So I find myself once again aboard a jet, flying halfway across the world to a remote region. A familiar feeling that a few months in American society can easily make you forget about. The days leading up to this trip were dizzying, gathering all of the necessary photography and filming gear, checking, double checking, re-checking… Everyone asks me, “Are you excited?” And not just about this trip, but about previous trips as well. Well the honest answer is no. Because of the complicated nature of packing and organizing all of this gear, I rarely have time to think about where I am going, or how I feel about it until I am either on the way, or already there. Now, at 35,000 ft, with my gear safely (I hope) stowed in over and under head compartments, I am beginning to realize that I am headed to Pakistan, and I AM excited.
We had some trouble obtaining visas to enter Pakistan, as the embassy was wondering why anyone in their right mind would want to come there, considering the volatile circumstances. They had a very valid point, but issued us the visas anyway. Right now, I am experiencing a mix of excitement, curiosity, anticipation, with a dash of fear, for lack of a better word. I am sure that there will not be any problems, but there is still an element of danger that is elusive enough to keep me wondering.
There is a young man named Zondar Khan who is supposed to pick us up when we arrive in Karachi, Pakistan, and it is rumored that he is a big fan of Pantera. Somewhat humorous that I am flying halfway across the earth to a strange and exotic land, and the man picking us up and escorting us is really into a heavy metal band from my hometown in Dallas. Small world when you kick as much ass as Pantera did. Either way, I am sure we will sit down for some brutally strong tea, accented with buffalo milk, as we await the arrival of the rest of our safari entourage.
I have now been awake for far too long, bingeing on coffee and nervously watching the battery life on my macbook dwindle, so I think I may fully recline my seat and attempt to sleep on this giant metal bird rocket. I am the only one awake on this plane for sure, and the flight attendant definitely rolled her eyes at me when I asked for that last cup of coffee. Oh well, at least I got the website and blog done (finally!!!!).
Well I am not entirely sure that I will have internet at 15,000 feet in the mountains of Pakistan, so this may be the last entry for a few weeks. From Pakistan we go to India and Nepal, where there should be a larger “e-presence.”
Good morning/night? from the turbulent westerly jet stream, and I will update you as soon as I can.
