Hi everyone! It took quite awhile to get these pictures up - hopefully Facebook will be more accomodating :-)
We're at Vientiane College again for more orientation activities today. I've spent a lot of time here - almost to the point where I would really like to get out to do more exploring.
I'll try to remember what I've been up to over the past few days :-)
Tuesday was our first day here at the college (when I put up my first post). Vientiane College is when our in country manager and support staff work - its an college for teaching English to Lao students (who often end up at Australian universities under an AusAID scheme). After some introductory talks we had lunch over the road (which is where I took the picture of the fisherman). We also walked up to the golden stupa (I'm not sure of its name but it's a major attraction here in Vientiane).
Tuesday night we had a huge dinner with AYAD's from previous intakes, and various host organisations. I met several people who have worked for Sunlabob, as well as the guy who was offered the position I initially applied for. It was great to see other people who have been here for longer than me and see how they have adjusted - although I admit it was a bit scary to find out about various illnesses people had had :-)
Yesterday we had heaps of talks here at the college - I didn't leave the building all day. In the evening I went with a group to the Australian Club, which is the Australian Embassy's recreational club, and had a swim. It's an amazing place on the banks of the Mekong, but unfortunately they're closing it down at the end of December :-(
Last night we had dinner across the road from our hotel - there was a UN hosted concert next door to the hotel, but we missed the whole thing because of dinner. A funny story - Keith (an AYAD who is heading to the south of Laos) tried out his Lao on our waiter, and attempted to say I was his friend. However 'friend' and 'pig' are the same word (just pronounced with different tones) so our waiter burst out laughing when he found out I was Keith's pig. Another potential and unfortunate language problem is that 'I' and 'penis' are also the same word said differently (koi).
Today it's been more talks, followed by a yummy lunch by the Mekong. This afternoon is househunting, which should be good - I can't wait to stop living out of a bag. The houses here are ridiculously cheap and very nice. Chris and I will be sharing a house with Deb (who reminds me of my good friend from school, Michelle, so I'm sure we will get on great!) and Nicole, with a spare room for all our visitors :-)
Time to upload some piccies onto Facebook and Flickr - hopefully the next time you hear from me I will have the Internet at my new home and we can Skype!!

*hugs*
Susan