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'Globe Trekker'
Vietnam and Laos
With Zay Harding
Program Host
Thursday, May 15, 2003; Noon ET
Meeting Australia's aborigines, taking a safarhi ride in South Africa, riding camelback through Pakistan's Cholistan desert and exploring the streets of Havana are among the exciting adventures in this season's "Globe Trekker" series. An hour-long travel program from WETA Washington, D.C. and Pilot Productions, viewers journey with nine solo travelers to explore the cultures and the environment of various countries.
Program host Zay Harding, who trekked through Vietnam and Laos, will be online Thursday, May 15 at noon ET, to discuss his travel experiences and the program.
Growing up on the beaches of Hawaii, Harding began his outdoor adventures as a Boy Scout.
His first taste of adventure travel was presenting "Treks in a Wild
World" for Pilot Productions. Afterwards, his passion for traveling led into the opportunity to get involved with the "Globe Trekker," series.
His travels with "Globe Trekker," include Austria,
Kuwait, Laos, Oman, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. He now lives in Los Angeles.
The new season of "Globe Trekker" airs every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on WETA Washington, D.C.
Check WETA for a complete listing of airdates and times on other PBS stations across the country.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
washingtonpost.com:
How and why did you choose to travel to Vietnam and Laos for your journey? How much research did you do before you went there? And also what are some of the main points that you like to share with viewers on your program?
Zay Harding: How I got involved in this program was that I auditioned for the part of "Trek Presenter". There were many others wanting the part as well, but luckily they found enough good qualities in me to do the part. I feel very grateful for this opportunity. I love traveling and exploring new countries, as well as talking with people and learning about how the similar job of surviving is approached by so many different cultures. The company that hired me chose Vietnam and Laos for me. I did not really know much about either country, so I gave myself a crash course on them, trying to learn the general basics. But I learned most of my information firsthand from the people there, while I was there. I learn better through experience and that is when everything I learned really affected me. Before that, most of my information was just facts. So I would like to encourage everyone to watch these programs to learn about these countries in a fun and interesting way.
Washington, D.C.:
What is the foulest thing you have had to eat on one of your journeys? Also, is Globe Trekker the same show as Lonely Planet? The format is very similar as is the intro.
Zay Harding: The "Globe Trekker" show is run by the very company that put together "Lonely Planet", as well as my other show "Treks In A Wild World". They have a great formula, which involves a set agenda, while allowing us to add in everything unexpected and personal to the presenters. They always hope we will try new things, though they tell us if we ever feel unsafe, to not partake or participate in them. The most foul thing I had to do was eat Saga Worms that were formenting for a few weeks. It was part of this festival in West Papua, as part of a different show. I tried it because everyone there seemed to love these worms, but then again, they eat ground up treebark for a staple food.
Alexandria, Va.:
Thank you for having this chat! I love Globetrekker. How do I get this job?!
How is it traveling with a camera crew - does it take away from the overall travel experience? Are people are more willing to talk to you & facilitate things like negotiating a train ticket in India when they are being taped for a program?
What book would you recommend for rtw travel? Or just a good book in general.
Zay Harding: I am glad to hear you like to travel. It is one of those things that is whatever you make of it. To give an example, how much of your local town have you actually explored? My guess is not to its fullest potential. My rule that I have learned through doing these treks is that there is nothing more valuable than local knowledge. If you notice, we always meet up with a local guide in all of our shows. They are the secret to getting great deals and to learning the insides and outs of each place, while staying safe at all times. As far as books go, I find that most of the information is usually outdated by the time I get to these obscure places. In general though, most of the LONELY PLANET guides are fantastic.
Washington, D.C.:
Hi Zay,
How many cameramen and/or other staff usually travel with you on these trips? I admire the ones who appear on TV such as yourself, but I often wonder about those behind the camera. It seems they sometimes need to put themselves in risky positions in order to get the shot on camera, and do a lot of work in order to get interesting pictures.
Zay Harding: We travel with very small crew, consisting of the presenter, the camera-person, and the director/producer. On occasion there will be a sound-person, and once there was even an extra person to handle all of the arrangements, but we didn't see her very often. In fact, she did not take part of any of the treks themselves -- she just made sure we were able to get to these places. So everything is always taken care of for us, and I am always taken very good care of. We are, however, always exposed to any risks that the locals are exposed to, so in Malarian infested countries, we must get preventative shots beforehand. Usually the camera guys are very brave and adventuresome and occasionally make me nervous with all of their life-risking antics, though they always promise me that they feel safe doing them.
Washington, D.C.:
I noted that you explored the cave cities in Laos that were constructed during the Vietnam War era. I didn't see that particular episode although I really enjoy Globe Trekker and think the shows are very entertaining and well done. Do people still live in these caves? Any lingering resentment towards Americans there among the people you met?
Zay Harding: You have not seen this show yet because it has not aired yet. But it will air near September, I think, and you will want to watch this show. You will not believe it! There was an entire city created in the limestone rock formations. From the outside, they look just like normal mountains. But on the inside, they have hostpitals, countless tunnels, housing arrangements, safety portals, even an ampitheatre. You name it, they have it in there somewhere. These are not caves as I one would expect. These were fully functional hideaways during wartime between 1964 and 1973. At night, when the bombing took a break, they would sneak out to the feilds and cultivate their harvests. Unreal survival stories. Everyone and I emphasize EVERYONE I met had lost someone to that war. I pushed hard to see if there was any lingering resentment. What I found, though, were very humble people who will not forget, but who wish to push forward, as they never want to live like that again. Today, these caves are preserved as museums, only just opened to the public to explore and experience. We were the first filmcrew allowed to enter the exhibition and now that it is open to the public, I highly recomend going there if you can.
Washington, D.C.:
Thanks for taking questions. What was the most precarious and dangerous situation you've ever been in while traveling? Ever fear for your life?
Zay Harding: I always try to stay safe, though I don't always feel safe. Often we will hike days away from civilization, so if anything were to happen to us, we would not be able to get outside help in time. I am grateful that I got to be a Boy Scout, so I have pretty good survival skills, and the rest of my crew (which is a different one every time) always seem to be they type of outdoorsy practical people who make me feel like I am in good hands if anything dreadful were to ever happen. In fact, when I was in the depths of the Kuruwai people in West Papua, I got pricked by a thorn from a poisonous plant. Luckily we had already finished shooting the trek and we were on our way out. But I was passing out for two days and waiting for the private plane to come pick us up, so we would ride for two hours to the nearest little health center. My infection was in my finger, and it spread up my left arm into my armpit, which got really swollen and I got scared it would go into my heart. Luckily, there was one island in Indonesia that hosts a Gold Mine in it, like a Beverly Hills in the middle of a third world country, which had the top doctors from Australia working there. They gave me shots to bring the swelling down and antibiotics that actually worked, though I still got dizzy spells for a few months after that at home. I'm all better now, but sometimes I think a more interesting show would be behind the scenes or the making of.
Washington, D.C.:
You know what would be a great publicity campaign for the show? Some kind of contest soliciting travel companions. I would eat a bowl of Saga Worms to travel with Ian! (I'm sure you're just as fun, but I've been an Ian fan since I started watching Lonely Planet many years ago).
Zay Harding: Ian is great. I am certainly an Ian fan. In fact, when I first started hosting, my initial reaction was to approach it with a serious face. But then I remembered that Ian gets his points accross while still involving humor and fun. So I do the same in my shows, and I find it's always much more interesting to watch. Plus, it always brings out the personalities of those I interview. I like your publicity stint. It would certainly hype up the show.
Washington, D.C.:
I have to admit that I like watching Globe Trekker not only for the locales but also for the hosts' personalities. Justine Shapiro with her sometimes not too subtle sarcasm comes to mind. Do you and the other hosts ever interact or is it just solo shows and production without ever seeing one another?
Zay Harding: Unfortunately, we don't come into all that much contact with each other, though I hosted a segment on "Ultimate Indo-China" where Justine and Megan and Ian are all on the same show. But usually since we each do our own show, there is not room for more than one presenter on the same segment.
Washington, D.C.:
What type of shoes do you wear? How many pairs do you typically go through in a year?
Zay Harding: I buy very expesive, durable, comfortable hiking shoes. They are always waterproof, and they I have only gone through two pairs in ten years. That is the most important ingredient on a trek. By not having to worry about blisters on your feet, you can concentrate on the show a lot more.
New Brunswick, NJ:
Hi Zay,
I really enjoy the Globe Trekker shows, particularly the fact that the Travellers seem to experience (and then show us) what life is like in the various countries you visit. Do you interact with the other Travellers at all? I've seen most of Ian Wright's shows and he seems to always have a fun time. And, I have a huge crush on Justine Shapiro.
Thanks.
Zay Harding: We always try to interview one or a couple of other travellers. It is always refreshing to find someone who can relate with your experience there, because once you get home, not too many people can relate.
San Francisco, Calif.:
Hi, I traveled for 5 years. How do you determine where the next shows/country will be?
P.S. My wife thinks Ian is cute.
Zay Harding: This company that I work for, Pilot Productions, has covered so many countries, that by now they pick countries for me to go to based on which of their shows need to be updated.
re: shoes:
What brands of hiking shoes do you buy?
Zay Harding: I have a pair of Vasque (Gore-Tex) for the hard-core treks, and a pair of Merrell boots for the normal hikes.
Washington, D.C.:
I love globetrekker and remember watching it when it was called lonely planet, your job seems so interesting but challenging too! I'm curious on what you think of Rick Steves. Is he respected in your industry? I know he only travels in Europe but as far back as I can remember he was one of the first pioneers of this travel guide/show that emphasizes interacting with locals, staying on the cheap, and truly learning about the culture from the road.
Zay Harding: Absolutely! That is the exact formula we try to emulate.
Washington, D.C.:
My girlfriend is in love with Ian. Is he single?
Zay Harding: I don't actually know Ian personally. My guess is that he is single, though who knows what goes on in his life when the camera is not rolling.
Washington:
What were your impressions of the differences between the north and south of Vietnam? Which did you prefer?
Zay Harding: Northern Vietnam seemed very authentic to me, whereas the South seemed to adhere to tourism more. I highly suggest traveling North to really experience Vietnam for what it is.
Maryland:
First off, I love the show and try to catch it as often as possible. Travel is my passion in life; and about a year ago, I managed to find the right job to accommodate my interest. My work primarily takes me to various places in Russia and other former Soviet states. Next week, I'll be in Siberia for three weeks; then later in June, I'll be in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan! I was wondering if any episodes of Globe Trekker had explored the FSU off-the-beaten track.
Thanks, and happy trails!
Zay Harding: I don't know if we have covered those countries. I have not been there, or I would give you my opinions and advice as to where to go. But like I always tell people when traveling, get in touch with a local to help guide you around and to keep you safe.
Washington, D.C.:
Hi Zay,
What was your most frustrating or scary experience in Laos and Vietnam? I've traveled a lot throughout Asia, and always run into some unexpected problems or sticky situations, although this can be part of the fun and the challenge.
Zay Harding: My greatest frustration, which was very minor, was just having to reapply DEET, to keep the mosquitoes away. In Vietnam, though, we did have Government Officials following us around without us knowing until the very last day. That was scarey to look back and think they saw everything we did and kept tabs on us the whole time, even when the camera was not on.
San Francisco, Calif.:
I really love eco-travel. I have always loved eco-challange and the amazing race. Would you ever be interested in joining a team for one of these shows?
Zay Harding: Possibly. I have a very opened-mind. It sounds like something worth participating in.
Bethesda, Md.:
Your program downplays/avoids the loneliness, boredom and exhaustion that rough traveling requires, whereas Chatwin, Theroux, et. al., discuss at length.
Guilty as charged?
Zay Harding: True. I like to entertain myself though, and I especially hate watching shows that bore me. So I try to make my shows fun. Even in the most boring or lonely places, I will entertain, and that is just part of my nature. So have fun as you watch me.
Alexandria, Va.:
Zay,
I enjoy the show and envy the lifestyle it allows you to lead. I have several questions for ya. How many trips a year does each host do, on average? How do you fill the down-time between trips? How well are you able to blend in...do the cameras etc make it difficult to see the true aspects of the cultures you travel in? Finally, the obvious question, how did you get involved in this field and with Globe Trekker in particular? Thanks in advance for your answers.
Zay Harding: My life is very normal, with the main difference that I am more worldly due to the opportunities the show provides for me to travel. When on shows, though, the cameras often does allow us to capture excitement that might not be there otherwise. People tend to perform for cameras. So if you want a good show, bring a camera. If you want more of an authentic experience where you blend in, don't take one.
Norfolk, Va.:
I was thinking about going to the far east but am freaked out about this SARS thing. Did you have to take a lot of medicine(s) before you went there? Is it sanitary?
Zay Harding: Yes, I always take the precautions, which are very expesive in the form of shots. But it allows me to keep a clear mind. I find that those who forget to take the preventative shots end up worrying the whole time they are there. As far as SARS goes, as with any health concern, always read up on the specific area you will go to and then call into the country and speak with a government official to find out what you need to do to be safe while in that country.
Alexandria, Va.:
I expect you get to try a lot of different cuisine when you travel. What is your most and least favorite foods from all the places you’ve visited? Is there one (or more) foods in particular that you’ll avoid at all costs?
Zay Harding: You are correct. I will do most anything for that camera. But I don't think I would ever do the rat or the dog-penis.
From Arlingto, Va. to Bangkok:
Hi Zay,
I'm traveling to Thailand in Aug., mainly to do some volunteer work in a rural village outside of Hat Yai for 3 weeks....I will have about 2 days to explore Bangkok and the vacinity and, despite limited time, hope to get a taste of culture. I love people and am very open to any activity! Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
Zay Harding: Again, meet up with locals. You'd be surprised how excited some people get to show others around. You have to remember, for many of these people, this is their only experience with the Western World. Bangkok is a great city. Lots of bright lights, shopping and amazing food. Have fun!
Woodley Park, D.C.:
Hello Zay,
I love Globe Trekker, and find the theme song captivating. To me, it musically reflects the heart of the show and the spirit of world travel. I purchased the Globe trekker CD, but the theme song isn't on it! Do you know the name or artist of the theme music? Do you know where one could purchase a copy?
Zay Harding: My Gosh! I don't know the answer to that one. I love it too, and I also have the CD which I love as well. If you have to have it right away, try to record it off of the show and then transfer it to a tape or MP3 file. I guess you could try to get in touch with Pilot Productions in England and ask them. They put the shows together, and I would be surprised if they didn't know. Good luck.
Washington, D.C.:
Hi. I've heard mixed reviews about kayaking Halong Bay, Vietnam, for 2 or 3 days. Have you done that, and, if so, can you recommend a route or some "must sees" and a local kayaking outfit? Thanks.
Zay Harding: Unfortunately, I cannot help in this area. I have kayaked, though I did not kayak along the Halong Bay in Vietnam. If I were you, I would go back to the sources that gave you mixed reviews and drill them as to why it was good or why it was bad. Usually, if you ask for specifics, you will find your own answers.
Harrisburg, Pa.:
Have you ever feared, during your travels, that your life was in danger? How do you prepare for unexpected emergencies?
Zay Harding: The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared". I try to picture my worst fears and counter them with a rememdy that I need to bring along with me. Also, common sense plays a huge part in my journies. And always, always, always, ask the locals, "What areas are safer and what can I do to stay safe?" Somehow, locals always know these things. Why make the same mistake twice? Learn from someone who has already seen or experienced something or someone who learned the hard way wo you don't have to.
Washington, D.C.:
I just wanted to say that I think Globe Trekker is a fantastic show, my favorite on T.V. My question is, how did you come to get such a great job?
Zay Harding: "If you build it, it will come." -- Field Of Dreams.
I believe that you get what you put out there in the universe. If you really want to be part of something like this, it will happen for you. If your mind is already entertaining the idea, you will be more aware of opportunities when they arise. It may not be this show, but it is sure to be something like it. If you still cannot get an in on any of this type of program, I suggest you create one like it yourself.
Baltimore, Md.:
Hi Zay --
I love Globe Trekker! I was planning on going to Europe this summer but wanted to avoid a whole bunch of U.S. high school kids traveling on summer break. Any suggestions on hidden, under-the-radar places to go?
Zay Harding: I don't blame you for not wanting to travel in a big group or being around other Americans while trying to get away from it all. Remember, though, that the farther off the beaten track, the more safety risks involved. Timing is everything, so you will want to travel in places that are not often traveled to by other Americans during that time. Inevitably you will run into someone from the states wherever you go. But usually if it is just one or two it can be refreshing after a while -- someone else to vent to or to share experiences with over a nice cold one. But you can almost always tell which way to go once you get there and feel out the area. And of course, ask the locals where to go. They always know the best hidden secrets of every spot.
Arlington, Va.:
How does one become a host on Globe Trekker? How did you land the gig?
Zay Harding: By being in right place at the right time. I am lucky, obviously! Do I deserve the job? I try to earn that respect from others. Success is when Preperation meets Opportunity! So prepare yourself for whatever it is that you want, and who knows what opportunities you will be able to take advantage of! Good luck and thanks for watching our shows.
washingtonpost.com:
That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the
discussion. For all you 'Globe Trekker' fans, check back next week with washingtonpost.com/liveonline. Program hosts Justine Shapiro will be online with us next Thursday, May 23 at 2 p.m. ET and Ian Wright is scheduled to join us on Thursday, May 29 at noon ET.
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