Factory Failure... So Instead, I'll be a Tourist

*Note: this is from Monday, March 12*

As most of you might not know, there is a method (or reason, at least) for my madness (or my traveling to Thailand over Spring Break and not seeing the beaches). I am completing research for my thesis, which is a documentary about outsourced/offshored manufacturing jobs in Thailand and Bangladesh. Of course, it's important to get video of the country to sort of establish the location in the documentary, which is why I've also been going around to places like the floating market.

Long story short, my goal is to get into factories, mainly garment ones, to show the jobs that Americans are wanting back (think Rick Santorum's "Made in America" campaign venture, which actually stems from a piece of legislation that Obama passed in 2010). But, getting into the factories, especially with a video camera and a language barrier, has been difficult to say the least. I got an email back from one factory about a week ago, Apparel Creations, Ltd. in Bangkok, and I was thrilled. I got there today, with the help of Jeab at the front desk (the directions were somewhat difficult, and in Thai), and they took me to their showroom. I sat down with the owner and manager. The first thing he said was, "You can't really help me, so I can't help you." I tried to explain I'm just a student, I don't get any monetary gain out of this, I came all the way from the US, if I come back with nothing I'm in big trouble... yada yada. He agrees to take me around the factory and take pictures, but refuses himself to an interview of any sort.

Fail.

So, I retreat back to my hotel. I regroup and call every factory in the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association's directory. I come across a plant that exports goods for Nike. They speak English! But they also have to grant clearance before even entering the factory. They said they'd call me back but I'm not counting on it. Although I'm pretty stressed at this point, I can't help but laugh at all of the company's hold tones (for lack of a better term, the music that plays when you're on hold). They all sound like ice cream trucks, except the tunes are "Ode to Joy," "Jingle Bells," and "Home on the Range," just to name a few. After several "call back tomorrow"s and mostly a complete lack of English, I finally get to a factory called Turbo Garments, Ltd. that exports children's clothes to TJ Maxx. After several holding periods, I am finally put in contact with Molly, who loves the idea of me coming to her factory with a video camera... what?

So, she emails me a map, I talk to the front desk, and arrange to go tomorrow afternoon. My thesis might actually come together!

I decide to take the rest of the afternoon to go around Bangkok and get more footage, since my day is packed tomorrow. Thai people are surprisingly unaware of cameras, which is great for me. I got people in the streets, street food, the skyline from the rooftop of my hotel, and the beautiful Jim Thompson House (Jim Thompson is accredited to reviving the silk industry, bringing international attention to Thailand).

I figured if I were to get a picture of anything in Thailand, it had to be Wat Arun, the beautiful Buddhist temple that you see when you Google "Bangkok" or "Thailand". I wanted to go at sunset so I could get pictures with all sorts of lighting, and also create a time lapse with video. Wat Arun is hands down one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. The detail on the prangs is intensely intricate; it's hard to tell the gold, porcelain, and seashells apart. In a sense, I got the same feeling as when I saw the Valley of the Kings in Egypt (the discovered tombs of the kings). There were people that literally spent a significant portion of their lives, sometimes the entirety, working on the temple/tombs, perfecting all of those minute details.

So, I'm back in my hotel now, worn out from a long day, but completely satisfied. The pepperoni pizza I picked up on the way home helps, too.

It's like Disney World... But Better!

It's once again 1 a.m. and I'm awake, considering I took a five hour nap from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. I'm just confused because it's not like that equates to a normal sleep schedule at home, either.

I set out today to get as much B-Roll (not interviews, basically supplemental footage) for my thesis as possible. I read online about the floating markets in Thailand, which I figured would be the perfect opportunity to get some of the greenery of Thailand -- rather than just come home with video of Bangkok, which is crowded and urban, where as the rest of the country isn't really like that. I also thought I'd try to see a few other things. But, I set out at about 10 a.m., after researching directions in both English and having the hotel workers translate them to Thai (my number one travel tip ever). I got to a cab and told him the floating market that I wanted to go to. He told me it was closed, and pulled out a brochure with a different one. He was very enthusiastic, to say the least. I asked him how far, since I wanted to get back to do other things. He said, "half hour" and "1500 Baht", which is not too cheap. I talked him down to 1200 and said okay.

As is turns out, by "half hour" he actually meant an hour and a-half (now looking at GoogleMaps, it's really 1 hour, 43 minutes). We finally got there and I was pumped. The guide showed me the route of the boat tour through the canals and markets. I was most excited about the "water elephant ride" at the end.

We get to the counter and I'm about to purchase my ticket. He tells me 5000 Baht, which is about $163. I'm a little ticked at this point. I told him I wasn't going to pay that to go by myself on a boat to spend more money at a market. I talked him down to 2000 Baht (which is still a little pricey, in my opinion), which unfortunately didn't include the elephants. I figured, I can't think of a time when I'll ever really be able to do this again. So off I went.

It rained a little during the trip, making some of the videotaping difficult. I still got some great footage, though.

I thought I'd try to stop and video some of the trinkets and people selling them. The poor lady I chose did not understand what I was doing or why I was just putting a camera in her face rather than buying something immediately. I did finally get something.

I also stopped at a Buddhist temple along the way. I could tell the decor, signs, etc. had been geared towards tourists, but it was still awesome to see. I feel like the closest I had ever come to a Buddhist monk previous to this was, well, never.

And, just as the ride was ending and I was assessing whether it had really been worth my money, I was surprised by a little lady with a plate with my picture on it. I remembered someone taking my picture in the beginning, but I didn't think twice about it (I snap pictures of people all the time, right?). But, lo and behold, it was a plate commemorating my floating market trip. I thought it was hilarious and the lady was confused as to why I was laughing so hard. I could only think to myself, it's like the rides at Disney World -- you get a picture snapped when you're least expecting it, then you can buy the t-shirts, mugs, etc. with the picture at the end. So I had to get the plate.

It's 1 am in Bangkok...

And I'm wide awake.

I just got to the Holiday Inn Express, which I did not originally book with. The hotel I had booked with, well... turns out there's no vacancy, which I am now a-okay with. It seems I have much better Wi-Fi and television stations here anyway.

I was a little nervous about getting into Thailand so late (my flight got in around 11 p.m. local time). I thought I might have difficulty finding a cab, finding my hotel, etc. Turns out, Bangkok is still very alive. People line the streets and fill the coffee shops as if it's 9 a.m.

I'm right across from the national stadium and Siam Discovery Center, which is pretty darn sweet. I will be posting pictures soon.

Unfortunately, my key contact in both Bangkok and Dhaka was laid off yesterday. So, come sun up, I'll be hitting the ground running trying to find some other options.

It wouldn't be journalism if you didn't have to go to plan C (at least), right?

Thanks to my mom for sharing Joshua Chapter 1 with me before I left. Nothing is as comforting as the word of God.

Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, university capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

"The University of Mississippi is fortunate to have a wealth of opportunities for individuals to attend during this year’s Black History Month. The Black History Month Committee works hard each year to provide quality events and to encourage departments and student organizations to host events. These events offer individuals occasions for reflection, introspection, celebration, and education."

-Valeria Ross, Assistant Dean of Students for Multicultural Affairs and Volunteer Services

The University of Mississippi has plenty of events lined up in lieu of February, or Black History Month, but Ole Miss's storied past makes the month much more than just remembrance.

James Meredith statue on campus

Ole Miss helped make what is considered black history. From James Meredith to more modern day black firsts, the University of Mississippi is continuously writing its own story of black history.


The university is featuring everything from guest lectures to museum exhibits to dance and music performances, covering topics from African Diaspora to Civil Rights, the university has planned programming for every day of the month, all in celebration.


The University of Mississippi Museum is highlighting parts of a permanent collection during the month to encourage appreciation of Western African history. The selection Richard K. Meyer collection, as donated by the late Meyer, is a collection of works from the Dogon, Ibo and Yoruba cultures.

mask from Meyer collection

"We appreciate anyone who comes in and is able to find and celebrate a part of their heritage," Collections Manager Marti Funke said.


"There is a lot of history behind the collection and we are happy to share that. Most people of Western African heritage would be able to find ties; it's a very widespread collection."


Just before the kick off of Black History Month, The Overby Center hosted the premier of "Not in Our Town," a PBS documentary showing the reaction to the removal of "From Dixie With Love" amongst students and even the Ku Klux Klan.


Toran Dean, a senior from Hattiesburg, Miss., was one of the students featured in the film. Dean notes that while many Black History Month celebrations center around previous events, that was not the documentary's focus.

Toran, third from left, on panel discussing the documentary

"The documentary was not to point out what's wrong with Ole Miss," Dean said. "But instead, it's a look at how far we've come."


Ole Miss hosted the first black Associated Student Body president Nic Lott in a kick off celebration last week.

Nic with Senator John McCain

Lott gave a speech in the Union Lobby addressing students, faculty, staff and alumni. Lott took the audience back the integration of Ole Miss with James Meredith as the first black student.


"A lot of folks today take advantage of the opportunities they have been afforded without knowing the sacrifices and the tremendous courage that people had during those dark, evil days in our state," Lott told the Daily Mississippian.


The Theatre Department at Ole Miss has also worked to bring in several dance companies, specializing in contemporary lyrical style as well as African-inspired choreography.

Evidence, A Dance Company of Brooklyn, New York that performed at the Ford Center

"It was great to get to watch and learn from the companies we brought in," Brittani Acuff, sophomore and Theatre Dance minor said.


"Dance has many basic elements that people don't realize such as moves that come from traditional African dances."


Ole Miss Greek Life is also bringing in a guest speaker. Ole Miss isn't typically praised for the separate black and white Greek systems, so sorority member and senior Brittany Richardson is anxious to see the attention drawn to the subject.

Brittany, center with headband, with sorority sisters

"I'm looking forward to hearing coming in to speak about diversity in Greek life," Richardson said.


"I think it's something both the black and white Greek systems at Ole Miss can benefit from."


Andrew Benefield, a senior from Jackson, Miss. who plans on attending several of the events, is just proud that the university is capitalizing on its past.


"I'm glad the university takes measures to celebrate how far we have come," he said.


"Black History Month is just a reminder that as an African American, we didn't get here alone," Dean said. "The struggle and accomplishments of blacks before us got us here today."


Whether an appreciative artist or dancer, reflective African native or black American, or witnessing Ole Miss student or professor, there is something scheduled this month for everyone. For a complete listing of events, visit http://zing.olemiss.edu/category/celebrating-black-history/.

Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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Ole Miss Celebrates Black History Month, University capitalizes on 'black history' of its own

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