I’ve got nothing but time right now, and trying to write down things so I don’t forget.  

The power goes out at least twice a day, sometimes more.  But, it only lasts a few seconds then it goes back on.  I’m not sure why this happens, but you can count on me finding out.  

Coffee and tea are served really hot - like scorching hot.  I was trying to figure out why and it’s probably to kill all of the bacteria in the water.  Other than that, I’m only drinking bottled water.  And I actually drank Sprite and Mountain Dew!  I still hate Coke and Pepsi though.   

Last night I fell asleep around 7:30P — so tired.  I woke up a few times because the air conditioner wasn’t working and the smell of cigarette smoke kept lurking into my room, which is adjacent to the dining hall on the 1st floor.  People smoke A LOT here - it may seem like it’s more than the U.S. because they smoke indoors all the time.  The smoke suffocates me.  I breathe it in and it feels like poison going into my lungs.  I hate it.  I carry tissue around with me to use as a filter.  Outside, it’s not bad, just indoors is what kills me.  Hope my lungs aren’t turning black.     

Luke was gone all night editing the reenactment scene at the office.  I woke up for good around 7:30A, when he arrived back at the hotel.  He went to sleep and I went to the dining hall by myself.  I brought some reading material and started reading about the battle at Peochar (which is the basis for the film we’ll be shooting).  The Writer/Director, gave me a bunch of his notes to read.  I can’t believe he’s been here for seven months trying to get this film going.  But, it shows tremendous dedication  to make a legendary, cinematic international film.  I respect that.  

Anyway, I drank tea and read for a while.  Then the manager of the guesthouse comes and introduces himself to me.  He asks to sit down and we order breakfast - eggs and toast.  I think that’s the staple morning meal everyday.  It actually wasn’t half bad, but that’s because I learned to say “no spice” when ordering.  We talked about his businesses - he owns other guesthouses all around Pakistan.  The place we’re staying at is actually listed as a corporate facility or office because of security reasons.  I think guesthouses are targets for attacks because there could be Americans or other foreigners there.  Reti, the Special Effects Supervisor, came in to eat breakfast.  We talked for a bit about his meeting with a local SFX guy.  Reti deals with firing weapons, explosions and squibs and stuff like that for the shoot.  He’s from Romania.  Very nice guy - he seems down though - just like Evangelos and Phil and Chris were feeling down - because production hasn’t begun yet.  All of us came here to work and when there’s no work, it’s depressing.  I’m not depressed - I’ve only been here six days.  

My feelings about being here change on a day-to-day basis.  Happy one day, frustrated and scared the next.  I don’t want to write much about my thoughts on production in this blog.  But, we don’t have a Producer.  We don’t have a Coordinator or a Production Manager.  I don’t understand how they think a film will happen without those people.  It can be frustrating.  But, my natural personality is to keep a positive outlook on situations.  Yes, I’m here to make a film.  Worst case scenario - it doesn’t happen.  But, I won’t go home feeling like crap because my perspective on the world has already opened 10x in just the six days I’ve been here.  I’m learning about the people of Pakistan - their livelihood, their opinions, their beliefs.  This experience is priceless.  Maybe this will lead me in a direction to travel to other less developed countries and find meaningful work.  While my passion is producing (mainly because I’m good at it and I love organizing), I would like to write more.  Writing is a secret passion of mine that hasn’t been developed yet.  I have about 7 different unfinished scripts on my computer.  

It’s been raining here for the last 24 hours.  Been very humid - monsoon season is approaching.  Good thing I brought three bottles of bug spray!  

b.e.d.