And it's always great to hear from you, Chas. I know I wouldn't be around weren't it for you, Russ, Bill and Ray.
I've met several times with Monk Noy. It's only a short walk to the temple and I pass there whenever I go to the local market.
While Monk Noy (and all other monks and novices) are allowed to visit their family (they're free to do so anytime they wish), they're not allowed to touch (hug) their mother, sister(s) or any other female family members. They also have to take their meals separately from the family, so while I was having lunch with his mother, uncle and brother-in-law in the yard, Monk Noy and a fellow monk were having theirs inside.
I learned something new during our talk. Monk's blankets have to be the color of their robes which is either orange or brownish golden. Interesting tidbit I didn't know about.
I'll send some pics of Monk Noy.
I'm tutoring a boy and a girl (siblings) and that's about it for now. They used to be my students during my previous stay in Laos. They've sure grown up a lot since.
When Mapanoy's in school I am usually in the yard burning stuff. I'm some kind of an arsonist, always burning stuff. Ha! Love it!
At 4pm, I ride my bike to Mapanoy's KG and pick him up. As soon as we get home I have to endure an hour or so of Thomas the Train Engine, answer the same questions over and over (Who made this? Do robots have eyes? Who said that? Are they people? Does Sabaidee (Lao greeting) have eyes? etc.) Hey, I'm not complaining! I'm loving it! To a degree...ahum!
Most days I ride my bicycle to Vientiane City and hang out at the Mekong where I watch what's going on in Thailand. Can't see much but that doesn't matter. Then I just pedal around and get to know the city. Doesn't take long as it's very small.
Good to know that you like the paintings and find them worthy enough to grace your walls. I think Russ has them in his office or studio. Can't quite recall where.
Chas, it's very kind of you to wish to keep on doing your great deed. Like Monk Noy said: "Your (you, Russ and I) contributions enable me to have an education and a future. It's a gift that can't be repaid other than by succeeding." The credit is all yours and Russ' even though I know that's not why you guys do it. Still, it means a lot to both Monk Noy, his mother, family and myself.
That Russ sure can play! You at the keys of your Red Baron and him picking his guitar has to be the perfect combination.
Settling in for me usually takes like 5 minutes, no matter where I am. Oh, and it's kinda nice to be greeted by other villagers (quite a few know me by name). It's something I missed while in Taiwan. Only problem is, Lao people LOVE to drink beer in GREAT quantities and I hate the stuff. Still, it's not nice to repeatedly turn their invitations down. I secretly wish the government raises the price of one lang (12 large bottles) from US$9 to US$90. I'll feel a lot safer then. I only enjoy the first sip as it's refreshing but the rest tastes horrible. That goes for all beers. Really, what's there to like about beer?
I'll sure make use of the private message deal.
Love your avatar! Give'em hell!
Taike
ps: Nigel, did some fiddling and all seems fine now. Still miss the red and green, though. It went so well with the decor.
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