I definitely prefer the second link with the full screen shots. I'm not sure I would start with events though, as I found that to be the slowest and least interesting section (the rest of it was very interesting though).
I think if your going to use that cooking or food prep footage it should cut a little quicker. Not to fast as it will look funny compared to the slow mid tempo music you have chosen.
Honestly, I like a combination of both of your reels, with an emphasis on the second reel with the full clips. I think adding the look of the first reel will just spice things up showing that you can be unconventional.
I liked tthe second one better. Didn't know where to look in the first one. Maybe you could use some split screen.. A combination between the two might work.