I wake up to big band music. I put on some clothes and shoes, grab my camera and walk out into the sweltering six o'clock morning heat. This is the equator province and it is obvious that the rains are awaited here for a well deserved cooling down period. So far no luck yet.

By Saskia Roskam

I follow the sounds out of the hotel compound.

“Are you going to film here?” One of the hotel employees ask me as I approach him. I look at the scene and pretty soon a “no” leaves my mouth. “I know enough to ensure me that filming the military is a straight ticket to jail.” He looks at me bewildered and seems slightly surprised by my answer. He, obviously, has never waived a camera in an army man's face.

I hang around for a few minutes to see the show of military might. I am spotted by a soldier. He sees my camera and begins to wave at me frantically. Gesticulating that I have to turn the camera off because it is forbidden. At that moment I decide to leave, making my way back to the hotel. I know when I am not wanted.

In my room I empty the previous day's footage. Just as I am about to delete the last four digital clips on the camera's memory stick, someone knocks at the door.

Thinking it is my bucket with hot water arriving I tell them to come in. Next thing I know I have a lieutenant standing beside my bed. “Hi madam. I saw you filming and I have to tell you that it is forbidden”, he says in a stern voice. I explain to him that actually I thought it was a big band and that I have not filmed anything. “But I just saw something on your screen. Show me what you have filmed”, he starts getting impatient. I show him that it is empty and try to convince him that what he saw a few seconds ago on the screen was old footage that I have just deleted.

“You know I have been in Europe and I know how it goes. There they confiscate the camera in a heart beat. I should do the same.” I look at him as he stands towering above me. I try a different tactic. “I know”, I say with big eyes. “I am well aware of the fact that military objects are not to be filmed. That is why I only stood by and watched. All I have to show you is an empty camera.” He doesn't really trust me and I am not sure, but I think because I am a woman he takes it for what it is. After one last nudge and grunt, he leaves my room.

What a way to start the day. A pissed off lieutenant in my room. Things can only get better from now on!