Here’s what I learned today: The Red Shirts are a political movement made up of mostly marginalized blue collar laborers. Seated right up against the stage at the rally, a man informed me that they seek democracy and justice for those they claim have been murdered and imprisoned under the reign of the King and military-lead government as they seek the simple right to vote. At this point I can take no side. I still have much to learn about this movement and I will never fully understand their plight, and I know this is just one side of the argument, but it dawned on me: these are the people of Thailand. This, in part, is what we came to learn.
Our presence there was probably one of the warmest I have ever received. People bought us food, drinks, sat and talked with us, and just wanted their story to be heard. (That, and I got to go up on stage in front of thousands of protesters. Phenomenal!) But today’s adventure was not about me or Jet Set Zero, it was about the people of Thailand, and what we don’t see unless we take a leap.
This is why I do this.
Send an email to Tyler, the author of this post, at tyler@jetsetzero.tv or read more of their posts here.
The fifth installment of our Quito season is out now, and as you can see our cast has been busy. There’s no small amount of adventure in Jet Set Zero, and getting to share it with an audience is what keeps me going. But it’s not without its frustrations, either, because I know that I’ll never be able to share everything that happens.
No, I’m not talking about that time that Ryan had to outrun the cops who spotted him peeing in Quito’s main plaza in broad daylight (although that’s not in the episodes either. Sorry). I’m talking about the realities of story and editing which make it so that certain adventures will never make the cut. Take this episode, for example. We see the gang’s hike around the lagunas, but what we don’t see is the night that followed, when Freddie and Ryan met up with a bunch of Otavalo locals and hiked through the woods to a solstice celebration at a waterfall. I know! It’s even cooler than it sounds. So why don’t we show it?
In this week’s release – Variety Packed – the cast experiences the stunning beauty of Ecuador as well as their most challenging moments yet. Ryan reaches the end of his money while the rest of the cast takes a trip outside of the city with new friend Amy. Upon returning the cast discovers that Ryan isn’t the only one with serious financial problems.
Check it out below, and as always let us know what you think.
Send an email to Brian, the author of this post, at brian@jetsetzero.tv or read more of their posts here.
Working my way into the culture one step at a time.
There is something about living in a foreign country that takes a toll on your spirit. I’m not saying that I hate living in Thailand, I’m just stating that it takes getting used to. Back home everyone uses the term “Foreigner” very losely, Now I am on the other side of that term, I am a foreigner. I have a new found respect for people who immigrate into a totally different environment, because it is not easy at all. Everyday tasks, such as checking out at the gas station turns into a 4 hour ordeal, due to the language barrier. Trying to get from one place to the other using the road signs is borderline impossible, and don’t even get me started on trying to order a meal. At the end of the day I am still thankful for this opportunity and the chance to grow from this experience.
Send an email to Jeremiah, the author of this post, at jeremiah@jetsetzero.tv or read more of their posts here.
Today this waterfall, in the middle of the jungle, brought me to life…dopest day in Thailand by far!
Popular Posts
Previous Seasons
Friends/Heroes/Allies
Newsletter
