Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Gracie Arenas [Click to enlarge]

It's not often daydreams and idle Internet searches result in anything more than poor grades and late nights, but to Brendan Thompson, a junior communications major, that is exactly how his ambition of traveling the world has become a reality.

Thompson will participate in the first season of a travel show titled Earth Bound, which will air online at Globe Roamer TV (www.globeroamertv.com). In addition to web episodes, cast members will update blogs and vlogs to facilitate audience involvement.

Miguel Berg, co-producer and director of Earth Bound, credits the show's format to media's rapid progression from the four basic channels to the Internet networks that rule our world today.

"From the innovations of Facebook to YouTube and even more recently with the CNN YouTube debates, it is more visible how new media is becoming a factor into society," Berg said. "The Earth Bound cast and crew are a prime example of new digital adventurers."

Thompson said most of Europe, Australia and New Zealand have been scheduled, but they are waiting until they arrive in Asia and Southeast Asia to see where they are led. The cast and crew will travel to roughly 50 different countries over a period of 212 days.

According to Berg, the show seeks to reach those who are interested in budget traveling and will focus on the backpackers' relations as they adapt to their surroundings.

"We are using the concept of travel journalism to bring a realistic approach to travel," Berg said. "By this I mean we will deviate from tourist traps and really look behind at the culture, people and customs of every place we visit."

Thompson said he'd been planning a trip to go around the world on his own time after graduation, but it wasn't until he discovered an advertisement looking for an additional Earth Bound cast member that his trip became a reality. Within days, after e-mailing the director and interviewing digitally, Thompson was chosen.

Thompson, who has had limited traveling experience, said he's always been a dreamer. As of now, his plan for the future is to teach English in foreign countries and to learn as many languages as possible.

Until then, or at least until his departure in September 2008, Thompson will be preparing financially. He said the food and cost of daily living is dependent on the backpackers, so he will be raising money through T-shirt sales and by working at the Dixie Chicken.

Thompson said taking a year off to travel around the world is definitely worth it, but he wants to assure Aggies they will be missed.

"I want them to know, I'm a 100 percent red-ass Aggie, and it kills me that I have to leave for a year and not be in this wonderful place," he said.

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