A continuation of my journal — week 2!

Day 7: June 20, 2009

We went to Khoun’s baci, (a traditional Lao ceremony, usually performed for births, marriages, travels, special events) for his going away ceremony. The baci was conducted, or blessed, by 9 monks, a very honored ceremony with that many monks and then the elders also blessed the strings to wish luck. I gave my blessings to Khoun and I also received blessings from the older people and from friends. It’s such a joyous time, full of happiness and exciting anticipations. Khoun’s house was set up to host hundreds of guest throughout the day. We ate many variety of foods, fruits and we saw a roasting veal turning on a spit. It was pretty amazing. There was a band and we SAILers busted out the moves and learned to dance the traditional Lao Lamvong. I was told that I looked like a fish trying to swim out of water. I suppose I will need to brush up on my dancing.

We went to an amazing dinner, hosted by an ex-pat couple who have found their way back from America and have been successful at relocating in Laos. They built their new home on land that once belonged to their family member. At the dinner party, we met guests who work for the UN, Unicef, Mohosot hospital (general doctor), a noble peace prize winner, activist,…all very impressive and a knowledgeable group of guests who have been working tirelessly and persistently these past 30-40 years!!

Later that night, the SAILer group met up with some of the Lao-American students at the Music Festival hosted by the French Counsel. There we listened to heavy metal, reggae, hip-hop, country and folk songs. It was a great sight to see an eclectic group of musicians and the Lao youth welcoming and enjoying the music.

It’s again late and it’s time to go to bed as my eye lids droop and I struggle to keep them open.

Day 8: June 21, 2009

We went to a Children’s Center that was founded by Nang Noy Sengsourigna. She is currently in the States promoting Lao culture and arts. We were warmly welcomed and the children presented us with a variety of performances. They played traditional Lao instruments that looked like a xylophone and they sang and danced. They incorporated many more modern movements and music, making the Lao dancing fun and enjoyable. They are all learning English and were very excited to meet us.

We SAILers went on a picnic at one of the Lao-American faculty’s home. It was quite far and we enjoyed ourselves and made ourselves useful, cooking and BBQing. There we met more Lao-American students. It was nice to see the students outside of class.

Day 9: June 22, 2009

We went to Talat Sao and I bought 4 sinhs. Two blue ones and two red ones. They are so beautiful. The textile patterns on the bottom are so intricate and delicate looking. It’s funny, every sinh I chose the sales lady and our Lao-American friends would tease me and tell me I’m picking sinhs that are old lady styles, that they’re too plain and dull looking. They wanted me to get bright pink and purple — almost glowing colors. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to stand out that much. Now I need to get it tailored so that I can wear it.

I’m getting a kick out of dressing like the locals, especially like a Lao-American student. We have to wear a kind of uniform and we all look like school kids. I have the LAC ties, black shirt, short sleeve purple button-down shirt and flip-flops. I’ll attach a picture soon.

Day 10: June 23, 2009

I met my aunt on my father’s side and my great aunt who is 98 years old!!! She is soooo cute and so quick-witted with the memory of an elephant. I also learned that I have a cousin my age who shares similar interests and is currently living in the States — North Carolina. My family will be taking me to my father’s house and land in Vientiane. I can’t wait to see what it looks like. Ironically, I was born in Phone Keng, the place where we are currently staying. Apparently, my father had just bought the land and was building our house when we had to escape to the United States.

Learning Lao is gradually getting better. My writing is improved and I received a compliment from my teacher, saying I have nice handwriting. It’s simply because I find the Lao writing very soothing and I enjoy it. I feel like I’m doing art work.

Also, I just discovered that I will be working/volunteering at the Settathirath Hospital. I will be observing in the children’s wing. It’s a great opportunity to work for the government and the Ministry of Health and Science, but it also makes me nervous. I hope I will do a good job.

The SAILers went to a Korean restaurant, similar to our Shabu Shabu, or Suki Yaki. It was very interesting, although I was wary of the sliced meat (hmm, how long was it out in this heat?). I ate mostly the vegetables. But it was really cool, that we cooked at the table…but get this, they don’t have a hot pot that they plug in!! Oh no, they have this clay oven like bowl which they fill with hot red coals! It was pretty amazing cooking over hot coals, which many of the street vendors do. Many Lao people still use coal to cook and heat their homes.

Still very hot…. Mosquitoes still winning…12 to 0.