S A I L » Laos

June 20, 2010

SAILers’ First week in Laos

The four 2010 SAILers – Akarath, Toby, Ryan and Phouthasack have started their classes as the first week during Tuesday 15th to Friday 18th of June. I first met with them when they arrived at the Vientiane International Airport (Wattay airport) on Monday evening (14th) this week.

In the following morning – Tuesday 15th, the group started with an orientation for two hours regarding the Lao-American College area and facilities, school staff, teachers and several volunteer students at the college. I also attended this meeting. Ms. Ginny gave a warm welcome and nice talk with us. And there was a session for small group conversation in which 2 or 3 people talking about each other’s background and interests.

From that day afternoon, the SAILers began to have their classes on Lao language, Lao history and culture. The subjects are taught by 3 teachers from the Faculty of Letters and Mass Media of the National University of Laos(NUOL). Achaan Hommala and Bounmy for Lao laguage and Achaan Bounleuth for Lao history and culture. So far they have learned Lao language for 8 hours and history/ culture for 3 hours only. Any how, it seems that all of them has improved their Lao language – Akarath and Toby are more fluent in speaking, and Phouthasack and Ryan speak Lao faster and clear pronunciation. Young students brilliant and quick-learners!

Yesterday, I took them downtown for sight-seeing tour in Vientiane. They have visited Thatluang Stupa, Ho Prakeo Museum, Wat Simeuang and the Morning market. I think there are still other points of interest in Vientiane area for them to visit, especially the traces of Lao ancient history. And those will be taken as the supplemented visits to the history lessons, according to Achaan Bounleuth – their history and culture teacher.

Posted in Author: Xuan, Laos | No Comments

June 18, 2010

First time in Laos

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.

Posted in Author: Ryan, Laos | 1 Comment

June 17, 2010

First Day

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.

Posted in Author: Phouthasack, Laos | No Comments

June 17, 2010

Home

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.

Posted in Author: Toby, Laos | 2 Comments

June 13, 2010

Bangkok, Fears, and My Goal

Bangkok, Thailand

your experience is not what it is, but what you make of it

1:55 am

With extreme jetlag, my body is adjusting to the different time patterns and I can’t quite get to sleep yet.

Here I am in the city of angels as promised! Wooh, Krung Tep!

We’re in Thailand (finally). After the seemingly eternal 17 hours of flying from Taipei, I’m glad we finally made it next door to Laos.

According to the schedule, Vinya had someone set up to drop us off to the Silver Gardens hotel.

So little did we know that as the van drove up into the driveway, there seemed to be a farmers market happening literally right next door to the hotel. It was packed with vendors busy selling their items, the chitter chatter of people, and the roaring of car horns and Thai music.

One bowl of Kao Bun – 10 baht = $0.30

Four sticks of barbeque steak – 20 baht = $0.60

One Bowl of rice w/ fried chicken, cucumbers, and soup – 25 baht = $0.75

Ten fried French bread sticks = 20 baht =$0.60

So far for only two days, I have eaten, with a full stomach for less than $3.00.

To get a regular meal back home, it costs almost five dollars, per meal! And there’s no guarantee you’ll get full either.

Paying for food never tasted so good until now.

Even though we weren’t in Laos yet, it indeed felt we were very close to getting there.

As Toby and I checked in, a hotel worker handed her a sign-in sheet. Again with the different time frames, Toby and I were both off about what the actual date was here in Southeast Asia. Nervously, I tried to ask the person behind the counter, in Thai, what the date was. But, the response given back was a look of confusion because of my very rusty and poorly spoken Lao and Thai grammar – right after I would shy away in embarrassment.

This and other similar experiences while trying to buy things in the market lead me back to what my ultimate fear was: my inability of speaking the language and feeling outcast from the rest. Also, it didn’t help that I was carrying around a camera video taping all the items up for display.

I can’t describe it exactly in words… but whenever I can’t understand when someone is speaking Lao or Thai or if I’m not understand when I speak to them, I just feel instantly ashamed of myself. I look Lao, I feel Lao, but when it comes out of my mouth, things start to look ugly.

I know this is me being negative, but it’s just that in my mind I feel like I should understand every single word regardless whether I was raised in America or not. I grew up with the language for 18 years and still I can’t fluently speak or understand it. Back home in the states, people treat as if I’m too Asian. There’s an empty margin between the two worlds and I’m trapped in between them.

However… my ultimate fear also has turned into my ultimate goal, which is what the SAIL program is providing: to learn more about my parents’ culture, language, and way of life. In the next day I’ll be in Laos and I’ll be given the rare opportunity to experience all of these amazing things the SAIL is offering! Years ago I never imagined a program like this ever had the slightest chance of existing. But today, I am grateful and want to take as in as much as I can in the next several weeks.

Turning the clock back to when Vinya was dropping us off at the airport in San Francisco. He reminded Toby and I that during the trip you have two options: you can either choose to learn as much as you can; or you can choose to learn as little as you can. Bottom line, your experience is not what it is, but what you make of it.

And I hope to make something that will be unforgettable.

Wat in Thailand. Fun stuff! Can’t wait to see all the ones in Laos!

Posted in Author: Phouthasack, Laos | 1 Comment

June 12, 2010

San Francisco, Tai Pei, Thailand, and soon Laos!

A lot has happened in the past two days. Last night, I decided to spend the few remaining hours to get as much of the San Francisco scene as possible by taking my first ever visit to Chinatown.

Chinatown – one of those places I always see and hear about on the media, yet one of the places I’ve never been too……..until now!

It was great seeing all the different boutiques and gift stores in Chinatown. While venturing further into the neighborhood, I spotted these two Chinese models posing in the middle of the street in front of an entourage of flashing cameramen. I couldn’t help but take some pictures as well. Hahaha.

After getting done exploring all of Chinatown, I headed back to the hotel to get ready to head to the airport with Vinya for my 13 hr flight to Taiwan.

And now… here I am – waiting at my gate to depart to Bangkok! Also, I’m sitting on the floor here laughing at Toby because her laptop can’t connect to the internet ;)

Posted in Author: Phouthasack, Laos | No Comments

June 11, 2010

Orientation

Photo on 2010-06-11 at 18.58 I’m finally in San Francisco which means that Laos is just around the corner! Although this has been a tiresome day, it was great to finally meet the other SAILers and a couple SAILers from last summer. At our orientation, we discussed what we could expect in Laos and to experience everything with an open mind. We also had the chance to check out the Civc Center. Ai Vinya pointed out some of the buildings that were in the area while many a dramatic scenes unfolded around us. The trip to Laos is going to be great. The other SAILers seem like a fun bunch, an eager group ready for the learning and fun to begin. I can’t wait to come back a little darker, a little thinner, and whole lot more knowledgeable!

Posted in Author: Akarath, Laos | No Comments

June 11, 2010

The Day Before the Beginning

So, here I am in San Francisco. I’m happy I finally got my passport and now I am for sure able to go to Laos.

Victory Screech! Anyways… I really don’t have a whole lot to say except I’m waiting for this adventure to start already.

The lucky thing for Toby and I are spending a day in Bangkok, more formerly known over there as the city of angels.

I like Bangkok. Maybe that’s just because I always listen to Thai music all the time.

As of right now, I’m just trying not to set my expectations too high, but also doubt anything good is going to happen. I’m just going to take it all in one day at a time.

But for certain, this trip will be unforgettable in a way that will make you smile – like me and Vinya.

Huh? Huh?

Posted in Author: Phouthasack, Laos | No Comments

June 1, 2010

Center for Lao Studies’ Summer Study Abroad in Laos (SAIL)

sail.postcard.2

Posted in Laos | No Comments

August 9, 2009

Go SAILers!

SAILers in their student uniform and their Achaans (teachers) on a field trip.

SAILers in their student uniform with their Achaans (teachers) on a class fieldtrip. (L to R: Yaengsaeng, Sandra, Vatsana, Brandin, Amy, Samantha, Achaan Viengsavanh, Achaan Bounmy, and Eileen)

Posted in Laos | No Comments

August 8, 2009

SAILers sail home with lasting memories

Like everyone else, I can’t believe our trip is over. We had a tearful goodbye at the airport as 5 of the SAILers boarded a 7:30 AM flight for Thailand, where they will be met by two of the Center for Lao Studies’ advisory board members, Dr. Varisa and Dr. Somsonge, who have offered to show them around before they leave on the 9th. Although most of the group made it a late night in order to see their friends one last time (and some sacrificed a significant amount of sleep for it!), they were still met with friends early in the morning. Just to prove what an impact this group has had on people here! And I must say, the Lao never fail to give a proper goodbye — always giving gifts, fitting in a baci if possible, and making the effort to see people off at the airport. Among those saying goodbye to the SAILers was Amy and I, who will stay longer to enjoy a little more of the country.

The last week was filled with lots of activities. Both Lao classes had final tests, and I’m happy to say all SAILers did very well! On Thursday we had our official graduation with all our teachers, as well as Ginny, the co-director of LAC, were there to present certificates and transcripts to the SAILers. Achaan Bounmy commented that he had to scramble to create supplemental lessons for the beginning level class because they learned faster than he expected. Ginny encouraged the students to correct any misconceptions Americans have about Laos by sharing her virtues and peaceful atmosphere. Achaan Viengsavanh made special dishes for us — steamed fish in banana leaves and her famous fried ribs! We all brought food and shared memories of our 8-week journey.

Between buying scarves at Saoban handicrafts (which were woven by the villagers at our homestay), spending time with friends and relatives, and arranging a very successful farewell party for our LAC friends, complete with activities (such as seeing who could stuff the most Lao meatballs into one’s mouth) arranged by party-organizer extraordinaire Sandra, we also had time to have a last lunch together just with each other. I asked SAILers to comment on some of the highlights of the program, and Brandin claimed that seeing his relatives on a brief trip to Pakse was very special. Another SAILer commented that “just being in Laos” was a highlight, and that if the SAIL program hadn’t existed, they wouldn’t have come to Laos.

So my parting words as SAIL trip leader are that I believe the program reached its objectives of providing an experience for Lao-Americans and those interested in Lao culture to really engage with the Lao people (both in and out of school), experience both city and country life, learn about the country’s history and culture from both the Lao and expats living here, push themselves to adapt to ways of a life foreign to their own, (even when frustrating), and enjoy the Lao virtue of “mak muan” (having fun/enjoying life). It allowed an opportunity for the younger SAILers to have their first overseas experience where they could learn to be independent while learning about Lao culture at the same time, and opened doors to new relationships and family bonds for those who had felt something missing in their lives.

I’m so proud of this inaugural group for jumping right in and being so enthusiastic about experiencing all things Lao. They not only explored the culture on their own, but were amazing ambassadors for both the SAIL program and the U.S! Yaeng never hesitated to speak eloquently about the SAIL program whether in interviews, or at events, whenever asked. Vatsana’s intellectural curiosity allowed the group to probe deeper into the meaning behind Lao behaviors and customs. Sandra was a shining light who showed how fun-loving and generous Americans could be. Brandin’s experience here has led him to explore work opportunities with the State Department or U.S. Embassy, and I know he would be an amazingly culturally-sensitive representative. Amy was an example of how a “khon Amelika sot sot” (full-blooded American) could embrace the culture and language so whole-heartedly, always pushing those around her to only speak Lao! And Eileen, our youth representative, was never seen without a sinh, and completed the LAC uniform by buying an official school sinh! Cutural adaptation at its best!

What a wonderful group to kick-off this unique program. I hope they will continue to be spokespeople for the program, since I know their Lao tales and amazing insights will motivate those considering this program to participate next year! Thank you SAILers for an AMAZING 8 weeks. Thank your for making my job so easy and enjoyable, and enriching my second trip back to Laos.

Posted in Author: Samantha, Laos | No Comments

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

August 4, 2009

Last Weekend in Laos

We girl SAILers just spent the best last weekend at a home-stay in the countryside while Brandin went to visit his family in Pakse. Again the small up start organization PADETC provided us the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program. We were driven out to the countryside, about 2-3 hours out of town to a small textile village. We met these amazing Lao women who worked together in the same village producing their own dyes and we were warmly greeted and had to sing a welcome song in Lao which was very cute and charming. After that, we were divided up and “adopted” by house mothers. Some of us had two to three Lao mothers. I had Mother Mai. She was very sweet, shy and soft spoken.

We were split up into groups of two because each group would make our own organic dyes. Samantha and I were to produce dye from the trunk of the Jack fruit tree. We had to chop up pieces of the tree trunk with this huge machete and put the pieces into to a large pot to boil. We didn’t know what color it would yield, but after 25 minutes, we had a golden yellow and were very excited. We learned to boil the silk, wash and rinse it before soaking it in the natural dye we had just made. We then dyed our thread of silk and let it dry while we ate. After lunch, we took our bundles of colored thread and spoon it onto a spool and placed it in to the shuttle. Then we were taught the art of the maneuvering the loom. It was so much fun and yet so hard. Some of us took to it like fish to water, others of us had some challenges, but over all, everyone truly enjoyed the experience. It was hard work and very time consuming. A long roll of fabric that they would sell to the market was roughly 35,000kip or about $4.00US. I can certainly appreciate the fabrics I had recently purchased.

Later that evening, we feasted with the Lao women and celebrated our time together. We drank a special kind of “dry” Lao wine made from rice and rice husk. We had to add water and beer to it and I have to say, it was delicious!!! We eventually retired to “our” mother’s homes to sleep so that we could wake up at 5:00AM in the morning to make the rice, feed the animals and go to the Wat to give alms to the monks. Mother Mai’s house was a small bamboo house. I climbed up three make-shift ladders leading into the house which opened to a one room house that housed 5 people. The floors were made with long bamboo and split bamboo were laid on top to cover the floor. I was quite hesitant because there were many holes in the floor and the floors rolled and moved. I thought my feet were going to go through the floor board. Off to one side, was a small kitchen where they cooked rice, the size of a closet with no windows. We were surrounded by chickens, cows, ducks and other woodsy creatures on the outside. It was a fascinating experience but I was also filled with trepidation. They rolled out a bed and found that I had two bed fellows. I was relieved when they asked me if I wanted to sleep under a mosquito net and I eagerly answered yes. I could her the frogs, crickets, chickens, cows, and ducks outside and yet I sleep well. I like the sounds of the woods and I found it very soothing. I had a difficult time with the smell. They would burn charcoal with tire rubber and it would burn my nose and throat making it very difficult for me to breath and sleep. Other than that, it was a nice stay over and I know how lucky and blessed my life has been.

The next day we went to another village about 1-2 hours away where we made Lao baskets. It was also very fun and again, so much work and so much patience were required. I think it would have been even better had we had more time and had a longer stay rather than such short visits. We made many new friends and truly enjoyed ourselves. We hope to keep in touch with our new found friends and we will sadly say farewell to our 2nd home this Friday.

Posted in Author: Vatsana, Laos | 1 Comment

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 31, 2009

Saying Goodbye is always HARD!

Today was my last day at volunteering and I have to say it was a more touching departure than I would have expected it to be. I have really enjoyed my time at Sethathirath Hospital in their Pediatrics Ward. I have met a lot of nice, hardworking doctors, nurses and medical students and after saying goodbye to them today, it solidified my hopes of coming back to work in Laos. Not many would find the hospital a place to feel like a second home, but I did. Everyone that I had the pleasure of working with made me feel like I was one of their own, even though I had only been there for such a short time. There was even something special about the patients and their families. There was a kind of warmth shared between them that I don’t see too often. I also got the opportunity to witness the patience and respect that the staff and patients had for one another. I know this has a lot to do with the Lao culture, which makes people fall in love with it whenever they are here. Before I left, we all took pictures and everyone told me they hoped that I would return to visit, if not to work, and wished me a safe trip home. To my surprise, the staff presented me with departing gifts, which made me feel as happy as a little girl getting her top listed gift for Christmas. I can’t believe they took the time out for me. As I felt when I visited my family last week, I should be the one offering gifts because they are the ones who had invited me into their home and allowed me to learn beside them. There is no gift that I could ever offer to express my gratitude to them for such a life learning experience.

Posted in Author: Yaengsaeng, Laos | 1 Comment