Saturday, 8 August 2015

Riding home in the rain

Some scooter riders have umbrellas, some ponchos, others don't even have a waterproof jacket.
Wearing a coat back to front seems to be a trend.  But what about the toddler on the front of the scooter with no protection from the rain?

Friday, 7 August 2015

Tuk Tuk Delivery Truck

I liked the bright striped umbrella on this delivery tuk tuk.   A mini mart for laundry items on wheels with a bright way of keeping dry.


Thursday, 6 August 2015

A long stroll - or wandering while lost

 Yesterday I decided to walk home from school, BUT:
it rained after I had been walking for about 10 minutes,
So I sheltered under the awning of a minimart for 20 minutes;
I confused reference landmarks,
So I took the wrong left turn,
I arrived at a set of traffic lights that were a surprise as there a few here,
So I rang Mark "where I am?"
He had no idea,
So I started walking again and hailed this friendly Tuk Tuk driver and his Tuk Tuk.

My Lao is non existent, and of course I have a broad Australian accent,
So he couldn't understand my pronunciation of Wat Amphonh,
We drove somewhat aimlessly around the streets
So he asked for help and also stopped at a police box
Using the USSR embassy as a reference point was more easily understood,
So we finally headed in the right direction;
It had been raining
So of course there were many large potholes and bumps- not so good for the bum or back
Eventually I arrived home, paid 50,000kip or about $8AUS and was happy with my adventure



Wednesday, 5 August 2015

The Local Hangout

Cafe Fiore, known as Dennis' after the American bar owner, is the local hangout.
Less than a two minute walk from school, it is sure to be the place for some beer lao with my friend Mark (he seems to be very comfortable there).
Dennis is know to serve a mean gin and tonic.

Tuesday, 4 August 2015

Same message, Different Script

Lao script is similar to Thai script, but different.  It doesn't matter though as I can't understand either.

Monday, 3 August 2015

DODO

Yesterday I met Dodo, a Laotian grade 12 student.  After a brief chat he walked through the car park to get into his white mercedes sports car and leave.
I don't think he lives in this street in Laos.

Sunday, 2 August 2015

Landed in Laos

Landed in Laos.
It is wet.  Therefore potholes are prolific and deep.
Its warm, but not stinking hot.
I am staying in a mansion with Mark and Jo.
Spent yesterday afternoon looking at houses and apartments.
Quote of the day. "We can put a window in if you want" .  In response to my statement that I couldn't live with a bedroom with no windows.