was recently on my first trip with other Cancer Survivors/Future Cancer Survivors, that all of this was reinforced. While traveling through New Zealand, filming more adventures and my new TV series, I have been trying to raise awareness for an organization called, CanTeen. CanTeen helps Teens faced with Cancer, continue to grow, gain new perspectives, and allow others to help them during the difficult process. Having searched for the past 2 years for the right organization to benefit, I finally found it. You see, I have yet to really talk among others directly effected by Cancer and how I can relate to them. Even more so, I have yet to really volunteer my time for others. I spent so much time before I had cancer worrying about my self and materialistic things, that I lost track of what true happiness was about. I always said that, ’One Day’ I will give back. Just never did. If you are comfortable with your life but feel unsatisfied, perhaps this next part is for you.

Having traveled to over 40 countries the past 2 years, I feel like I have a decent grip on peoples perspectives and the world that surrounds them. The one question I get asked a lot is, ‘what is the best advice you can give to those not satisfied with what life is offering them.’ The answer from me is always the same. ‘If you can learn to appreciate the little things in life and explain your way of life truthfully, then your taking advantage of every moment.’

I realize this is very deep but here is why it works for me. In order to appreciate the little things in life, you have to appreciate the things most people take for granted. Having traveled the world, I have realized there are so many things to appreciate in the world for free, than to worry about making so much money. My life before Cancer was about making money. Now, its about seeing more things in life to appreciate what little money is required. Which brings me to being truthful about the way I choose to live life and make a living at it. The day I stop focusing on how much I could get, money or possession, the better I found myself associating with things and people who allowed me to see and appreciate just that. One came with the other as I couldn’t see it without either. If I thought about everything that ever made me argue, fight, or upset, it usually was associated with something or someone, associated with decisions they made revolving around immoral revenue, untrustworthy relationships, or just overall lack of happiness with who they are. That’s my two cents and here is how it was recently reinforced….

Two weeks ago, I invited some of these teens to join me on one of America’s Cup boats in Auckland, New Zealand to go sailing. It was here my friends, that out of all the adventures I have done to date, this one was the most rewarding. Giving others an opportunity to do something they have never done, was the ultimate high. Similar to the excitement of jumping out of a plane or running with the bulls, giving back was no different. Seeing the look of happiness on their faces was more than I could ever get from one of my own adventures.

I look back at my life before I got hit with Cancer and the way I chose to live it. I would just go through my daily routine, making money, going out with friends, saying ‘one day,’ I will be ready for this or that. ‘One day,’ when I have x amount of money I will move here. ‘One day,’ when I meet one person, I will be happy ever after. ‘One day,’ when I am older, I will be ready to settle down.

Well for me, that ‘one day’ was then, yesterday, and today. That ‘one day,’ allowed me to realize that it doesn’t have to be ‘one day’. ‘One Day’ becomes my ‘Every Day’ now, and if I died tomorrow, I would feel as if it was full of meaningful days and life.

If you want more information on the CanTeen you can simply keep following my journey with them on this blog or visit them here, www.canteen.co.nz

Having done so many adventures, my most rewarding adventure to date, was that of life. If your looking for the same, try asking yourself what if you decided to make the change today? I could then tell you, your adventures of life, will begin too….

Thanks for allowing me to find my adventures in life!

Category: Adventures Leave a Comment Tags: Aaron Carotta, Adventure Aaron, Cancer, CanTeen

Finding Adventure in Japan

Dec 2011

By Aaron

So is the title a question or statement? After 5 days there, I am here to say, it’s a statement. What started off as a quest on the fly, as usual, ends up with another trip that took its course, as Rolf Potts would say. So without further ado, here is the 411.

1-Culture Shock- Yet again, another country hits me off my rocker. Picture NYC, but without the understanding of facial expressions, language, or the ability to read any information. Period! Either way, this is a true glimpse in my opinion of the future and that alone is an adventure in itself.

2-Attempting to Vagabond-Quite possibly, the toughest location for me to date. There is nothing cheap about getting around here and unless you speak the language, its next to impossible to travel hack this country on your first go around. I saw very few westerners and not one typical hotels or mom/pop accommodation.

3-Iwatayama Kyoto Monkey Park-Simply awesome. If a city and Tokyo is not your thing, you MUST give the suburbs a try. Exploring Japan is similar to the size of New Zealand, only you can use the train system to access everything. However, you will need your YENS (money) as the one way ride from Tokyo to Kyoto (2 hours) is around 175 USD. Once there, you will get a chance to visit all of the local hot spots, including my favorite animal interaction to date.

In summary, the Japanese people are extremely nice to the extent of the Kiwis from New Zealand. Regardless of the language barriers, that makes it well worth the culture shock. Understanding not every adventure has to be adrenaline will hold true in Japan. It is one place few Zen can be found along the road, less tourist travel.

Category: Adventures, Travel Hacking One Comment Tags: Aaron Carotta, Adventure Aaron, japan, Rolf Potts, Iwatayama Kyoto Monkey

The Ultimate Master Class

Sep 2011

By Aaron

For the next few weeks, I am going to be blogging about New Zealand and why I have been gravitated back here, 3 times, over the course of the last 18 months. In life, it has served me the Ultimate Master Class. Although I am filming a new spin series, ‘Catch and Cook‘, it is more than that. It just so happens to be the host for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the adventure capital of the world, and the stomping grounds for the cultural Maori way. So please stay tuned over the next week as I feature one item every week or so, based on one of the most breathtaking places I have gone to date. Here is a brief glimpse on the newest series that I am very excited about. With the help of some great Kiwi’s that I have become friends with, I am now able to illustrate the behind the scenes of cooking. I will be covering all of New Zealand for a 13 part series, featuring the best chefs and foods, New Zealand has to offer. Join me as I attempt get the famous recipes for these amazing meals, assuming I can get the grocery list item, the catch. If you have ever wanted to hunt, fish, or just go back in time to experience the cultural way of earning ones keep, this is for you! Stay tuned as there are more adventures to come next week. For now, here is a brief look into New Zealand, as I now see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO_IsiJy56A

For more information on this series, please visit;

The Official Page For Catch and Cook!

Category: Catch and Cook Leave a Comment Tags: Aaron Carotta, Adventure Aaron, catch and cook, rotorua

Catch and Cook

Sep 2011

By Aaron

“Two Thumbs UP! 2 shows and lots of fun! If its cooking, traveling, or adventure, they both have it all and its coming to a household near you! We love Aaron, his approach on life, and that warm smile. Let the adventures continue and the inspirations carry on!”- NBC 5 Chicago-Natalie Martinez

___________________________________________________________

“Catch and Cook! With Adventure Aaron”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO_IsiJy56A

All along the way, Aaron will be challenged to go out and gather the main ingredients by a celebrity regional chef or cook.In this 13-part series, Aaron will start at the top of the North Island and work his way right down to the home of the famous muttonbirds – and the world-renowned Bluff oysters. Whether he battles for the prize of a kingfish, dives for one of the gigantic Maketu mussels, learns to eat pipis (abalone) off a roofing iron over a fire at the beach or takes a closer look at the Maori cultural icons of making a real hangi to wading the pristine rivers for the whitebait to the salmon, there’s nothing our residents chefs are afraid to send him out for.
That’s not all. He’ll learn how to hunt wild pork, bring down a magnificent deer – and while he’s out in the bush, hunt for the bushman’s survival food pack, the huhu grub . And finishing it all off with some of the world’s finest wines, also made in New Zealand. Or legal moonshine – at the pub famous for serving it….

With each of these adventures, which also showcases the unrivaled and magnificent beauty of New Zealand, Aaron will bring his ‘catch’ back to a celebrity chef of the particular region he is in who will in turn show him how to get the very best out of it.

Here is the Season 1 Episode Guide (Updated December 12th, 2011)

Episode 1, Northland with Chef Brenton Low

Join Aaron in Northland for the season opener as he spear fishes for Trebbally and dives for Scallops. Follow along by dune buggy as they travel through the winterless North and the amazing coastline. Then sit down with Chef Brenton Low, at Deco Restaurant, for the Master Class.

Episode 2-Auckland with Mark Southon Hamilton
A lot of adventures in store for Aaron in New Zealand’s largest city. Aaron sets sail with Explore NZ and as he tries his luck with the fish life. He then takes his catch to the Food Store for the ultimate class.

Episode 3-Bay of Plenty with Chef Charles Royal
Blow Kart with Aaron along the wonderful beaches of the eastern coast. Then Gyrate through the sky as Aaron meet Chef Charles Royal at Matahui Lodge for the Master Class.
Aaron learns from NZ’s top indigenous chef about the amazing kai moana – Maori for food of the sea. The gigantic Maketu mussels, found nowhere else, where two will make a full meal; the ability to dig clams with your toes in the sand and cook them over a fire on the beach – and to have chef Charles Royal shows what can be made from the unique and rare native flora of New Zealand.

Episode 4- Hamilton & Waikato Region with Chef Cameron Petley
Join Aaron for a unique underground adventure as he goes black water rafting and attempts to catch eel at the world-famous Waitomo Caves. His journey then takes him over rolling green hills and lush dairy pastures to forage for watercress and catch some elusive NZ trout with local chef and Master Chef NZ contestant, Cameron Petley.

Episode 5-Rotorua (Teaser Episode) with Chef James Turner
Aaron takes on the majesty of Lake Tarawera, a world-renowned lake with hot water beaches overlooked by the menace of Mt Tarawera that exploded just over 100 years ago; Lake Okataina, a mystical world-heritage lake that no-one lives on and where the freshwater crayfish are on his list of ingredients.. – and the king of birds, the Wild Black Swan – what a menu!

Episode 6- Hawkes Bay with Peta Matthias
The high rolling hills of Hawke’s Bay are perfect for two complementary aspects – pig and wine and Aaron will be finding out how deceptively hard it is to catch one! The very best of both of these world famous consumables is to be found right here and Aaron gets a bird’s eye view of the fruit basket of New Zealand, while working out the easiest way to catch a pig! Join this Heli-Adventure as Aaron attempts to ‘Bull Dog’ a pig. If successful he will then take you to the luxurious lodge of Cape Kidnappers where Peta Matthias will teach the Master Class.

Episode 7-Marlborough with Chef Chris Fortune. Aaron teams up with New Zealand King Salmon, Omaka Classic Cars and Aero Club, Brancott Estate, and Dolphin Watch and Nature Tours.

Episode 8-Nelson with Chef Daryl Crimp
Aaron will get to see some of the most remote world heritage listed sites, as he kayaks the wilderness of the uninhabited islands of the Marlborough Sounds, the pure water diving for scallops – and the thrill of chasing the big game kingfish with none other than the mad chef of Nelson, Daryl Crimp. Add a bit of seal encounters and skydiving, this episode can not be beat.

Episode 9-West Coast with Glyn Barry
In this episode, Aaron follows the footsteps of the really wild west – a historical part of New Zealand, rich in the stories of gold and coal miners who battle with the unforgiving natural forests and rivers that come to the call of the sea. Aaron will gather Chamois. Join him as he makes history, holding the first ever master class on Fox Glacier!

Episode 10-South Canterbury

Episode 11-Queenstown with Dale Gartland
The cliffhanger episode will show Aaron battle for one of the world’s most elusive trophies – the tahr is so fleet of foot and so far up the southern alps that only those who thrive on the real challenge will be up for this one. Hanging out of a helicopter by a strap, shotgun in hand.. this is a big ask. Aaron will finish this master class at the luxurious Matakauri Logde and Mud House Wines

Episode 12-Dunedin with Alison Lambert
True to its roots, here is the proof. Join the wildlife of Seals, Sea Lions, and Penguins, as Aaron gets put to the ultimate test! Visiting the Otago Farmers Market, Chef Allison and Adventure Aaron will have a good ol’ fashion, cook off! From milking a cow to gathering clams. This will be the ultimate episode for the most authentic city in New Zealand.

Episode 13- Stewart Island with Chef Logan Mcpherson
The tranquil quality of a primeval forest on an island that time has forgotten – and it is here that Aaron will have to develop a taste for the extremely prized Blue Cod and Southern Glory Oysters.

For more information on this series, please visit;

http://www.facebook.com/adventureaaron

For the latest press information, listen to the latest interview broadcasted throughout New Zealand;

http://soundcloud.com/adventureaaron/newstalk-zb-new-zealand/s-iKl8Y

For all media interviews, appearances, and press please contact;

Heather Carston
heather@blackpoppyproductions.com
021-781-607

Please send all media concerns to our international series manager;

Manoj Bhatnagar- OTPL Worldwide.

manojb@otpl.co.uk

Category: 2 Comments Tags: Aa Adventure Aaron, Adventure Aaron, Alister Brown, Annnabel Langbein, Brenton Low, Cameron Petley, catch and cook, Charles Royal, Daryl Crimp, jax hamilton, logan Mcpherson, Peta Matthias, Simon Gault

Alive!

Jul 2011

By Aaron

“Alive! With Adventure Aaron”

“It is about using my new perspective on life and incorporating the underground culture I call, ‘Travel Hacking’.” Aaron Carotta, Host of ‘Alive! With Adventure Aaron’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyNX4JDZrVs

Update June 15th, 2011-We are currently filming a second season, expected Season 2 air dates are for the fall of 2011. Now filming Season 2, Season 1 airs to an estimated 120 Million Household Homes, including international countries; Russia, India, China, and Japan.

The series “Alive! With Adventure Aaron” had its beginnings through a life-changing event for host Aaron Carotta, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. After a year of learning to re-prioritize life and overcome the challenges of a life-threatening disease, Aaron gained a new perspective on life. With the help of his mentor Tim Ferriss, Aaron began a blog in which he explored the philosophy of living life to its fullest extent. He discovered a subculture of travelers known as “Travel Hackers” who use their travel hacking skills to overcome tight budgets and short vacation times, which prevents most people from traveling. Aaron now continues to travel around the world, face his biggest fears and blog about it on AdventureAaron.com.

The series shows an everyday person experiencing the cultures and histories of every nation while introducing the tips of travel hackers. It’s proof that anyone can travel and experience life to the fullest without getting the wake-up call Aaron did. He allows you to see how unconventional travel will lead to unforgettable memories show the meaning of the word, alive.

View Alive!-With Adventure Aaron in a larger map
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Alive! With Adventure Aaron
Season 1 Episode Guide-13 HD Episodes

1-South Africa
Attempting to knock of a few items on Aaron’s Travel Bucket List, he sets out for South Africa. Cage diving with Great Whites, visiting an African Safari, bungee jumping off the world highest commercial bridge. Aaron sits down with travel hacker Tim Ferriss, best selling of the Four Hour Work Week and the Four Hour Body. Introducing the world to travel hacking, follow along as Aaron shows you how to live this trip to the fullest!

2-Fiji
Is it possible to travel hacking paradise? Attempting to top cage diving in South Africa, Aaron tries to swim with the sharks after learning to get certified as an open water diver, while going into shock! Learn how a million dollar view can cost you as little as 10 dollars per night. Aaron visits he local civilization and drinks the Kava. Anybody can look at history, few can find where to live with it!

3-Egypt
Walking like an Egyptian in Cairo, Aaron works his way to the ancient pyramids in Giza, then takes you off the beaten path where few American venture, Sharm El Sheik, Egypt. Backed by the Sinai dessert and Mountains, the Red Sea proves to be home to hidden paradise. The culture and the ancient history, reinforces Aarons desire to travel off the beaten path, living everyday to the fullest. Aaron spends 4 hours attempting to learning how to do one of the most popular adventures in the famous red sea, Kite boarding.

4-New Zealand
Adventure capital of the world, adrenaline pumping adventures. Aaron heads to the North Island with travel hacker Nora Dunn, aka the professional hobo and tackles some of the worlds greatest. Heli-Sleding on a class five rapid, rafting down the worlds highest commercial fall, skydiving the worlds highest commercial drop zone. Jet boating on worlds only sprint track, sweebing, zorbiting, luging, and plenty more. Its all a first for Aaron, including walking on New Zealand`s most active volcano!

5-Morocco
Flashpacking through Morocco, Charming Cobras, Negotiating in the Bizarre Market. Aaron interviews Matt Kepness, Author of nomadicmatt.com. Uses cutting edge travel hacking skills to show the difference between Backpacking and Flashpacking. Incorporating world class skills he shows not all adventure is adrenaline based. Traveling to Marrakesh he shows how to negotiate the bizarre market, learn to charm a cobra with the Berber tribe, and flashpack your way to the coast for a real culture shock. Fear of snakes and riding camels on the beach is the ultimate wake up call!

6-Amsterdam
Bicycle thru Amsterdam, stay at Hostels, visit an interesting Cafe, give the green light to the red light district, and travel hacking the international crisis of the Iceland Volcano. Aaron interviews Rick Ingersoll from www.thefrugaltravelguy.com and shows how to take advantage of a crisis and delays in the airport. If you get stuck in an airport again, you will now have a few more options.

7-Thailand
Join Aaron as he sets out to check off a few more items, tasting bizarre foods that only Bangkok can offer. From Scorpions to Strange Animals, Aaron gives it all a try. Certainly not the expert, showing the reactions of an average viewer.

8-Costa Rica
Aaron visit’s the place he learned to travel hack in. Meet his local friends and hear first hand how Cancer played a significant role with his new found perspective. Aaron goes off the beaten path to a small village of Montezuma, where he uncovers his favorite waterfall to take the plunge from 60 feet up. It is the definition of going off the beaten path..

9-Buenos Aires
On this episode of Alive! Aaron takes you to the Buenos Aires where he attempt everything for a first as he learn to Tango, hack his way around the city, learn the Malbec grape, and try to rope cattle, like a true Gaucho

10-Nicaragua
Hidden Camera! Ever wanted to spin the globe and just fly away? Come along, with Aaron for the first unscripted episode, EVER. Aaron shows up in Nicaragua with a set budget and no knowledge of the location. Watch as Aaron shows you first hand, what its like, without a cameraman to travel hack your way around, unknown territory. These are skills you wont want to miss!

11-Florida Keys
The first US episode. Aaron takes you to his home state to knock off a few items, even he hasn’t done! From Dolphin encounters, fishing ‘back country style’, and bi-plane adventures, its all in this episode.

12-13 Around the World-Without A Bag
Season Finale, Two Part Episode. Aaron interviews world famous travel hacker, Rolf Potts, author of Vagabonding. Aaron sets out to be the first person to document going around the world for the longest documented amount of time of 50 days, WITHOUT A BAG! He shows you how to travel hack your way with “Around the World Tickets”. Going over 30,000 miles, tackling a few more items on the bucket list and working his way through 8 Countries, he documents every second. From interview on the news, to field reports with tourist, Aaron portrays his experiment through the eyes of others. “I am bringing the youth back to travel, as when I was a kid, the last thing I worried about was what I packed. In this day and age, some are concerned more about what they bring than where they go. Letting go of the comfort of clothes and the idea looking a certain way, I am going to let the countries emerge me in the experience”.

For more information on this series, please visit;

Please send all media concerns to our international series manager;

Manoj Bhatnagar- OTPL Worldwide.

manojb@otpl.co.uk

Category: Leave a Comment Tags: Aaron Carotta, Adventure Aaron, catch and cook, heather carston, new zealand cooking series

Kayaking with 2 time Gold Medalist, Greg Barton

Jun 2011

By Aaron

3am pst, Somewhere over the Pacific Ocean….

Watching ‘Dhani Tackles the Globe’ on a Delta Airlines monitor, I sit, my legs slightly bent back at a 90 degree angle, now known to me as, the “Kayak” style. I then take another glance at my airline meal, pushing the potatoes over and going with the omelet, inhaling the slow carbohydrates. Following the guidelines of the Tim Ferriss book, The 4 hour body, I also take a swig of my second glass of red wine. You see, it is this diet and style I am now using to prepare. What takes most people years to prepare for, I am doing over the next month. Even better, I am doing it as I continue to travel the world, not in an actual kayak. One of my items this year is to set a world record and after much debate of trying to eat 4 pickled eggs in a minute, I pick this one. ‘The Longest Solo Journey in a Kayak’. As Dahani continues to tackle another challenge on my TV monitor, I continue to get more motivated and excited about my upcoming challenge, even at 3am on a 16 hour airplane. After all, I just wrapped my first training session with two time kayaking gold medalist, Greg Barton. With my little experience, Greg provided great insight and a great kayak, to help me paddle my way up the entire distance of the east coast. It is my attempt to set a Guinness world record, and it’s Epic Kayak that believes I have a chance. With Epic Kayaks as my sponsor, I had a chance to sit down with the president of Epic Kayaks who also happens to be the first American to ever get a gold medal in this sport.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95D7W2obESc

Join me for the official launch party as I paddle in the kayak for an estimated 3 months. Creating awareness for Cancer, I am going to prove that if you put your mind to your new perspective, anything is possible.

Category: Adventures 2 Comments Tags: 4 hour body, Aaron Carotta, Adventure Aaron, four hour body, greg barton, kayak world record guinness, The Four Hour Work Week

The Paper Trick

Jun 2011

By Aaron

Casablanca, Morocco

Have you traveled to a remote location and found yourself without a 4 or 5 star option? Give it the ‘paper trick’ test. I have used it many times and it will protect you and your belongings. Here is the tip;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMFtEWLFPo