6/15/2010
A couple days ago I started my first day of classes and I am happy to say I learned so much. It began with all of us meeting Ginny, the founder of Lao-American College. She started out by filling us in on the education system of people here in Laos. I don’t remember the exact numbers, but from what she was telling me the illiteracy rate is very, very low. It shocked me to learn how much students struggle here to get their education. After seeing what obstacles and challenges they face is inspiration in its finest moment.
Then I started my first day of class. I am so eager to study in order to become more proficient in Lao and learn about the country. After school was dismissed I walked around town to get more of the feel for Vientiane. Everywhere I walk I am always greeted with sincere interest and heartfelt smiles. It warms my heart every time I step out my door and the first thing that brightens my day is not the sun, but the peoples faces.
As cliche as it may sound, “Home is where the heart is” and I feel very at home here in Laos. It’s been three years since my return and although much has changed here in VTE not much has really changed at all. All the SAILers arrived five days ago and we all seem to be adjusting well to this new atmosphere that we are calling home for the next two months.
The accommodations are great. The guesthouse we are staying at was also used by last year’s SAILers. All the staff have welcomed us with open arms and I feel very fortunate to have met so many wonderful people already. Although it is not in the heart of VTE, it is near many great places to eat and best of all, it is only three minutes away from the Lao-American College we are currently attending. I can actually see the rooftop from my 3rd floor room.
Classes are going well. Akarath and I are in the same class. Our Achaan is great at answering all of our questions and translating all the difficult academic words we seem to want to know. I am picking up a lot already as we have jumped head first into reading and writing since both Akarath and I are very proficient speakers.
Yesterday, I went up to a girl, who was sitting on the steps, to ask her for help with reading my homework. She was excellent at taking all my questions and answering them to the best of her abilities. We also got to meet up with Akarath’s cousins who took us out to eat and to explore the shops near the Mekong. I am shocked and excited by everyone’s positive responses to our arrival. I look forward to meeting many more people as the Lao-American College will start their new term again on Monday.
2010 SAILers with their teachers at the Lao-American College
Sabaidee Tuk Tuk Khon!
The fact that we are in Laos is still quite unbelievable. Although we have been here for less than a week, it feels like we have been here for much longer. I attribute the sentiment to the warm-hearted greetings and accommodating manner of nearly everyone I’ve encountered, notably from the welcoming party (headed by Loung Xuan, our program leader) at Wattay Airport on Sunday evening. On Monday, we began with an orientation at the Lao-American College, where we met Ginny and were formally introduced to our language teachers, Achaan Bounmy and Achaan Hommala, and our History and Culture teacher, Achaan Bounleth, all of whom are accomplished scholars and just about some of the nicest people ever! I’m finding that there is so much that I have yet to learn and learn anew. Athith, our awesome language partner, and Amy, one of last year’s SAIlers, have been so gracious in helping us find our way around Vientiane. Although we’ve taken a few rides in the tuk tuk’s and in the “big cars,” I still feel a bit disoriented when I venture away from the area of our guesthouse and the Lao-American College. I’m hoping all that will change in the coming days. I’m also finding that things are a bit more relaxed here, no one is quite in a rush to get anywhere. Perhaps, that, too will change when it starts raining. People say it’s unusually hot this year. It’s not that bad. Then again, I am in this internet cafe under the air conditioner right now. I’m sure my disposition will change as soon as I get about my day. I am still learning the lay of the land, finding the best places to eat, where to shop, what to say (correctly and politely), and of increasing importance, where to wash my delicates. I hope everyone is doing well. I’m doing great and looking forward to what’s still to come. Oh, I am getting darker, but my pants are still a bit snug.
