- Continue Shopping
- Your Cart is Empty
6 OF THE MOST REMOTE LOCATIONS ON EARTH
Sure, when you think “remote,” you probably often think of your grandparent’s place in the country where the WiFi really sucks and you can’t get a decent cell signal. And while that may feel like it’s waaaay out in the boondocks because of our reliance on modern technology, let us tell you—that ain’t nothin.The remote locations on this list are truly removed from the rest of civilization—volcanic islands with incredibly low populations, cold as hell destinations that dwell in darkness for most of the day, and more. Let’s jump right into the full list!
1. TRISTAN DA CUNHA, BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY
Imagine if your city’s population only had a total of nine different last names.
Well, that’s a reality on the volcanic island of Tristan da Cunha, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic. Considered the most remote archipelago on planet Earth, you’ll have to catch one of only nine boat rides to the island that make it there each year. Oh, and bear in mind that you’re in for a 1,732-mile journey.
2. CAPE YORK PENINSULA, AUSTRALIA
Cape York peninsula marks Australia’s northernmost point. You’re going to have to have some kind of all-terrain vehicle to access it, and to give you a representation of its remoteness, it’s a friggin’ 28-hour drive from Cairns.
3. OYMYAKON, RUSSIA
From warm, volcanic locales straight to freeze-your-ass off Russian towns. Oymyakon is home to only 500 residents that have to dwell in darkness for 21 out of 24 hours each day. The average temperature is -58 degrees (yeah, NEGATIVE 58), and many call this the “coldest inhabited place in the world.” In fact, it’s so cold that its population can’t grow crops. Oh, and bonus: The road to the town is called “The Road of Bones.” Charming.
4. PITCAIRN ISLAND, BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY
Source: ZSL.org
We’re hitting a population low with this one—there are only fifty people that live on Pitcairn Island. Fun fact: The spot, which is over 3,000 miles from New Zealand, was first settled by European mutineers of the ship “Bounty,” and no plane has ever landed there.
5. SOCOTRA ISLAND, YEMEN
Home to the Dragon Blood Tree, this spot has considerably more inhabitants than the others on our list—-40,000 in this case—but it’s 400 miles from the Yemen capital and the island only built its first road in 2011. More incredibly, however, is the fact that it has 800 ridiculously rare plant species—in fact, a third of all its flora can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.
6. LA RINCONADA, PERU
Down for visiting Peru? If you want to experience La Rinconada, you’re in for a whopping six-hour trip from the nearest city, and all of it via unpaved roads. We hope you’re used to high altitudes, too, because the town is three miles up in the mountainous air—giving it the distinction of the “world’s highest city.” Literally, not figuratively, you guys.
One more note: There’s no running water. So, you’re probably gonna wanna keep that in mind before you pack any bags!
5 OF THE MOST MYSTERIOUS PEOPLE TO EVER LIVE
Look, some weird stuff goes down in our world. It’s often difficult to separate the fact from the fiction, but the stories are wildly entertaining nonetheless, so buckle in and get ready for a trip through crazy town.
1. FULCANELLI
In the first of our cases of “unknown identities,” we have Fulcanelli, a French alchemist and author. “Fulcanelli” itself appears to be a play on words—“Vulcan” for the Roman God of Fire and “El,” the Canaanite name for “God.”
Dang. Anyway, his apparent pupil Eugene Canseliet claims he transformed 100 grams of lead into gold using “Projection Powder” given to him by his exalted teacher. Maybe Canseliet was snorting that powder, too, because that sounds absolutely insane… but hey, what do we know?
After being hunted in WWII by the Germans for his supposed knowledge of nuclear technology, Fulcanelli disappeared In August 1944. For his part, Caseliet claims he met his teacher at a Spanish mountain castle in 1953, at which point Fulcanelli was no longer in his 80s but rather an androgynous being in his 50s. Okaaaay then.
2. THE POE TOASTER
Here’s a dude a little more down to earth. Starting in 1949, a mysterious cat known only as “The Poe Toaster” began appearing at the grave of legendary writer Edgar Allen Poe. The Toaster would show up in the wee hours of the morning on January 19th every year—the author’s birthday—donning only black, wielding a silver-tipped cane, and keeping his face covered. After toasting the grave, The Poe Toaster would retreat into the night, leaving a half-bottle of cognac and three red roses behind.
This tradition continued uninterrupted until 2009. As of 2016, a new Poe Toaster has taken up the mantle—identity unknown.
3. THE WONDERMAN
The Count of St. German (a.k.a. “The Wonderman” as sarcastically dubbed by Voltaire), considered by Prince Charles of Hesse-Kassel to be among the greatest philosophers ever, was a marvelously mysterious dude known as an adventurer, courtier, inventor, violinist, and for displaying at least rudimentary skills in alchemy and musical composition.
The Wonderman used many aliases and would deflect inquiries into his past with insane stories—including claiming he was 500 years old—and would eventually pass away in 1784 sans any of the riches he had once been thought to own. Near his end, he claimed he was the son of Prince Francis II Rákóczi of Transylvania. Here’s what Horace Walpole wrote of him:
“…the other day they seized an odd man, who goes by the name of Count St. Germain. He has been here these two years, and will not tell who he is, or whence, but professes that he does not go by his right name. He sings, plays on the violin wonderfully, composes, is mad, and not very sensible. He is called an Italian, a Spaniard, a Pole; a somebody that married a great fortune in Mexico, and ran away with her jewels to Constantinople; a priest, a fiddler, a vast nobleman. The Prince of Wales has had unsatiated curiosity about him, but in vain. However, nothing has been made out against him; he is released; and, what convinces me that he is not a gentleman, stays here, and talks of his being taken up for a spy.”
4. GREEN CHILDREN OF WOOLPIT
Image Credit: CloakedTruth.com
Time to go from the weird straight into the fantastical.
In 12th-century England, two children popped up in the village of Woolpit, Suffolk, England, apparently incapable of speaking English. The brother and sister had an odd, unsettling green color to their skin, spoke in an unintelligible language, and ate nothing but raw broad beans.
Although they learned to eat other food and slowly lost their odd, alien-esque skin tone, the young boy died. Afterward, the girl learned English and claimed the two of them hailed from Saint Martin’s Land, a dark subterranean otherworld full of other green folks.
Alrighty then. For the record, this is all attributed to the writers William of Newburg and Ralph of Coggeshall.
5. MONSIEUR CHOUCHANI
Known to dress as a vagabond, the man known only as “Monsieur Chouchani” is steeped in mystery despite leaving behind famous, reputable pupils.
Appearing in Paris following WWII, Chouchani taught Elie Wiesel and Emmanual Levinas between the years of 1947 to 1952. Reportedly a master of science, philosophy, mathematics, and the Talmud, his life history is unknown, and even his pupils debate his actual identity.
Later retreating to South America to die, Wiesel commissioned his gravestone and wrote the following inscription:
“The wise Rabbi Chouchani of blessed memory. His birth and his life are sealed in enigma.”
Monsieur Chouchani left behind no body of work of his own.
7 OF THE SICKEST SURF SPOTS IN THE WORLD
Ready to catch a wave?
Awesome. But before you get off the couch to head to your local spot, be sure to soak in this list of seven of the sickest surf locales in the world. There are some badass breaks at all these destinations, ensuring that even the most seasoned among you will be up against a sick challenge.
1. MUNDAKA BEACH, SPAIN
Image Credit: Blog Friendly Rentals
Let’s start with Spain. This medieval village in the Basque country is thought by many to have some of the most premiere waves in all of Europe. Mundaka Beach, roughly 90 meters long and 100 meters wide, serves up waters perfect for those of moderate to advanced skill. A picturesque destination, it’s hosted surf contests as part of the World Tour for many years—and for good reason, as waves here reach as high as 12 feet and last for as much as 300 meters.
2. BUNDORAN BEACH, COUNTY DONEGAL, IRELAND
Image Credit: Simply Woman Magazine
In search of some of the finer waves Europe has to offer? Seek the moody green waters of Bundoran Beach in Ireland. Sure, the sea here can be cold, but if you’re well-seasoned it won’t matter. The ten-foot-plus waves are far too much of an attraction to turn down—plus, there’s nothing like throwing a few back at an Irish pub with the locals. (It’s Dublin, so by “a few” we mean “a shit ton,” of course.)
3. FUERTEVENTURA, CANARY ISLANDS
Image Credit: The Vacation Times
Time to get on island time. Fuerteventura off the African coast has an immense collection of wildly popular waves, including Generosa Suicides, Shooting Gallery, El Hierro, German Rights, and others. Chief among these is The Bubble, the celebrated right-hand tube reserved for experts only. If you’re aching for a challenge, pack your sunglasses between October and March for the height of surf season.
4. HODDEVIK, NORWAY
Image Credit: Fjord Norway
Fantastically consistent swells and breaks for beginners to da pros characterize the mountain-wreathed wilds of Hoddevik, Norway. The prospect of icy waters may deter some of you, but don’t let it—modern wetsuit technology totally has your back, and besides, you won’t have to deal with the obnoxious crowds prevalent in some of these other destinations.
5. BLACK’S BEACH, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Repping the contiguous United States is Black’s Beach in San Diego—which we’re still pretty sure means “whale’s vagina” in German. Anyway, Black’s Beach is stowed away under the bluffs of Torrey Pines and is considered perhaps the dopest surfing spot on our mainland. Bear in mind that Fridays and Saturdays can get crowed af, though, and if you’re a beginner, you should look elsewhere.
6. HOSSEGOR, FRANCE
Image Credit: Volcom, YouTube
Vive la France! Hossegor is another pro destination for those jonesing for a wicked wave. If your skills are up to par, you’ll enjoy gloriously brutal beach breaks that can go head-to-head with anything found in Hawaii—not to mention the warmest Atlantic sea temperatures around. And if your skills are not quite up to speed yet, there’s always La Sud directly to the south, catering to the beginner and intermediate types.
7. EHUKAI BEACH PARK, NORTH SHORE, OAHU, HAWAII
We had to finish by showing love for Hawaii. It belongs on any surfing list, as does Ehukai Beach Park in particular. Why? It features the world-famous, experts-only Bonzai Pipeline. Get this: Its waves reach as high as 25 feet OR MORE in the winter months. But, ugh, proceed at your own peril, alright?
10 DJS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
Today, we’ve put together a selection of our favorite Instagram DJ accounts for you to check out.
We’re starting off with a couple “duh” ones that you nonetheless may have forgotten to add (we’d be straight up neglectful to leave a couple of these off the list), then we’ll move on from there. Let’s go!
1. MARTIN GARRIX | @MARTINGARRIX
C’mon, we had to start with ‘ole Marty. Garrix is a Dutch DJ and producer that’s now easily one of the absolute top jockeys on our little blue orb. Why follow him? Aside from the obvious, he hangs with notable peeps—including those outside of the scene, such as athlete Draymond Green of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors—and serves up some incredible concert shots, including this from one from Porto, Portugal. Plus, he’s always in the news in one way or another. Just a couple days ago he debuted a new house alias, “Ytram,” (“Marty” spelled backwards) at Tomorrowland.
2. KYGO | @KYGOMUSIC
Norwegian musician Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll (“Kygo”) is all over YouTube and Soundcloud with over 1 billion combined views. His Instagram is well worth a follow, too, with some absolutely jawdropping shots of both performances and landscapes. There’s some artistry with the photography available here—plus, you’ll see guest appearances from the likes of The Weeknd in Barcelona (pictured).
3. THE CHAINSMOKERS | @THECHAINSMOKERS
As if we need to tell you, The Chainsmokers are an American DJ duo of Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart. They got so much radio play and are so wildly popular that you probably already follow them via most channels. But if you’re not low-key stalking them on Instagram, you should—these guys know how to have fun. There’s tons of jetsetting going on and behind-the-scenes shots are abundant af.
4. MARSHMELLO | @MARSHMELLOMUSIC
First gaining worldwide recognition by remixing songs by Zedd and Jack Ü, there’s good reason to follow @marshmellomusic—no one knows who the EDM producer is!
OK, that’s not really true any longer. He’s effectively been outed as American DJ Chris “Dotcom” Comstock. Still, there’s no official confirmation. Plus, he always wears a giant marshmallow helmet, and how many of the IG accounts you follow offer up that sort of visual?
5. STAFFORD BROTHERS | @STAFFORDBROTHERS
Considered to be among the best Australia has to offer, brothers Matt and Chris Stafford hail from the Gold Coast but now rep LA. The first EDM act to sign with Cash Money Records, the Stafford Brothers are worth your Insta time because of stuff like this. And this. Really. They just love to have a good time, and you’ll have a good time following them.
6. ALISON WONDERLAND | @ALISONWONDERLAND
Sydney-based DJ and producer Alex Sholler is pretty fresh on the scene, but you may as well get acclimated with her in advance. Initially a classical musician (rocking the cello), her debut album “Run” dropped in March 2015. Like the Stafford Brothers, she’s tops from the Land Down Under and has already collaborated with the likes of Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips on her track, “U Don’t Know.” Oh, and she’s pals with the mysterious/not-so-mysterious Marshmello.
7. SICK INDIVIDUALS | @SICKINDIVIDUALS
Inspired by Swedish House Mafia, Daft Punk, and others, Dutch group Sick Individuals—composed of Rinze "Ray" Hofstee and Joep "Jim" Smeele—are blowing up. They’ve already offered official reworks for Avicii, Rihanna, Tiesto, David Guetta, Madonna, and Flo Rida, among others. Here they are playing Papaya Club in Zrce Beach, Novalja, Croatia.
8. WEARETREØ | @WEARETREO
“We make music and surf.” That’s WeAreTreø’s self-description, and really, when you listen to some of their music, you can hear the influence of the islands. The Southern Cal locals— Ace Future, Trevor Shawn, and John John Gregory—are a fav of Blenders and are all about curating good times. Give ‘em a follow and don’t look back.
5 TRAVEL PHOTOS THAT WILL GIVE YOU SERIOUS WANDERLUST
There’s no shortage of wonders in this world. While we can’t feature them all, our travel photo series here at Blenders has covered glacier-cut valleys, treacherous ocean-spanning roads, rainbow-colored mountain peaks, and more.
Today, we’ve got another bunch of wanderlust-inducing vistas that will have you positively aching to catch a flight. From ancient, temple-strewn vistas to pool-filled, glistening salt flats, here are a few more of our favorites for you to marvel at:
1. ZHANGJIAJIE NATIONAL FOREST PARK | HUNAN PROVINCE, CHINA
Within the People’s Republic of China’s Zhangjiajie City is the stunning Hunan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. What makes this spot special? Just look at it. There are jaw-dropping, natural quartz-sandstone pillar rock formations that stretch thousands of meters into the air, formed through natural physical erosion. Notably, the 1,080-meter “Southern Sky Column” has officially been renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” in honor of the James Cameron film. Park officials say the formations helped inspire the floating mountains from that movie.
2. BAGAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA | BAGAN, MYANMAR
Image Source: hotels.com
This ancient city area nestled within central Myanmar (formerly Burma) is home to more than 2,000—yes, two thousand—Buddhist temples and monuments. One of the sites includes the Ananda Temple, built in the wayback of 1091. Perfectly, you can even grab a hot air balloon ride over this sensational vista.
3. SOSSUSVLEI NAMIB DESERT | NAMIBIA
You’ve never seen sand dunes like these. The towering red sand mountains rise up out of the Namib-Naukluft National Park of Namibia salt and clay pan. There’s absolutely awe-inspiring scope here.
4. MOUNT RORAIMA | VENEZUELA
First discovered by explorer Sir Walter Raleigh in 1595, Mount Roraima is the highest of South America’s Pakaraima chain plateaus. Once thought to be unscalable, you actually can climb to the top of this distinctive, breathtaking anvil-shaped peak to peer through the clouds at the mesas and rainforest below. As if that wasn’t enough, Mount Roraima represents as one of our blue orb’s oldest geological formations, throwing it back to the Precambrian period roughly two billion years ago!
5. SALINAS GRANDES SALT FLATS | JUJUY PROVINCE, ARGENTINA
Image Source: Argentina Travel Blog
The Salinas Grandes flats are sodium and potassium mines located approximately 3,450 meters above sea level in northwest Argentina. Despite the crazy dry heat and remote location, this destination is absolutely beautiful. The floor of the salt flats and their rectangular mining pools reflect the boundless sky.
ALLEY HANGS
A few weeks ago, TJ and I took a little stroll around the neighborhood to get a few images featuring our brand new Deep Space and Blue Bengal D Series frames. We stumbled down one particular alley that ended up having a ton of textures we used to our advantage. These are just some of the shots that we favored amongst the sea of images captured that day. The best part of this particular shoot, in our opinion, was that we weren’t expecting to get such a raw feel in our beachy backyard, making this set one of our favorites thus far.
To give you a better idea of how the frames fit, check out the video below. And if you’re interested in either of the frames, CLICK HERE and HERE to learn more.
Stay tuned for more content fresh off the editing room floor!
-Julius
ELECTRIC FOR LIFE: LA
ELECTRIC FOR LIFE: LA
Gareth Emery’s second stop on his Electric For Life Arena Tour was at the Los Angeles Shrine Expo Hall and in his own words “the lasers were not f*cking around” Saturday night.
Emery was beyond appreciative of his LA fans, we drove up to witness the madness, and gave out 250 shades with custom pouches designed specifically for the tour.
He gushed on instagram saying: “A year ago nobody had even heard of #electricforlife and last night together WE DID THIS! Biggest show on the tour and one I will remember very fondly for the rest of my life. Can’t even imagine how we top last night but we’ve got a long time to think about it.”
To top it off not only did we deck out the audience but also had 2 pairs of custom shades made for Emery and his whole crew. Whether you make it to one of his shows or not these custom Electric For Life sunglasses are a must have for your Blenders Eyewear collection and is unlike anything we have ever done and would only do for Gareth as he has been a fan since day one. Hit mark@blenderseyewear.co.nz up and we can try and source a pair or 3 out of the States especially for you!
We love his music he loves our shades it’s that simple and we couldn’t be more stoked on this collaboration with him. His stop in Sydney is your last chance to catch him on tour before his last show and sold out show in London. Grab shades and tickets while you can and shine like neon diamonds. It’s time to get Electric for Life! //
For all things Gareth Emery and more info on the Electric For Life Tour head over to his Instagram, Twitter, and website.
RECAP: GROOVE CRUISE LA
RECAP: GROOVE CRUISE LA
After an extended weekend on Groove Cruise, that took off from LA and made stops in Catalina and Mexico, our co-founder, Chase, finally made it back to the office on Tuesday where we were missing him dearly. Not long into the day, the aftermath hit, and he had to go home early… because well… it was just that good. The teaser photos are in and the rest of the Blenders Crew shed a tear wishing we too had been a a part of all the madness. Maybe next year, so until then, if you weren’t there here is a sneak peak of what went down, and if you were there, here are some photos to help you relive the magic.
With after hour parties going into the wee hours of the morning, and DJs like Paul Okenfold and Dirty South killing their sets, all the while being on the beach or sailing the ocean, it’s safe to say this one was one for the books. Next stop, Groove Cruise Miami to Jamaica January 22-26 2016.
Photos by Veranmiky & Handonam Photography
Join the party Captain and visit: www.TheGrooveCruise.com
BLENDERS EYEWEAR PROUD TO ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH SURF LIFE SAVING NZ
New partnership with Surf Life Saving NZ
Friday, 16 October 2015
Blenders Eyewear is proud to partner with Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
Blenders will be Surf Life Saving New Zealand's exclusive eyewear provider and to highlight the partnership, all Regional Lifeguards will be provided with a pair of sunglasses to wear on patrol.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand CEO Paul Dalton says our lifeguards have the hugely important job of keeping a look out for people enjoying our beaches, so protecting their eyes is extremely important. "We're delighted to have Blenders on board with their huge range of eyewear that our lifeguards will love."
We are stoked to be supporting Surf Life Saving New Zealand and with our roots in the active Californian coastal lifestyle the partnership is a perfect connection.
So get on board because we will be donating $2 for every pair sold in NZ to support the awesome job that Surf Life Saving New Zealand is doing.
Member of SLSNZ Click Here for your Reward!
We love connecting with people on Instagram @blenderseyewearnz or follow us on Facebook.
