First off - I don't know you and vice-versa, but you're inspiring to me - a complete stranger. Godbless the internet and forums like this - really amazing to follow your adventures.
Thanks for the kind words, and thanks so much for the detailed feedback below, I really appreciate it.
For the videos: I find myself skipping the intro scenes every time, and the credits. Not that I don't care, but I'd prefer the time being spent on content-watching.
Thanks, that's great feedback. When I make up a new intro I will make it much shorter.
Maybe each episode's intro should be a quick collection of shots from the actual video so they are never the same and don't get boring.... hmm..
I like the videos showing the extreme driving conditions and the people. I'd also like more info on the border crossings - I realize you may not get video of those things; and I hear horror stories sometimes on other blogs - i'd like to know more about when you had a tough time or easy time crossing into new nations.
Thanks. I am trying hard now to get more photos and videos of the local people, though it's extremely difficult. As soon as I pull out my camera my connection is lost, and people immediately demand money.
I am also blogging and many of my stories wind up there that never wind up on film.
I am hesitant to film a border crossing (Military HATE cameras), though I recently hid a camera in the Jeep and filmed a couple of bribery attempts., which worked.
It should be a good one when I edit it together.
One video - was a chief of police on a motorcycle who waved you over; you said you pretended not to understand his demands for, essentially, a bribe and he let you go. What would have happened or what would happen if you just kept driving in those situations?
Actually, I did drive right through two checkpoints in Guinea. I was sick of all the bribery, and just pretended not to see them (they were not exactly obvious, and everyone was just sitting in the shade..)
Both times a guy jumped on a motorbike and chased me down (even though I sped up, I can't ever go over about 60 mp/h with the potholes and speed bumps) He grabbed all my paperwork and demanded I come back... where the "big boss" yelled and got red in the face, demanding a bribe. Both times I just apologized a lot and played dumb, and after 20 minutes they let me go.
They honestly just get sick of repeating themselves and asking for money. As long as I keep a smile on my face and remain patient, it's fine.
What are your feelings on relative safety - I like how on one video you were a couple hundred meters from the highway and said your truck couldn't be seen from the road. That's a good thing I think - based on my limited knowledge of some of the places you're travelling through I might want a camo net and all that. But then, if hidden maybe local authorizes might think you're up to no good. So - that leads to my question; how to you decide on concealment to protect you from being a target of opportunity AND still trying to not-look-suspicious?
Oh, I feel very safe. The average person on the street here is much kinder and friendlier than anywhere else I have been on earth.
Many wild campsites lately locals "find me" and just wave hello and shake hands before continuing on their way.
Here is Cameroon there is a lot of unrest with the government, and a few times the military were extremely suspicious and forced me to come to the station and "register". It's best not to have or wear camo stuff in those circumstances. Once they really figure out I am just a tourist they are very friendly, often inviting me to camp in the military compound, inviting me for food, etc.
West Africa is not like the media would have you believe - you don't need to think about anything like a camo net. I have never heard of anyone having one.
Thanks again Darin, I will use you input to make my videos better!
-Dan
