If you believe every journey should inspire, nothing comes close to that made by Philippe Petit: a 45-minute journey of 200 feet — on a wire strung across the yawning abyss between the World Trade Center towers in Manhattan.

James Marsh's exhilarating documentary "Man On Wire" tells the story of French artiste, juggler and funambulist Petit and his obsession with affixing a wire between the twin towers and walking across it on Aug. 7, 1974.

Told in interviews with those involved in pulling it off, the documentary plays out like a fantastic bank heist, a thrilling travelogue of Petit's wire-walking in France, Australia and — after many setbacks — New York.

"To step out on the wire could mean instant death," Petit says in the documentary of the moment when he finally does step out at 1,350 feet. Petit crossed between the towers eight times including a stint of lying full-length on the 7/8-inch wire as astonished New Yorkers watched from below. "Man On Wire" (which refers to the charge on his New York arrest docket) or as Petit preferred, "Le Coup," is playing at Kahala Theaters, www.manonwire.com

GEAR UP

MEXICAN RECYCLED SHOES MAKE GREAT TRAVEL COMPANIONS

Their soles made from tires, the Mexican huarache could be the world's first recycled shoe. The footwear, which dates from the 1930s, remains a favorite of many Mexican campesinos (farmers) — and, increasingly, travelers. Each pair is handwoven from a single strip of leather that molds to the shape of your foot. A leather insole and a cushioned midsole provide optimum comfort, and their durability makes them a great travel shoe, even worn by Jack Kerouac in his 1957 classic "On the Road."

If you can't get down Mexico way anytime soon, you can order authentic Mexican huaraches in a assortment of zingy colors and styles online from Travel Smith. They're stylish and we'll bet they outlast any other shoes in your closet. $49, www.travelsmith.com.

DISNEY PARKS

NEXT YEAR, IF YOU VISIT ON YOUR BIRTHDAY, ADMISSION WILL BE FREE

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will admit visitors free on their birthdays next year.

The birthday promotion is only at U.S. parks. Visitors with multiday passes or who are otherwise already ticketed on their birthdays can either get a one-day one-park ticket for use in the next year; a "Fastpass" for four rides for up to six people; or a card with a dollar amount equal to the free ticket, usable toward merchandise and other purchases.

Visitors must show valid identification and proof of birth date to qualify. Birthday visits can be registered in advance at www.disneyparks.com.