Rugged up for Winter

The three days of winter have passed.  The temperature was back into the high 20s today.

The lady behind the counter in this shop near the apartment can put her hat away until next year.

Lorna on the Scooter

My friend, Lorna Green, from Beechworth, has been in Vientiane this month staying with her daughter Jo (Principal at VIS).  I took her out for a tour and then brunch on the Scoopy.  Two grey haired ladies on a scooter made an unusual spectacle for the locals.  Hope I can follow Lorna's lead and still get on a scooter when I am in my 80s.

When did Javelins become less deadly?

Last Thursday was VIS Secondary Sports Day.  Due to internet problems  (GRRRR)  I couldn't post any photos.

It was a great day, with a focus on participation and competition.  Students in house groups which was great as younger students mixed with the older students, but were still able to run, jump or throw against their peers to be the best in their grade.

Mr Mark supervised the javelin from the comfort of his cane arm chair - he had a great system!

Question of the day - What is it with plastic javelins???

Fur Sighted on the Streets of Vientiane

The internet in the apartment has been erratic, which is VERY annoying, hence no posts for a few days.

It has been cold this week, with a freezing wind blowing down from China.  Yesterday a colleague said it was the coldest day she has experienced in the 8 years she has lived here.  It was about 10C plus the wind - so cold.

The locals are rugging up.  Lots of socks and thongs,  but also fur trimmed jackets.

This lady and her daughter in their stylish black and white furs caught my attention as I crossed the road, but zoomed off as I reached for the camera - hence the blurry back view.

No need for a Hairdresser

There is no need for a hairdresser when you visit this shop at Talat Sao market and buy hair pieces such as these inserts and buns.

Buddha Bowls

Buddha Bowls from this lovely lady are for sale in Talat Sao.

Golden Gold

Talat Sao market (the morning market) is like Beechworth's Mike's Bazaar on steroids.

Over three floors and a rabbit warren of lanes and alleys you can buy an array or electronics, clothes, trinkets, souvenirs and other mass produced items that you may or may not need - eg shampoo.

I went for an explore today - no purchases, but lots of photos. The Indian man at this stall proudly told me the items were "fake" Indian gold.

Put on Your Red Shoes

Put on your red shoes and dance.....

Tribute to David Bowie from the shoe shop at Talat Sao market.

Back with the Tuk Tuks

Tuk Tuks on the road - I  know I am in Vientiane and not Beechworth.

I have been back in Vientiane for a week.  Getting back to work was a whirlwind, but it was good to be returning to a place I know and a routine.

I am not the only person wandering Laos with a camera.

I loved watching this monk taking photos at a temple in Luang Prabang.  Good looking camera and a kindred spirit.  His mate was interested in checking out the image.
The blog and photos of Laos will be on a break for the next 10 days while I am home in Australia.
Happy New Year everyone.
There will be more photos and stories from Laos in 2016.
Thanks for following along in 2015
Love
Mary XX