One of the SAILers, Ryan, landed second place at a hotdog eating contest during the 4th of July celebration at the Lao-American College.

SAILers participating in a Baci ceremony during a village visit.

Without question, the highlight of this past week was our excursion to the countryside. I was a bit hesitant to go at first given my recent stomach troubles but the entire trip turned out to be truly eye-opening. My parents, even while in Laos, had always been city folk but there is something about country-living that has always captured my interest.  The easy-going attitudes of the people, the sharing of work, meals, and entertainment were all very apparent in Phonsong.  My host mother had three boys of her own so it was no problem for her to add on another.  Even though I spent very little time in her home other than to sleep, it was clear that she cared a great deal about my comfort during my stay.  I loved the walk from the village to the rice fields and pond. I loved the feel of the warm water and mud between my toes. I regret not having had more time to fish and my being such a disappointing rice planter. I think I brought some shame to my host mother. Haha!

Oh, before we left to the countryside, we celebrated July 4th with some students at the LAC. They played charades and had a hot dog eating competition. Ryan finished strong in 2nd place! Ask him about it. It was so fun(ny)!

Yesterday, I think I had my first true test, among many, in speaking Lao.  One of the students at the LAC asked me about my research.  As I stumbled through the conversation, perhaps even making up words followed by many a ”Kow jai bo?”, I think he was able to understand some of it (I hope).  I know many times at home, I find myself not speaking at all because I just don’t know how to describe in Lao what I want to say in English. I think I’m getting better though.

Our time here in Laos is nearly halfway over. I can’t believe it’s starting to wind down. Tomorrow, my friend Phensy and Ai Achaan Vinya arrives so it will be great to see more familiar faces. Next week, we’re off to Khon Kaen for the Third International Conference on Lao Studies. I’m super excited to learn of the latest research everyone has been working on. I hope I can contribute one day.