Video of the Day - Thessaloniki, Greece

Country: Thessaloniki, Greece
Video Posted: June 12, 2007


I have this aunt, she's Greek. Every Christmas when my poly faith, totally interracial family would get together, she would point at things around the room and tell us how they were first invented by Greeks.


Pottery? Greek. Architecture? Greek. Food? Greek. Even in the face of insurmountable evidence, like the many other cultures around the Mediterranean that made pots, built buildings and had food, she would adamantly insist... Greek First.


Hey Kathy? Not this time! hehehehe.


Oh wait... Greeks might have invented hugging.


I think I lost this next Christmas argument and it's only April. 


Ok, picking on my family week is over. Otherwise I'll be sharing videos of Scotland and rambling about how my great grandfather on my mother's side was Scottish from the Isle of Skye and THAT is why my brother ended up a violent alcoholic.


Did you know that you're my family? Every last one of you.


Get ready for an emoticon....

:D


Happy Whatever Day, Free Hugs Family!

Video of the Day - Jaffa, Israel

Country: Jaffa, Israel
Video Posted: November 30th, 2006


I've had the glorious opportunity to chat with the wonderful folk who run the Free Hugs Israel group and I'm always brightened by the sheer courage they have to get out there and offer Free Hugs. I spend a lot of time watching, reading and listening to world news and if I were to believe everything the news says - these Free Huggers should be dead by now.


But they aren't! Thank humanity for that!


I don't have many heroes, but these people, they're definitely on that list. 


If they can successfully share Free Hugs all over Israel, you can offer Free Hugs anywhere. I'm sure I've said that about the last Free Hugs Israel video I posted.


Oh... Did you know that I'm half Egyptian and was raised Muslim? The man I called Dad (Who totally turned out to actually be my uncle, but that's another story) is so anti-Israeli, he probably won't talk to me after this.


Oh that's right... we don't talk anyway. Something about me being intolerant.


Go figure.


I love you people! 

Video of the Day - Bucharest, Romania

Country: Bucharest, Romania
Video Posted: December 24th, 2006


Heads Up - No Audio!


But I'll post it anyway with the recommendation that you find a copy of Hunters and Collectors "Throw your arms around me" and listen to that at the same time. I love that song. It's so much better than hearing "THAT" song over and over and over and over again.


Did you know that "THEY" aren't my friends? Aside from ripping me off and threatening me with lawsuits all the time, we haven't spoken since Oprah.


Sheesh, all this they and that and nothing about Bucharest, Romania - you probably think I don't even watch these videos and just post links and ramble on the keyboard about stuff and nonsense entirely unrelated to the excellence that is an International Free Hugs video. But I do watch them. I have a spare TV set up in my home office streaming Free Hugs videos throughout the day. I can't deny that I like watching them.


I just really, really, really don't like "THAT" song.


You know, the first time I heard the demo version of "THAT" song, I dismissed it in favour of playing Grand Theft Auto San Andreas and chilling out to Barrington Levy and that sweet Reggae station on the in game radio. Do you think there will ever be a Free Hugs dude in a GTA game? That'd be cool.


Anyway. Bucharest. Bucharest. Bucharest. I like this video because it's so damned cold out there and yet... these dedicated Huggers still get out there and share the love. That's what it's all about. Sharing is caring.


Or so my lady partner says every time she drops guts.


*sigh*


Juan Mann - As classy as a truant student. But hey, I hope you're smiling. 


I love you Bucharest!

Video of the Day - Manila, Philippines

Country: Manila, Phillipines
Video Posted: July 9th, 2007


It's South East Asia Week here at JuanMann.com - Well... it's south east asia few days in a row at least. Here are some things I know about Manila.


1 - It's the place where Manila Envelopes were invented.
2 - That probably isn't true.


I got nothing on this one but a warm feeling and the knowledge that the corner of the world I live in seems to have a multi-lingual handle on hugging each other. For more information on the prolific history of the Philippines, tune in next week... jokes, jokes - hit up wikipedia or the CIA world fact book. Yup. The CIA actually have a world fact book that is publicly available online. It's a great resource and rather than reading it and copy pasting some info for you, I'll just mention it exists. Knowledge is power people!


When it comes to the Philippines, I'm powerless.


Hug On!

Video of the Day - Taipei, Taiwan

Country: Taipei, Taiwan
Video Posted: December 10th, 2006


Once upon a time, everything was made in Taiwan. Everything. Hats, Shoes, Clothes, Plastic stuff, Other stuff, just tons and tons of stuff. If it had a label on it, chances are it said "Made in Taiwan." Like everything else.


Aside from sending our dollars over there in exchange for the goods or services the Taiwanese provided, what other way could we ever say thank you to a country that for decades was Earth's Factory?


It pleases me no end to see this particular Free Hugs video. I have never been able to say "Thanks for making all that sweet stuff" but in some strange way, I'd like to think that sharing Free Hugs with the world - and Taiwan - is my way of saying ... "Thanks for making all that sweet stuff"


Someday I'll get myself a custom made  Free Hugs sign from Taiwan, just to be able to smile at that sticker in the corner that says "Made in Taiwan."

Vincent Marx - Free Hugs Tohoku Japan

I received an email from Vincent Marx in Japan about his personal Free Hugs Campaign, knowing the tongue in cheek cheekiness with which I tend to write around here and knowing I cannot do his work justice, I've copypasted his email below:

Video of the Day - Shibuya, Tokyo

Country: Shibuya, Tokyo
Video Posted: December 6th, 2006



Have you ever heard the myth about there being a vending machine for absolutely everything in Japan? Hot Food, Booze, Underwear in various states of cleanliness? How many Free Hugs vending machines are there? Would anybody even hug a machine? Hmmm... Some days I'd like to think I'm a hugging machine and peope hug me, so I guess that answers that question.


Here's that Shibuya Tokyo video for you and while there aren't any hugging machines in it, I'd love for you to reach forward, grab the screen and lay a decent A-Frame Hug on it. 


Cause you never know when the machines might rise up and maybe, just maybe, that hug you give is the first time a machine learns to love.


I love writing these things!

Video of the Day - Paris, France

Country: Paris, France
Video Posted: 4th December, 2006


They call it the City of Love... or is it the City of Lovers? Whoever they are, they call it something lovely and here's a little sample of Free Hugs from France... with French People! [I know, they may not all be French, but for the purposes of referencing my favourite Portugal video... now they are!]


Calins Gratuits!

Video of the Day - Helsinki, Finland

Country: Helsinki, Finland
Video Posted: 21st December, 2006


"Cold, Alone, Does anybody care?"


These Finnish Free Huggers set out to make a difference and by the end of this frosty northern winter manage to warm the heart of a whole city.


I'm always in awe of Free Huggers who get out into their cities in the middle of a snowing winter. Sydney gets cold enough with its overcast days and strong winds. I'd imagine it was so cold in Helsinki on this day, these here hero's could barely feel their fingers.


If it's winter and snowing wherever you may be, remember, a Free Hug doesn't just feel good... it feels warm!

Video of the Day - Kunming, China

Country: Kunming, China

Video Posted: November 8th, 2006

Another Free Hugs Campaign brought to you by the fantastic citizens of my nation's northern neighbour, China. 

No stories of arrests, no dramas, just Hugs. Free Hugs at that. Did I mention it was in China? 


Have a great weekend, hug somebody, smile and remember this: If it returns from the dead, aim for the head.


Seriously though, Peace out huggers!

Video of the Day - Georgia, USA

Country: Georgia, 
Video Posted: March 4th, 2011


I've given and received a lot of hugs in my time. I've hugged all shapes, sizes, colours, creeds and orientations of men, women and children. I've hugged a tree just to say I could, I've hugged the porcelain throne after a rough night out but I've never, ever, ever hugged a chicken.


Ever.

Video of the Day - Mumbai, India

Country: Mumbai, India

Video Posted: June 29, 2008

I could dedicate an entire month to posting Free Hugs videos from India... and an entire week of that month to posting the self-proclaimed "first" Free Hugs Campaigns in India at that.

It's no competition, it's a kind and caring embrace

Video of the Day - Stockholm, Sweden

Country: Stockholm, Sweden

Video Posted: 1st, November 2006

Accompanied by one of Chopin's fantastic piano pieces, these fine folk of Stockholm made their slice of the world a brighter place. For just one day and one day only. 

I doubt they've ever forgotten what that day was like for them. Watching this video reminds me of the captivating beauty I always find in those moments after a Free Hug, when that stranger slowly walks away. Always smiling on the inside.

I really like this video.

Man, I love you guys! Have a great day!

Hugs,

Juan.

Video of the Day - Porto, Portugal

Country: Porto, Portugal

Video Posted: 3rd October 2006

I could never figure out why, but I've always loved the title of this video - "Free Hugs of Juan Mann in Portugal with portuguese people."

It goes without saying that I smile every time I see this one.

Thanks, Portugal!

Hugs,

Juan.

Video of the Day - New York City, USA

Country: New York City, USA

Video Posted: 24th October 2006

This is your opportunity to watch Times Square come alive in a sea of Free Hugs.

I've offered Free Hugs in NYC back in November 2006 and this video reminds me of the openness and warmth that I was warned not to expect.

"A New Yorker will push you out of the way, take your sign and sell it at a discount."

The Lies.

The bigger the city, the more open people are to Free Hugs.

By the end of that one Free Hugs Day in November, my arms and elbows were little more than floppy spaghetti stuck to my shoulders. The following week, my doctor diagnosed me with Repetitive Strain Injury.

That's the only time Free Hugs have caused me physical pain. 

And there is such a thing as too many hugs. 

Don't believe me? 

Hug New York.

Hugs,

Juan.

Video of the Day - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Country: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Video Posted: 28th October 2006

The soundtrack in this video is a perfect match. Amsterdam showing the world there's more than just a District and Coffee shops. There are the hopes of those we pass by in the street, there are the dreams we step over just to get on with living, there are people everywhere, with hearts waiting to be filled with joy.

Amsterdam. We haven't met yet, but someday soon, I'll hug you all as if we were old friends.

Hugs,

Juan.

Video of the Day - Parts Unknown, Mexico

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Country: Parts Unknown, Mexico

Video Posted: 25th October 2006

This video has it all. Another uplifting Free Hugs video from somewhere other than here, people of all ages embracing a new experience, strangers becoming acquaintances, catchy Mexican music [please someone tell me that this track is from Mexico otherwise... It's just catchy Music and I'm inaccurate, as per]

Enjoy the video and I hope the world is treating you kindly,

Hugs,

Juan

Video of the Day - Hollywood, USA

Country: Hollywood, USA

Video Posted: 4th November 2006

What you see here is the FIRST EVER AWARD WINNING FREE HUGS VIDEO by Lisa Murray.

That's right. This here video won an award for its creator. 

I'm sure you'll agree it's worthy!

Hugs,

Juan

Video of the Day - Peru

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Country: Peru

Video Posted: 29th October 2006

On any given day in Sydney's Pitt Street Mall, you will find a busker, street performer or fundraiser approaching you for attention, entertainment or money. 

The Peruvian pan flute players were an exception. Together, they'd set up their PA equipment, dress in their ponchos, walk over to me with a big grin and share a group hug.

Peru, thank you for your Free Hugs, both over here and over there.

Enjoy the video!

Hugs,

Juan

Video of the Day - Parts Unknown, China

Country: China

Video Posted: 21st October 2006

This is by far one of my favourite Free Hugs videos.

When the original video went up on YouTube and the first International Free Hugs Campaigns started up, a news story was emailed to me about Free Huggers in China being arrested.

My heart sank. I offered Free Hugs so people could be happier for a moment and free to choose whether or not they took up the offer.

It was never meant to get people arrested.

For days, I scoured the news looking for updates. 

I found something better. This video and a translation of the original Chinese Free Hugs article. The Free Huggers had been detained for some 20 minutes to answer questions regarding what this whole Free Hugs thing was about.

They were then given consent to return to the streets, with their signs and Hug the World.

With every video I saw back in those first weeks, the world seemed smaller and smaller each day.

Hugs,

Juan

Video of the Day - Venezuela

Country: Venezuela

Video Posted: 13th October 2006

Venezuelan musician Victor Escalona has posted so many Free Hugs videos in Venezuela he deserves the honorary title of "Venezuelan Juan Mann" - Enjoy!

Hugs,

Juan.

Video of the Day - Seoul, Korea

Country: Seoul, Korea

Video Posted: 17th October 2006

Can I say it? Please?

"I love Korea, Korea's got Seoul!" 

That feels better, now that's out of the way. 

Here's a couple of Korean facts:

1 - My Fiancee was born in South Korea.

2 - So was her twin.

That's it for the facts. No, I'm kidding, here's another one:

3 - There's a South Korean TV documentary about the Free Hugs Campaign.

4 - Hugging people, even family, is not a social norm in South Korea.

The world is a wonderful place. Somehow, somebody let me in.

Hugs,

Juan

Video of the Day - Rome, Italy

Country: Rome, Italy

Video Posted: 16th October 2006

It comes as no surprise that the Italian people are such avid Free Huggers. The reality seems to imply that Italian people will embrace each other, regardless of an offer of Free Hugs. 

The question I have now is, what country has produced the most Free Hugs videos? Time to do some work!

Hugs,

Juan

An Interview with David Han Lee - Free Hugs British Columbia, Canada

My name is David Han Lee and I live in British Columbia, Canada.


This is my Free Hugs story.


In my first year of high school in 2008, I wasn't your most social character as I was really shy then. I don't know what made me this way, it was just my character then.

Video of the Day - Barcelona, Spain

Country: Barcelona, Spain

Video Posted: 12th October 2006

Barcelona makes me think of three things. Olympic host cities, a friend I went to college with and tomorrow's video. Despite those things, I hope you take the opportunity today to reach out and hug someone.

If not, here's one from me -

Hugs,

Juan

Video of the Day - Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal

Country:  Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal

Video Posted: 23rd February, 2011

Here's a video sent to me earlier this week on Facebook by a group of students in Portugal who run the Free Hugs - Abraços Grátis group in their city. They're active, passionate and much unlike your humble writer, ORGANISED!

I love these guys, thank you so much Diogo for the link and the vid!

Hugs,

Juan.

An Interview with Joshua Skylark Benton - Free Hugs Alabama

My name is Joshua Skylark Benton and I am from the state of Alabama, a state infamous because of racism and hatred, and the birth of the Civil Rights Movement. We are still emotionally split, but I have got 300 college students and 4 church youth groups doing Free Hugs all across the state.


When I was fourteen, I was at a youth camp in Daytona, Florida.I was seated on the floor among thousands of teenagers in one arena when a girl in a chicken costume came by with a sign that said "FREE HUGS". I immediately jumped up and ran to hug her. It felt so good. 


I went and bought a poster of a band playing at the event and wrote "FREE HUGS" in Sharpie on the back. By the end of the day I hugged maybe 100 different people, and shook hands with a few who didn't want to hug. Every concert I went to afterwards, I took Free Hugs signs and they were a hit. Soon, others made their own Free Hugs signs. We'd friend each other on Facebook and pass around your video. 


Then it just exploded.


One day I was offering Free Hugs in a park with my friends. Joggers would stop, hug, then run off. Little kids would hug us and show us off to their parents.
We met some college kids who wanted to join in the fun. 


The next week we had twenty kids in the park doing it.


We bought more posters and headed to the campus in Auburn. We offered Free Hugs and met more folks that befriended us on Facebook. They told their friends in other colleges about it and now we have folks roaming the college campuses all over Alabama doing it. I've heard of 100-200 people at a time at huge events now offering Free Hugs. Some even stand in malls and on sidewalks downtown doing it.


The craziest event we've offered Free Hugs at was when someone suggested we hug a Ku Klux Klan rally. We stood there with signs that read "free equality" "free hugs" and we all wore a smile, we used our own megaphones to drown out the sound of the racial slurs.


Not a single Klansmen wanted a hug, they were just a bunch of haters. They wanted to shock the community. They wanted to hurt others, we came to help the community. One act of human kindness and love at a time. We've even taken a group of fifty people to a funeral where Westboro Baptist was to picket against homosexuality. We sure won't let people yell at the funeral of a soldier who died. We stood alongside the Freedom Riders as we blocked the view of the funeral from the eyes of the picketers.


We are still expanding. Every concert, every public function, when one person gets the word out, we all come out for Free Hugs.


---
EDIT:


If anybody wants to get in touch with Josh, you can contact him on facebook

Video of the Day - Moscow, Russia

Free Hugs in Moscow 01.10.06 from this-me on Vimeo.

Country: Moscow, Russia

Video Posted: 2nd October 2006

I remember seeing this video for the first time, all those years ago. I couldn't begin to believe that so many people, so far away would take to Free Hugs with such humour and passion.

Some days, the world can be an amazing place. 

I hope it's treating you kindly today.

Hugs,

Juan.

Seriously folks...

Beware the hidden dangers of facebook spam!


If your friend has photoshopped a picture of you, they surely should know how to upload that picture to facebook.


I should know that!


Oh, Maelin? 


I'm too lazy to shop :P


Hugs, Juan

Video of the Day - Duesseldorf, Germany

Country: Duesseldorf, Germany

Video Posted: 15th October 2006

This vid takes some time to get going, but rest assured you get what you're here for:

Free Hugs.

The one time I offered Free Hugs in Germany, I... no wait, that wasn't Germany. 

In the days leading up to my depressive return to Australia, before Free Hugs began, I walked the streets of Hamburg with my future ex-fiancee by my side. 

Every single person I passed on the streets seemed happier than me, more alive than me, or simply just less depressed. In a city filled with bridges, I couldn't wait to burn mine down and start again somewhere else. As someone else.

I should have asked a stranger for a Free Hug way back then... Germany could have changed my life. 

Hugs,

Juan