by Shadesdown

Created on: April 15, 2008

Each country such as Burma all contain certain laws and regulations for not only its citizens but for travelers/visitors alike. But each law and regulation followed by those countries all have an underline (flaw) which has not yet been activated due to the lack of interest by its citizens or proper questions.

If no inside leads are available, contacting the Burma government or military headquarters and asking such questions as, "What do they consider to be public records?" would be a start for any journalist even in training. They then will direct that enquirer to go through the proper procedures to obtain those public records. With knowledge of what to look for, any of those public records could possibly lead to more insight information. Gather all the proper information needed and that can be extruded from those public documents and begin to dig further into your investigation by means of traveling to that country.

visit any and all public informations offices such as libraries, government offices or travel agencies. Speak to locals in the area about a topic you had found in those public records and take notes of any and all information you may be given. Start with simple questions that could lead to answers of a more interesting lead of information you need.

Never over exert your leads; meaning, if your lead (the person you are questioning) refuses to speak about the topic or feels they have given you enough information, move on to the next in a different location and try it once again. By over exerting your leads may blow your cover, causing your case and you to be sent back to square one without delay.

If able, take along an interpreter on your journey and allow that person to speak for you. Also if able, watch local news channels, read local newspapers or headliners that might be released supplying information that could assist you in your case. Never stay in one location for a long period of time. Keep on the move and never allow time for those leads to blow your cover.

If you are ever questioned of your duties? Make sure you have a back up plan and an alibi to cover your tracks. Tell them you are there on assignment from your college school, interested in cultures and religions of various countries. If you are able to get by with that, ask them if they could point you in the right direction of someone(s) who could give you more insight on your school's project.

Ask for the names of those who referred you and you can then take that direction and use it to your advantage by asking that next referred lead, in which you were referred to by ? for more insight information on your journey. They in return, not knowing the actual truth, might will talk more openly about their closed society issues.

Learn more about this author, Shadesdown.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.