Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Day three complete and I am exhausted...




Today was a great day of shooting. Stressful, as everything is with run and gun shooting on a DSLR, but interesting topics to cover.

We started of with environmental issues and visited a community that has open sewage running through their area. We interviewed people in a food shop next to the sewage river about health concerns and what can be done to help. Was hard to get close to it, but I've learned to bring gum and keep chewing, ignoring the smell. Next was a community built around a small lake/stream that floods during rainy season. No help from the government, so they started to build their own retaining wall out of swamp grass bundled up in knots. Last stop was talking to children selling items in a very large market area. Why do they sell? How much do they keep and who gets the money? Interesting to see children with no real hope, but just trying to help their family survive in most cases.

On a side note, someone stole our hubcap while we were moving slowly in traffic. I was in the back seat and some people started to point and shout at the driver as a young man ran away with his hubcap. He stopped the car in the middle of the road and gave chase, but came up short. Just earlier someone stole his turn signal light when it was parked. People steal parts off of cars to sell. He even said later they will try to sell your part back to you (if you don't get a good look at them). Also got a good case of sunburn today. Hopefully I will not become a crispy critter tomorrow. All par for the course.

Sorry about the lack of media and quick write up. Slow connection and it is after midnight. I am beyond tired. Will add media after the trip.

3 comments:

Dee said...

I am so ignorant, it's not even funny. Crazy someone wanted a hubcap, I guess to sell it. Who takes care of the kids? Are they sleeping in the streets or makeshift shelters? Do they eat? Do they have any government agencies helping with sanitation, housing, health issues? It makes my chest hurt. Love you and be safe, Dee

Unknown said...

I would say no need to ever apologize about not posting enough, or not getting enough media up or anything like that...it's just great to get this kind of snapshot into a world few of us consider, let alone visit...

My sister's heading out to do work in Ethiopia this summer, and I'm already amassing tips to give her from your travels: bring gum, sunblock, etc.

John G said...

Thanks for the comments. Dee, must kids are taken care of. They do have issues with trafficking, but most of the kids are taken cafe of by at least one parent. Josh, oh the list could go on: chewable Pepto tablets is a good one to have on the list...