It has only been three full days since I’ve arrived in Laos but it feels as if it has been much longer. Rather than being a sleepy town like I’ve always read Viang Chan is so much more than that. The first night we landed in the city was such a different experience from anything I expected. We were taken to a great restaurant in town, by such friendly people I’ve never met! Then we relaxed at the guest house which is along Suphanouvong Road (i think).

The second day I woke up at 6:00 am – I barely could sleep from the excitement. I think everyone got up early that day. I started my language courses with Achaan Bounmy and my fellow pupil Phouthasack. We both have a lot to learn, but it seems like we can really help each other. When studying language it always seems that the individual student’s needs are so unique and I think you can see that from each of our strengths and weaknesses.

The best experiences and lessons I’ve had yet have come from wandering around the city and talking to people. I haven’t quite mastered the bargaining process – but after meeting up with last year’s SAILer, Amy Bowers, she haggled with a tuk-tuk driver and then rode up front with him to have a conversation! The best part as I’ve said is that the whole city is my class room.