A year ago at this time, I sat in the second conference room of World of Wonder (also known as Boardner’s) with wildman veteran producer John Sergeant listening to travel tales from every corner of the world, attempting to picture in my mind the cities, landscapes, and people so vividly related in his stories. One locale in particular, often resurgent for Sergeant, was China; in particular, he said to “stand on a street corner in China and look out at the sea of people” and by looking into this froth and churn of one of the most ancient civilizations in the world, I would realize a true sense of cultural relativity and a true limitation to the influence of Western superiority and thought. Ever since, I have wanted to broach the border of the most populous country of the world and have my sensibilities recast.

And I finally get the chance to do just that. And have it all captured on DV tape. I arrived in San Francisco in April and whilst looking for work, stumbled across an opportunity to take part in the second installment of a documentary series that takes Americans into Asia and records their traveling experience. After several application rounds and a screen test, I was selected as one of the two to strike out on this adventure. On the 4th of September, an American lawyer named Chris and myself head out with backpacks and a small film crew in tow for an arrival in Beijing to explore and train down the Chinese coast finding out just what goes on inside the Great Wall. For two weeks, we will attend cultural events, interact with local people, dine on local fare, and absorb everything in front of us. This adventure will result in a hour-long DVD and broadcast on outlets currently unbeknownst to me (although I have been told there will be both American and Chinese distribution).

At the end of 2004, I will have traveled overland on three continents, been the subject of a reality documentary, and acclimated to a new city (working with another former WOW alumnus, the brilliant Lucian James). Through it all, I carry endearing memories of the crew at 6650 Hollywood Blvd. #400 and grow warmly nostalgic when your faces cross the webcam; I hope you all are well and take care. :)

Best,
Nick

Photo illustration by and of Nick Russell, at left