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.