I’m finally in San Francisco which means that Laos is just around the corner! Although this has been a tiresome day, it was great to finally meet the other SAILers and a couple SAILers from last summer. At our orientation, we discussed what we could expect in Laos and to experience everything with an open mind. We also had the chance to check out the Civc Center. Ai Vinya pointed out some of the buildings that were in the area while many a dramatic scenes unfolded around us. The trip to Laos is going to be great. The other SAILers seem like a fun bunch, an eager group ready for the learning and fun to begin. I can’t wait to come back a little darker, a little thinner, and whole lot more knowledgeable!
June 11, 2010
Orientation
June 11, 2010
Leaving On A Jet Plane
“All my bags are packed and I’m ready to go…”
Today has been a full day of pre-departure orientation. It’s been nice to meet everyone and hear some stories from a few of last years SAILers. They have given us a lot of good information, but I think I will take their advice and go into this program with no expectations. This program will end up being everything I make of it. I am excited to share my experiences via this blog and look forward to everyone’s comments as a way to stay connected with my friends and family during this program.
The day has finally arrived. Sack and I are leaving on a jet plane tonight for Thailand. We are staying in Bangkok for the night and have the following day to explore before we meet up with the other two SAILers and leave for Laos.
“Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane. Don’t know when I’ll be back again.”
June 11, 2010
San Francisco today… Laos tomorrow
2010 SAILers, L to R: Toby, Phouthasack, Ryan, and Akarath.
In the past three years I’ve studied Laos: reading, meeting people and enrolling in graduate school. Now all of that is about to go out the window. Tomorrow night (technically Sunday morning) I will begin my travel to Laos, which I have never visited before… and I am so excited! Finally I will actually meet the people and country that until now I have only read or heard about.
I have many hopes for this trip. Increasing my proficiency and understanding of Lao language is number one on my list. Working for a volunteer organization and being involved in the community is a close second. I also hope to engage people I meet on the subject I am passionate about, Lao history. I am eager to meet all of the working Lao historians at the National University and the international scholars at the third International Lao Studies Conference. However I know that the trip has so much more to offer than these goals. I expect to be surprised.
I am writing this from the orientation at the Center for Lao Studies’ office and it is a beautiful day in the city of San Francisco today. Being here, with my wife Natalie about to embark on this great journey is as surreal as it is sublime!
June 11, 2010
The Day Before the Beginning
So, here I am in San Francisco. I’m happy I finally got my passport and now I am for sure able to go to Laos.
Victory Screech! Anyways… I really don’t have a whole lot to say except I’m waiting for this adventure to start already.
The lucky thing for Toby and I are spending a day in Bangkok, more formerly known over there as the city of angels.
I like Bangkok. Maybe that’s just because I always listen to Thai music all the time.
As of right now, I’m just trying not to set my expectations too high, but also doubt anything good is going to happen. I’m just going to take it all in one day at a time.
But for certain, this trip will be unforgettable in a way that will make you smile – like me and Vinya.
Huh? Huh?
