Out and About on the Scooters

The boys have been loving riding the scooters.  We hired scooters in Luang Prabang on Saturday to ride to a waterfall and explore the countryside. 

Tonight they rode and in and out of town weaving through the traffic like locals.

Tomorrow they are hiring one and using mine to explore Vientiane and beyond.  I will be at work - slightly concerned - but confident they will ride safely.

A baguette please.

An earnest, but gorgeous look from this young girl as she waits while her mother, standing behind her, orders a baguette from one of the stalls near the bus station.

Look who is on the elephant !

Tom and Will arrived in Laos on Wednesday and have moved through culture shock to appreciation of the relaxed way of life in Laos.

We had a great day today at Elephant Village near Luang Prabang, riding and caring for rescued elephants.

Christmas on Khouvieng

Tinsel, santa suits and christmas trees have appeared on the corner of my street. The roadside stall on the at the intersection of a busy road - Khouvieng Boulevard,  normally sells flags and some snacks, but has used the holiday season to branch out with especially gorgeous Chinese decorations.

O'Grady's Irish Pub

There is now an Irish bar in Vientiane - O'Grady's Irish Pub.  Its run by an Irish man, Sean, with red hair of course - very Irish looking and sounding.

I went there last week to see  Chris Lister, a friend from school perform.  He has a great voice, sang some original material as well as covers of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.  I opted for a Beer Lao with my bangers and mash, but Guinness is available - a reason to return.

The Firework Makers Daughter

The school play/production is on this week. The Firework Maker's daughter features a talking white elephant - how good is that.
I thought the performances were great, the costumes interesting and the production very creative.  Students from elementary and secondary were involved as well as staff, and parents.  Well done VIS and Envision Theatre.

From the People of Japan

The buses of Vientiane have been donated by the Japanese government.  They are green and vary in age, upkeep and cleanliness, but are always full.