Tuk Tuk or Jumbo, a common mode of transportation in Laos.

Lots has been happening and we had an especially social week, so here is the break down.  Sorry like I mentioned before I’m not much of a writer, but here goes.

Friday-we went karaoke at a Chinese Hotel and sang English, Lao and Thai songs…then we hit Club Romeo.  The club is very different than what I remember in the past.  They don’t have a dance floor just random stand up tables while people danced at the table.  Of course us being the “Americans” that we are, started searching for the dance floor. We tried to make our own, but then they moved the chairs and tables back into place.

Sunday-We went to “Taad Moun” for a picnic, it was a very fun mini adventure outside the Capital.  It wasn’t the cleanest river in the world, but Eileen, Yaeng, Phonh, Brandin, Samantha and I jumped right in just being a part of the river body floating fun.  Sometime during the day Eileen got kidnapped by some high schoolers and went off, hopefully to learn a couple of Lao phrases.  I sat out to sun bathe while locals singing songs flirted with the drifters.

Monday-We finally got our sinhs and now we can blend in. I just have to work on my tan!

Tuesday- Presentation by Mike Carroll “Working in Phongsaly in Opium Crop Substitution and Poverty Reduction or At Least Don’t make it Worse Projects” (funded by the US government/State Department).  It was interesting to hear facts about efforts to curb drug production, and encourage crop substitution in Northern Laos.

Wednesday-Interview with local Lao Magazine, and Bowling.

I forget which days that we went out for food.  But so far I have had about 5 “Khai Luuk” (chicken embryos).  I have seen them but have never eaten them before.  It was actually not that bad.  Can’t wait to try “jumping shrimp.”

Next I’m going to try to rent a bike so that I can have mini adventures from the side roads.  Lots to see…not much time to do!