HOT!

We've had a hot week here -- it was just below 100 most of the week and that is without humidity. Even Vone admitted that it was hot -- and when a Lao local says it is hot, than you know you have reason to complain! Luckily, last night we had a thunderstorm and today the temperature dropped to the cool 80s.

Besides the weather, this week was rather mellow for me. I took a thai cooking class with two dozen other women involved in the Women's International Group I recently joined. Very delicious. I think Vone, however, was a little puzzled as to why I was going to take a Thai cooking course when she can teach me at home. And one afternoon, despite the heat, we jumped on Vone's mo-ped and went to a flower/garden nursery to purchase a hostess gift. I found a lovely light green potted orchid for the gift and picked up another 3 orchids for us. They are currently hanging outside on our lovely veranda.

We were quite a sight driving back home on her mo-ped with 4 orchid plants blowing in the wind. But really, that is nothing for the Lao people, you seriously see entire families on mo-peds (four in all) riding along. And of course no one has a helmet. I've even seen sleeping babies riding in their mother's arms while dad is driving. Quite a sight.

For those of you interested in seeing the Lao mo-ped scene, you should note that Hoong Heem Nervig (Hotel Nervig) is booking up fast. Please make your reservations soon!

Hope everyone back home is doing well. We miss you!
--Katherine