Boat Politics
- 13 Jan 08, 04:36 PM
Posted from: Somewhere between Andoas and San Lorenzo
It’s great to be off again after our break and cool to meet up with our new team member Pete. He seems like a right laugh and though we all miss Zubin it’s great to have an influx of fresh blood. He’s very experienced and used to this sort of shoot and his dry sense of humor has had me in stitches more than once already. Everyone else seems on great form and we’re all re-energised for the next phase, which includes (as ever) a lot of journeying.
Pete Eason - the new sound recordist
Tips on getting comfy in boats
So, without wishing to sound blaze and ungrateful for what is obviously an amazing gig, and yes, I know I should shut up because it’s a lot better than being stuck behind a computer reading about it, but still I have to say that sometimes spending 10 hours, day after day in a shitty little boat with no cushions, is just a little bit bloody dull.
Bruce on the Rio Corrientes
Luckily however I am rather artful at making a nest for comfort. It’s dog eat dog in this game and although we all play our cards with finesse and very British politeness, there is no love lost when it comes to seating. (A noticeable exception to this rule was Almu who, with her five bags and TWO pillows, won hands down every time without even a hint of our feigned compassion).
For the rest of us though it’s all about pretending to be magnanimous and offering up the best places, but gently making sure that you have fully sorted and organised your own spot well ahead of time. Tricks include:-
1. Offering to be the one who is in the boat while packing it. It’s a bit obvious, and means a higher outlay of energy to achieve your aim, but if you can enlist some local help in the packing it’s still a favourite.
2. Having a chat with the coxwain while stood in your desired spot as everyone else files in to find their space still works on occasion. Once everyone else is settled then it’s important to look surprised and insist that someone else takes this, the best place, as you’ve had the best spot five times already and surely someone else might want it now etc etc… This lessens the blow somewhat and allows some opportunity for the next occasion.
You can see where I’m coming from here. And don’t believe any other Amazon blogger if they protest not to be aware of the ‘game’. I must however admit that I had a tiny twang of guilt as I persuaded Pete that the front seat was the most comfortable on his first trip in a boat with us. Luckily he didn’t seem to notice for about an hour while the rest of us padded ourselves out with all the luggage at the rear. No doubt he will get his revenge soon enough (sorry Pete).
Bruce and Pete travel to Andoas, guess who’s in the bag?
Matt’s the one I’ve got my eye on though. He’s a shifty type. He always seems to look very comfortable too and has almost managed to sleep as much as me. I’ve got to be careful that he’s not getting one over on me somehow. I wouldn’t put it past him. You’ve not heard the last of this story on this journey I can promise you.
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