August 8, 2009

Goodbye…

…fellow SAILers! I can’t believe that today is our last day together in the country of Laos. Each of you has contributed so much to my fabulous experience through the SAIL program.  So used to seeing you every day, I am not sure what I am going to do without you! I will be staying in Laos for three more weeks, and I am very sad that I will not have you around!

I am very excited to stay in Laos longer than originally intended. Although I am looking forward to returning to the United States, I am not ready to leave yet! There is still a lot for me to learn, see and experience here!

One significant factor that went into my decision to stay in Laos longer was because I want to study Lao language as much as I can before I go back to the U.S. There are very limited opportunities to study Lao language in the U.S, not to mention it is hard to fit anything in on top of being a full-time student with a part time job! By staying in Laos an extra couple of weeks before school starts, I hope to get a better grasp of the language so that I can study on my own when I return to the States!

Another great thing about staying in Laos is that I will have time to explore the country a little more. Next week I am very excited to travel to Xieng Khouang with Samantha! Seeing the Plain of Jars is something I have wanted to do for a while, and I am very excited to go! I also plan to stay outside of downtown Vientiane.

The most significant factor that contributed to my decision to stay in Laos, however, was to have new experiences. Since all the other SAILers will be leaving tomorrow (except Samantha, who will stay another week), I will be here- alone! This will be very interesting because it will really force me to depend on my own Lao language skills to get around! I will also be staying part of the time at a house with a family, which will be a great Lao immersion experience. This will really help me learn the language even faster!

I just want to thank you SAILers again for the wonderful experience! I am going to have to keep myself very busy for the next three weeks so I don’t get too lonely when I think about you! Good luck, keep in touch, and practice your Lao!

Posted in Author: Amy, Laos | No Comments

July 31, 2009

A Little Frustration and Kids

When I speak with the people I am close to here in Laos, sometimes I feel like I am a pro at Lao language: I can understand what they are saying and can talk easily with them. Other times, I feel as though I have never studied Lao in my life! Especially when I am with a larger group of people, there are times when I cannot even pick out the words I know already. Once I slip out of a conversation in a situation like this, it is easy for me to zone out and think about other things.

This can be a little disheartening at times, since I would really like to be able to speak Lao well. It can also make me a little uncomfortable since I don’t really know what exactly is going on. When I am uncomfortable or nervous, then it becomes hard for me to respond when people talk to me! One of my goals is to become more comfortable in larger group settings (when people only speak Lao of course!). I am trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and into this sort of setting. This weekend, actually we will be going on a homestay. This will be a really great opportunity for me to have some complete immersion experience! I just hope I can say what I need to!

I am not sure why, but the children in Laos are just adorable to me! Volunteering at a school, I am lucky to see many throughout the week. I just want to play with them and hope they will help me practice my Lao! Unfortunately for me, the kids here are so shy, and I mean shy. Many a time I try say “hello” to the children, and I am lucky if they even say “sabaydii” back. That’s why I was so surprised when I was sitting reading at Patouxay (Victory Monument) and a little girl walked right up to me. We started talking a bit and then I began to help her with her quest for little snails (I’ve never seen snails before coming to Laos). I was very happy to chat with her and even learned how to say the name of some bugs in Lao.

At Donkoi, a few of the children are starting to warm up to me, too. On Monday I played “Simon Says” (Thevada Vao) with the youngsters. At first, they were too shy to pair up with me when Simon told us to get into groups of two. Soon the kids didn’t mind me though! There is even one girl who visits me every time in the craft room. Even the smallest interaction with children here in Vientiane really makes me so happy!

Something interesting about colloquial Lao: The first time the girl at Donkoi saw me, she called me “Falang.” Although in Lao this actually means French, many people use this word to refer to foreigners.

Posted in Author: Amy, Laos | No Comments

July 23, 2009

Spoken vs. Written Lao

One reason that I am very thankful that I came to Laos to learn Lao language is that I am much more comfortable speaking Lao than writing or reading Lao. Of course, I would like to be able to read and write just as well as I speak, but I am so glad it is not the other way around.
For a long time, I studied Spanish very seriously. The language was introduced to the elementary schools when I was in fourth grade, and I chose to continue my studies through middle and high school. My freshman year of college I even lived in the Spanish speaking dorm, but I still feel that I cannot speak Spanish very well at all! Although I knew a lot of vocabulary, I never really could think of the conjugations on my feet. In effect, my speech would flow in s l o w m o t i o n. Although I could probably [painfully] read a book in Spanish, I think my speaking skills would fail me if I were to ever travel to a Spanish speaking country!
Actually living in Laos now, I know how important ant spoken language is. If I couldn’t speak well, everyday interactions would be so difficult; asking where the bathroom is, purchasing things at the market, telling the tuk-tuk where to take you. If these ordinary tasks were difficult, think about how terrifying it would be to get lost and not be able to ask for directions or what if there was an emergency? Yes, I still have very much to learn about Lao language, but I am thankful that I at least feel comfortable speaking what I know. I am sure that if I had studied in a classroom setting in the U.S., I would not be as comfortable speaking Lao as I am now. At least, I know that the writing and reading will always come eventually, especially if I study Lao in a classroom setting.
Sitting on a parked pick-up truck at our Guest House.

Sitting on a parked pick-up truck at our Guest House.

One reason that I am very thankful that I came to Laos to learn Lao is that I am much more comfortable speaking Lao than writing or reading it. Of course, I would like to be able to read and write just as well as I speak, but I am so glad it is not the other way around.

For a long time, I studied Spanish very seriously. The language was introduced to the elementary schools when I was in fourth grade, and I chose to continue my studies through middle and high school. My freshman year of college I even lived in the Spanish speaking dorm, but I still feel that I cannot speak Spanish very well at all! Although I knew a lot of vocabulary, I never really could think of the conjugations on my feet. In effect, my speech would flow in s l o w m o t i o n. Although I could probably [painfully] read a book in Spanish, I think my speaking skills would fail me if I were to ever travel to a Spanish speaking country!

Actually living in Laos now, I know how important spoken language is. If I couldn’t speak well, everyday interactions would be so difficult; asking where the bathroom is, purchasing things at the market, telling the tuk-tuk driver where to take you. If these ordinary tasks were difficult, think about how terrifying it would be to get lost and not be able to ask for directions or what if there was an emergency? Yes, I still have very much to learn about the Lao language, but I am thankful that I at least feel comfortable speaking what I know. I am sure that if I had studied in a classroom setting in the U.S., I would not be as comfortable speaking Lao as I am now. At least, I know that the writing and reading will always come eventually, especially if I study Lao in a classroom setting.

Posted in Author: Amy, Lao Language | 3 Comments

July 16, 2009

Group Shower

This past weekend we had a trip to Luang Prabang. The guesthouse that four of us, Yaeng, Sandra, Eileen and I stayed at had a shower like no other we had seen before- one that looked like you could spend an hour in trying out every gadget. Since there were four of us, we knew our time would be limited, so we joked about having a group shower. Little did we know we would actually have one!

It’s a good thing that I grew up liking rain, because during the rainy season in Laos it rains very often. Many times it rains for only a short time, and luckily we’ll be in class or another appointment. Other times it rains so lightly I don’t even bother bringing an umbrella. And then there was last night when it already started drizziling, and it was very clear it would start pouring at some point. Hungry as we were, the few of us that were venturing off for food decided to brave the looming storm and set off to the market on the other side of the That Luang.

It didn’t start pouring until we had sat down to eat. Luckily the stand we ate at had an extra patio type umbrella that we were able to cover ourselves a bit with. Even with the umbrella, I at least was getting rained on from all sides- drips from the umbrella above, splashing from the puddles below, and mist as it blew on my side and back. So I followed a friend to seek better cover under the tarp sheltered food stand where we squeezed in as the sellers prepared papaya salad and clams. Eventually the rest of our group followed, trekking through the puddle almost level with the top of the curb. The rain didn’t look as though it would let up anytime soon, so we began our journey home, splashing in the puddles on our way. The funniest part about the entire thing was looking back for Brandin, and seeing him walking tall across the market with a plastic bag over his hair?

Actually, I have secretly been wanting something like this to happen! Since it is the rainy season, it is better to enjoy it. It was also probably the first time the weather here made me cold, so I took advantage of it while I could! A little different than we had imagined, I don’t think our group shower could have been more fun!

I’d say everything is still going well in Laos! My Lao is steadily improving, although I still feel that I don’t know a lot of useful vocabulary. I am at the point where I am pretty comfortable speaking, although I am not always confident I understand what people say to me. I hope I can improve soon so that I can understand the Lao language books I bought today- although I can read (slowly), I may not know the meaning of the words! I have also been volunteering at the Donkoi Children’s Development Center three times a week. For the first half of my time there I help out with arts and crafts, whether doing batik, making candles or constructing rock animals. I also am teaching a small English class at the DCDC. This is a great time for me to learn a lot about Lao culture as the students work on their English communication.

Posted in Author: Amy, Laos | 1 Comment

July 3, 2009

Don’t Speak English to me!

The American Center at the Lao-American College.

The American Center at the Lao-American College.

Being fluent in English is great. I could probably manage to go anywhere in the world never knowing a second language. I’ll never get lost in an airport with all the directions in English. I can always get a taste of home by turning on the TV to watch a movie or listen to songs I can actually comprehend. I am honored to know that so many students around the world are studying my native tongue, hence my willingness to help them learn. Although I am very grateful that I don’t have to question my knowledge of English, I have found that it makes learning Lao that much more difficult.
For some time I have wanted to study in a country where I would not know the language spoken to see what it feels like to be in that position. Being here with a group of six other English speakers, and studying at a college where classes are actually taught in English, I have come no where close to feeling this way. Of course, this is nice, since I don’t think it would be so much fun not being able to communicate, but at the same time I feel a lot like I cheated.
Whenever I go for a walk or run on the street, I am never surprised to hear “Hello” or other English greetings directed my way. When I am with a friend who only understands Lao and another person begins speaking English to me I actually feel guilty! And I love spending time with you SAILers, but sometimes I am quiet since I don’t really want to speak English, but I don’t know how to respond in Lao either! Anyone who knows me well will know about my high expectations for myself studying in another country. For me, the entire point of going abroad is to learn another language and experience living there. There are very few places in the world that I would like to travel to see actual things. Even here in Laos, I am not so interested in tours or site seeing. Despite my recent camera purchase, I haven’t even been taking that many photographs. All I want to do is meet people who speak Lao and talk with them. So that is what I have been doing here in Vientiane. :)

I am so thankful for all the patient people I have met here who encourage me to speak Lao! Thank you so much for enjoying my company and inviting me to chat even though I may very well say ‘wao ik’ or ‘wao saa saa’ after every sentence.

Dear housemates of mine, I want to let you know of course I understand why it is easier for you to speak Chinese, but now that I am in a similar position as you, I hope you can believe me. You know, though, I will still tease you to speak in English since I would be thankful to have someone pushing me to speak Lao all the time! :) I miss you guys and hope you are having a wonderful summer! Mom, Dad, Samantha, Theresa and Som, miss you tons and hope you don’t miss me too much!

Posted in Author: Amy, Lao Language, Laos | 2 Comments

June 24, 2009

Yut!

Ironically, my last blog entry mentioned how smooth tuk-tuk rides are, but talking to the drivers, not so much.

Last Thursday morning, we had gone to the morning market and I needed to get back to the Lao-American Center to meet a friend. So I hopped on the tuk-tuk, telling him to take me there. Although he originally said he knew where it was, he didn’t! We  had to stop by a few of his other tuk-tuk friends until one could point him in the right direction.

So we are driving, and he points to the side of the road, which I took as asking if it was a good drop-off point. Instead of pulling over,the driver turned the corner down a  dirt road near my guest house. Heading in the wrong direction, I began trying to stay ’stop,’ but I couldn’t think of the word! I started making weird noises, hoping he’d understand- “jop jop jop,” “yop yop yop.” I finally said “dai leo,” something that is I think like saying “ok” when something is done. Luckily he understood, and I didn’t have too far to walk home!

Now I will forever remember the Lao word for stop, “yut.”

Posted in Author: Amy, Laos (Tags: ) | 4 Comments

June 17, 2009

Culture Shock?

What? Culture shock? What is that? Whatever it is, I am sure that I do not have it.

Here in Vientiane, I feel as good as ever. Even better actually. I can’t help but smile all the time and I just have this urge to say ‘Sabaydii’ to everyone I pass. It feels so great to be here, I just can’t believe it! I am sure that a big part of it has to do with being with the other I am feeling so comfortable with the other English speaking SAILers! I am so glad I get to share this experience with the six of you! All of you have such a rich past and I am looking forward to learning from you. Many things you and your family experienced learn through films or books, but there is nothing that can replace personal experience. I really appreciate you sharing!

But really, I feel so natural here. All I want to do is speak Lao, but knowing so very little as I do, at first it was very difficult to maintain even the smallest of conversations. In just a few days, I have improved so much! In fact, I have definitely learned more outside of class so far, but we did just learn the alphabet (which is very hard to learn!).

It’s kind of funny because I feel much more comfortable speaking Lao here than I did in the U.S. Here I feel so confident, I just want to go to all the neighbors and chat with them to practice. In the U.S. I was always so shy! Especially when people put me on the spot, I would always be worried I would take forever to choke out a few words. I was nervous I would have that same shyness here, but I haven’t felt that way at all. Actually, it seems almost like a game to me to find as many opportunities to talk to native Lao speakers here, even if all I can manage is hello or thank you.

One thing that is very hard to master is the money! I know all the notes (500, 1000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,0000 Kip) but knowing what these numbers mean is another story. The exchange rate is currenty 8,507 Kip for a dollar, give or take. The trick is that 10,000 is about $1.25. When making a purchase, there is no time to make this calculation, however. I think it is best if I just learn what reasonable prices would be. Also, the Kip is pretty hard to work with as some of the bills look very similar. For instance, Sandra missed out on 8,000 Kip at the currency exchange where the teller gave her a 2000 instead of 10,000 note. At least it was less than a dollar!

As of now, this seems like the most difficult thing for me to master, but that may change once I start really speaking Lao as much as I can! I expect to get frustrated sometimes, not being able to express myself. I hope I can just relax and enjoy the ride! So far it has been as smooth as riding in a tuk-tuk. And yes, riding in a tuk-tuk is surprisingly steady! Most drivers are pretty good, and it feels so good to have that fresh air blowing past. As I hop on a tuk-tuk, hopefully I wont run into the sudden stops, bad exhaust and potholes of culture shock!

Posted in Author: Amy, Laos | 2 Comments

June 11, 2009

e.x.i.t.e.m.e.n.t.

At many a job interview, the question ‘What three words would you use to describe yourself?’ is bound to pop up (as it did in my SAIL interview!). If asked the same question to about my feelings for my upcoming trip to Laos, I would only need one: excitement!

I am excited for so many things I can only begin to list them; making new friends, learning Lao language, partaking in anything and everything I can while I am there. More than anything, I am excited to see what it is like in a new place with a different culture than my own. I am excited to see how far I can push myself out of that small little bubble place we call our comfort zone and see how many risks I will take.

Ironically, the thing that is most likely to pose a significant dilemma during my stay in Laos is the one I least remember: the fact that I know very little Lao language. It was only in early May that I began to realize I will be living two months in a country of which I don’t even speak the language! As the trip gets closer, the language issue has become a larger concern, but I since I can’t learn a language overnight, it is best that I don’t fret about it too much. Actually, knowing many people who have come to the U.S. not knowing any English, I want to see what it is like to be in this position and see how I will get through it. Overcoming this will help me to gain a better understanding the process of adapting to different settings and culture and about myself. I am so thankful to be traveling with the other SAILers, but I hope I have the discipline to speak as much Lao as possible!

I am thrilled to know that in just a few days I will be in Laos. This being my first time out of the country, I can’t wait to see everything! I am just so… EXCITED!

Posted in Author: Amy, Pre-departure | 3 Comments