Laos: Guesthouse

I have moved to the country, so to speak. I am out of Vientiane proper where it is still plenty busy but a bit more rural. (Translation: less pavement; no less cars, trucks and motorcycles) At least I am now out of my dark cocoon at the hotel and into a brighter room with a table and chair so the bed doesn't have to be the desk as well. I wrestle with my affluence in comparison to most of those around me and am ever grateful for gifts I was given through no effort on my part. There is also constantly with me the need to be sensitive and communicative with those nice folks whom I meet each day.

Noy, the Ed. Center secretary, my translator and confidante, is helping me adjust to the new area and giving me some good teaching ideas. I wish my Lao was as competent as her English. Thank goodness for sign language--that and good will.

My host, Po Vang, is ill and that has slowed progress toward ESL classes for the moment. I am busying myself learning the new area and writing an article for the Lao Samphang Newsletter. I am also trying hard not to be an Ugly American.