[Description: Travel - Group - Asia - Documentary]
01 - 08 - 07, 10.00pm [Current Vietnam Time]

[Pictures Later]

The past two days have been both intense and eye-opening. We started volunteering time with the kids at the peace camp, and the first day (the 31st) was mentally very fatiguing. Meeting these kids for the first time was rough - everything went as expected, but I don't think we were fully prepared for the full scale of what these kids were going through. The physical deformities are initially overwhelming, and I doubt we'll be truly accustomed to them anytime soon. But the kids are affectionate, and happy to see us. They are all great kids - from the infants who just want your attention, to the 11 and 12 year olds who just want to be kung fu masters. We volunteered from 8 to 11am, then 2 to 4pm; Courtney and Hai were with the older kids, getting a feel for who they wanted to film, while myself and Hai's cousin, Lan, were with the infants.

Today, we went back and volunteered again; same hours, same deal. This second day was much easier than the first. We all understood what we needed to do, and had become somewhat used to the kids. Courtney and Hai have chosen the four children who will be filmed for the documentary, and now all that remains is getting to know them better, and reaching an agreeable story to film around (based entirely upon the children's views and ideals).

Tomorrow, we volunteer for a third time this week, and then hop a bus to Nha Trang for the weekend. We intend to film b-roll of the ocean, countryside and city life while there. Hopefully, we will not run into any rain.

Also, the tourist season has apparently just begun - this means an increase in the number of people in the markets and people being swindled by taxi/motorbike/cyclo drivers. It also means an increase in the above mentioned drivers trying to wave US down and get us to ride in their vehicle. The level of annoyance is reaching an all time high I never thought it could reach. Ah well...such is Vietnam's public transportation. Luckily, that's really the only thing I can complain about.

Well, that's all for now. I might have internet access in Nha Trang this time around, so expect some updates soon. Good night.