[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.

[Description: Travel - Group - Asia - Documentary]
30 - 07 - 07, 4.00pm [Current Vietnam Time]

The past two days have followed a similar route as the rest of the week. We shot more b-roll yesterday, gathering a few shots of street vendors, the presidential palace and some birds (caged, and not-so-caged).

After filming for half the day, we decided it was time to try to get a relaxing, professional massage. We chose a high-class hotel next door, which fortunately only charged $7 for a 1-hour "relaxing massage". We went up to the second floor (where the parlor was located), and they directed Courtney into a nearby room, then Hai and myself up to the next floor. This was my first time ever getting a professional massage, so it was all fairly new to me. We were told to undress, and take a shower in the nearby stalls. Afterwards, we were given fairly comfortable shorts to wear, and pointed down a hallway.

This is where things got interesting.

To begin, we were given separate, private rooms. I was a bit on edge at this point - all I wanted was a good massage, you know...work some knots out of my back and all. But this being my first massage, I assumed all was normal. I lied down on the table, said hello to the Vietnamese girl who came in, and immediately shoved my head through that little hole at the top of the bed. She then proceeded to massage my back. I was relieved - after all, this was a high class place...

Now, a bit of background. I have a girlfriend whom I love named Caprice Kefauver back in MD, and I cannot wait to get back to her. I couldn't even imagine going so far as to letting some other girl kiss me on the cheek (unless she was related, or a very close friend, and even then - only the cheek). So, I was crossing my fingers about this massage.

She went through the motions, did the whole walk on my back deal, then had me turn over. "Ok," I figure, "this is normal too. They had us do it at the medicinal massage place as well." Well, it was right about now that she points at my crotch and says "Massage?" with a very meaningful look. "No, no, no," I don't know how many times I shook my head, and despite this, she was very persistent. It was quite uncomfortable. I paid for a massage though, so I ended up having to just turn back over and point to my back. After all, that's really the only type of massage I like...well, from anyone other than...yea, I won't go there.

Anyways, fast forward (thank god, only about 10 minutes), and Courtney, Hai and myself were walking back to the hotel. Courtney loved her massage...in an open room with other women. Hai and myself were fairly silent - yes, it happened to him too. Well, suffice it to say, we called it an early night and just watched movies for the rest of the time before passing out.

Today, we went to the hospital to ask for permission to help out, and maybe get to know the kids. In case you have forgotten, this is a documentary on Agent Orange, and if you want to see what it is, and who the kids are, google it. We were told to come back at 8am tomorrow, and that they would try to find volunteer work for us to do. Whatever happens, we WILL have permission to film and such come next week - it would still be good to get to know the kids beforehand. After this, Courtney and I went to film some more; Hai and his cousin went to find medicine to help break the fever he acquired overnight. The day went fairly well, and now we're sitting in a cafe. They are watching Pride and Prejudice (bootlegged movie; 70 cents, an hour of peace and quiet; priceless) and I am just enjoying the net.

Well, until next post!

Peace!

P.S. Post more comments! I'm feeling lonely :'(.

[Description: Travel - Group - Asia - Documentary]
28 - 07 - 07, 11.50am [Current Vietnam Time]

Another slow two days. We spent more time filming b-roll at various locations, including the local church, the river, the Jade Dragon pagoda and various locations along the way. We apparently need permission to film inside the church, and every time we go to talk to the father, he's out. So, we are currently playing that one by ear.

Our days start at 6.30am, and run till about 8pm, with a few rest breaks during the day. I must admit, I am having a hard time waking up so early - I'm used to sleeping in and working late. No matter though, just gonna have to take it for what it is.

Aside from this, we don't do a great deal. Many nights we'll either go to the nearby cafe, or have a few drinks at one of the backpacker oriented bars down the street. We are all getting fairly used to the heat (finally), and none of us have been sick so far.

That's about all to report. Now, I'm gonna go sleep for an hour.

[Description: Travel - Group - Asia - Documentary]
26 - 07 - 07, 2.22pm [Current Vietnam Time]

Not much to report these past two days. Yesterday, we spent a good deal of time on research and the like, while Hai ran papers around. We took a brief walk to seek out places to film b-roll as well. I ended up turning in early, giving in to a bout of fatigue.

Today, we aren't doing a great deal. We filmed b-roll in the park, and tested out the equipment under various situations. We gathered wildlife, people and the various activities that were going on, moving around to something new every few minutes. Everything seems to be working great. We've taken about an hour of b-roll so far, and may head to the market later to try filming under low-light conditions. Other than these few things, not much else to report.

On a side note, for all those who may actually be following this, comments are always welcome (click on the "(#) voices in my head" link at the bottom of the post, click in the box under "Leave a Comment", type your comment, then click on "Publish Your Comment". Also, feel free to leave a name underneath whatever you right if you'd care to let me know who it is.

Thanks!

[Description: Travel - Group - Asia - Documentary]

24 - 07 - 07, 6.30pm [Current Vietnam Time]



Sorry for the long absence. I've not had internet access for the past couple of days.



So, for the past 4 days we have been in Nha Trang, Hai-Lam's hometown. Progressing with the documentary over the weekend would have been overly difficult, if even possible, so we decided to take a trip and relax.



Let's start with Friday; We began the day meeting with two of our contacts, and assessing what we needed to do when we returned from Nha Trang. After this, we were relatively free. We took a walk, saw a few sights, and waited. Our train left station at around 1.30pm, and arrived at midnight. I had the pleasure of sitting next to a man that elbowed me in the ribs the entire ride, not exactly my idea of relaxing, but it was only a brief discomfort - the rest of the weekend was much more enjoyable.

Next day, 6am, we woke up and prepared for a day out amongst the islands. After a quick breakfast, we were picked up at the hotel and driven to the docks, where we jumped on a tour boat that took us out to the islands. It was sunny, warm and not terribly windy, and my first experience scuba diving. Very good time, and our instructors were very good (though Courtney was allowed much more leeway, seeing as she had her diver's license). We returned at about 2.00pm, and went out for a massage.



I've never had a medicinal massage. I have also never had a blind person massage me. These two combined are quite the experience, but add in the fact that the blind person giving me a medicinal massage does not understand what I am saying, and I don't understand him, and you have one hell of a story. Honestly, the massage was good; it relieved a number of muscle knots I did not know I had (and ones that I'm not sure were there to begin with). However, I am not terribly fond of callused hands squeezing the knots out of my back. So, the good balanced the bad, and overall it was more good. Definitely an experience to have in life - a blind Vietnamese medicinal massage.



After the massage, we headed to the Buddhist temple. This temple is overlooked by an enormous white Buddha statue that overlooks the city at all time. It's quite impressive. However, due to the complacency of the inhabitants, it is also a congregation point for beggars and street kids; a fact noted when we were assaulted by a few of the little ones. Cute buggers, but a little more playful than is usual for any Vietnamese child (according to Hai).





This was the first night we all really drank in Vietnam. After hopping a few bars and enjoying eachother's company, Courtney and Hai decided to return to the hotel. I, on the other hand, had met two English fellows and ended up pub-crawling with them till early morning (much to my next day demise). Suffice it to say, despite a good time and good conversation, I woke up with one hell of a headache.



On Monday, while I nursed a hangover (complete with upset stomach and aching brain), we did a bit of shopping. All three of us had our eyes checked and ended up buying new glasses (at a fraction of what it would cost in the states). Afterwards, we wandered (we had motorbikes again). Our first bit of wandering was up the beach, where we came upon a resort that was half done - apparently, the man who was building it was fully funded, and after building half of it, he ran away with the rest of the money. After this, we drove out to the countryside, took a look at a few rice paddies, and saw where Hai was born (and lived the first couple of years).



After a day of recovery (for me) and sightseeing, we met a tour bus back at the hotel and jumped on for a restless night of travel back to Ho Chi Minh City (the sleeper train was booked). It was a 10 hour bus ride, and was perhaps one of the most uncomfortable journeys within this entire trip so far (though worth it). We arrived in HCM at 7.00am.



As for today, it was relatively uneventful. We grow closer to having full permission to film in the Ho Chi Minh peace camp; we were told the paperwork would take approx. 2 weeks to go through, but it would definitely go through. Courtney tells me that this is better than she had hoped, especially in the film industry, so I have high hopes. Unfortunately, it also means that I will not be here for most of the filming. Not a complaint, just a circumstance. We also researched a bit more into the history of Agent Orange, and just pulled up the facts. Tomorrow, we scout out locations for b-roll, and Thursday we begin filming. Everything seems t be falling into place.



Well, I've had a few and sleep is closing in fast. Posts should come daily for the time being, so see you tomorrow.