| Vientiane, LaosLife begins yet again out of a suitcase.
I must be a glutton for humiliation, entering these foreign places without any command of local language and subjecting myself to constant joking, pointing, and moments of unbearable awkwardness. It's one thing if I "looked American," but it's a whole different story when I share the same physical features as the locals. Imagine their shock when I am unable to speak their native tongue. Then of course, I must be Japanese.
Thai and Lao people have many commonalities, including the obligatory get-to-know-you question..."Are you married?"
The big difference between the Bay Area and Laos so far? After what seems to be hours of activity, in Laos your watch would only read 1:15pm whereas in the Bay it would read 1:15am and your day is done.
Tuk-tuk (taxi) Driver: Tuk-tuk?
Me: No, thanks.
Tuk-tuk Driver: Lady-friend?
I move into my new house on September 15. Then I'm going to throw a housewarming party. You're all invited.
Pictures from Week One
Monuments
Tuk-Tuk Driver (not the one mentioned above)
Hittin' the Pavement
At the Market
How the Market Stays Out of the Sun
Along the Mekong River
Laundry Day
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This week, I go into the provinces.
Time to work. |
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| Bangkok, at last. Adventure began 10 hours earlier than expected.
What should have been a leisurely daytime send-off at SFO became a midnight dash to the airport at break-neck speed.
Why?
I had mistaken 1:35am for 11:35am.
If this is any indication for the days ahead, so begins a two year adrenaline rush.
Stick with me and there will never be a dull moment, I promise.
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