Luang Prabang

Dec. 9

The 6 hour car ride from Muang Khua to Luang PraBang went according to our plan agreement, which is a surprise in itself. I thought for sure he would pick up a few more people as it is pretty unusual to travel in this country with empty seats!! In fact, he only stopped about 30 minutes for lunch at a local street restaurant where we had rice and chicken. I did pay for his lunch which wasn’t that much and a way of tipping him.

In Luang PraBang, we(Thanh and I) tried to have the driver drop us off at the guest house I had found in guide book. But the driver didn’t seem to be able to find it and rather than waste his time and gas, I told him to just let us out. It was about 3 pm, so plenty of daylight and I thought we could ask someone, which would save us from walking around too much, plus carrying our bags. We found a coffee shop by the Mekong river, and relaxed for a bit. Then, Thanh asked someone and he told me to wait while he looked for the guest house. So off Thanh went, and I thought he would be back in about 15 minutes or so. Well, I waited, and waited, and waited. After about 45 minutes, I was thinking this isn’t good. What could have happened? I did have his mobile number, but that was all. Finally, he returned. He never did find the guest house we had chosen, but did find another one. In fact, he had checked out several, trying to get a good price. They were all about 8-10 USD. But the one we stayed at was on a main street, with a nice big room, two beds, cable TV, and a decent bathroom, plus a good lock on the door.

Luang PraBang is a UNESCO world heritage site. This is probably the one city in Laos that gets the most tourists. There are a number of Pagodas and Buddhist monks that live here. Monks are generally young men or boys that devote any number of years being a monk, then go back to regular life. There was a National Museum that I visited to that was very interesting, which contained lots of art, photos, furniture, and artifacts from the early history of Laos. You have to take your shoes off more in Laos almost everywhere. For example, in the guest houses, your shoes stay outside. I always worry that someone might steal mind, but they most have small feet. Ha!

On one of the main streets, there is a night market. This market is several blocks long and every night they setup. They sell most everything, from food to clothing to jewelry. And you can bargain too. But I just like to look for a bit. The crowds of people, lots of other Asians from Japan or Korea, seemed to checking out the market.

One night, we walked through the buffet night market. Food sitting out in pots everywhere, even a vegetarian buffet area. Well, we finally decided to eat a small corner street stall. They cleaned a table for us and ordered some pork and rice, and vegetables-not sure what kind, but they were green. The food was ok, but the flying ants disturbed me. I kept knocking them off my arm and trying to keep them off the food. Unbeknown to me, Thanh was almost out of Kip-Lao money. So then he tells me this after we have ordered the food. I had tried to use the ATM machine early, but I couldn’t get any money, but I thought I had enough. I could use my US dollars, but better to save them for backup. Thanh did have some VNese Dong, which he then went to change for Lao Kip. Again, I waited for him to come back, not knowing exactly where he had gone or when he would be back. Now, I had eaten the food, so I had to sit there until he got back. Now, the people in Laos are pretty laid back. They just let me sit there without asking me about paying or taking up space for others. Thanh did return with Kip so then we paid and walked back to the hotel.

Earlier, when I tried to use the ATM, a young woman tried to help me. She spoke good English but looked Asian. I then asked her where she was from. She said USA. Portland , Oregon. Smalll world!

I will write about my one day of trekking next... I wrote this after getting home. 


Dec. 8-9

Dec. 8-9
In Muang Khua, we found a guest house that was near the river. Well, actually, the whole town or village is near the river. Not sure of the population, maybe 1,000. When we checked into the guest house, we just ask the price, look at the room, then agree to stay. Next they hand you the key. You never sign in, or do they ask for your passport. Nothing! Very different than Vietnam. And we stayed two days, then we have find them to pay. Very laid back. The room was ok, about $8 USD. The only problem was the rooster crowing to his friends, starting about 3 am. Other than that, the whole town is very very quiet. You can walk though the whole area in about an hour. On game, they like to play is a French game with a cue like ball. You throw or roll the ball down a gravel like alley or lane, trying to get close to a center pin. I would call it a cross between bowling and horseshoes. Maybe closer to horseshoes.

We had dinner with a Polish couple that we met on the bus. Actually, we ate with them in Diem Bien too. They were going to take the boat down river the next day, but I wanted to stay another day, so I haven’t seen then since, but she took my email, so hopefully I will here some day.

The next day, I checked out the slow boat ride to the next town, in route to LuangPrabang. The way this works is several people go together, and so that keeps the price down generally. But then sometimes you have to wait several days before you enough people. I didn’t really want to do that, so we later found a private car who wanted to defray his costs of driving back to Luang Prabang empty. At first he wanted to charge $35 but then agreed to $25 which was a great deal. I was actually afraid it was too good of a deal.. It turned out fine.

The countryside here is mostly mountains everywhere. I not sure of the name but roads all go through the mountains or over the mountains. The terrain is full of trees and greenery but I haven’t seen many animals or birds. A few rivers. Where there are small villages, then are located right on top of the main road. I am sure many people get hit or killed by the traffic. The traffic isn’t heavy, like in Vietnam, but moderate. One thing is they don’t honk their horns much.

Next I will try to write about my one day trek....Say a special prayer for my father... he is not good..



Dec. 4- Bus Ride from Vietnam

Dec 4

I know I am behind. I think you will understand after reading this.
Friday morning, we left Diem Bien Phu, Vietnam for Laos by bus. The ticket cost about $4.50, and it was supposed to be about 6 hour trip. At the hotel in Diem Bien, the receptionists told us it was difficult but I “thought” she was just uniformed or trying to get us to stay in Vietnam, after all this border has been open for more than 2 years..

The bus was scheduled to leave from the local station at 5:30 and because we hadn’t bought our ticket yet, we needed to go early. We bought the ticket and saw that there were only 2 others signed up to go, even though it was a 26 passenger bus. We found the bus, got our seats and stored our bags inside the bus. This bus was really more like a shuttle bus at the airport and was already filled with many boxes. I thought maybe they don’t worry about the number of passengers because they are hauling so many boxes. Well, unbeknown to me, this was only the tip of the iceberg. More passengers began to come and more boxes. Soon, not only were there lots of passengers but tons of boxes-I am not exaggerating. Finally, can some heavy machine parts. Now some of these were put inside and above. If any of these rolled or fell, hitting you, it would be “curtains” for sure-no safety. The back of the bus sagged so low I thought we would never get out of the station. What had a sign on for now!! It look like a death trap for sure.

Around 6 am, we pull out. Now it is 35 KM to the border and road is paved but single lane. The bus seems to be holding up ok, but I can hear things rolling around. There are 4 other tourists passengers on the bus too, who I had met last night, but we really couldn’t talk because of how we are sitting. Going to the border, even thought I thought we were beyond saturation, along the way, I am thrilled to see the driver, stopping at every local village, finding new passengers and boxes. There is no Limit!!

The road to the border gradually gets narrower and narrower, but the bus chugs along. Then one local colorfully dressed woman starts to go into hysterics. I am not sure what she is saying but I learn that she has left her passport or legal paper work in home, so now she wants the driver to turn around. Wow! The bus driver make a calls-yes, he is using this cell phone while driving.

We arrive at the border. I am now sure how this will go but I got my Visa already so it should be a breeze. Everyone gets off the bus and into a line where a VNese immigration official is pressing some sort of temperature instrument to the passengers forehead. He is checking for swine flu!! No one is sick, and I am not sure what they would do if anyone was sick. I guess they just deny them entry.

This crossing go fairly smoothly as we are there only business. I talk to the immigration officers who have nothing to do-bureaucracy at its best!! One offers to exchange my VNese Dong money for Lao Kip. Of course this is all under the table and at a good rate for him. But I do it as we need some local currency. Now, I have to start thinking about costs in a different currency. Always some adjustment. The bus and passengers go about 6 km where we go through much of the same rigamarole(??) except that this time the border officials scan the bus for “terrorists materials”. I am not sure how they would get anything out of this “sardine can”... but luckily, that isn’t an issue. A Lao official tells me that it about 6 more hours to Muang Khua, which is my end destination, which turned out to be fairly accurate but that only tells one small part of the story.

This last 6 hours were the most horrendous of any bus ride I have ever been on. I know my guardian angel was working overtime and beyond. I thought I could easily die. Many times I just wanted to get out and go back, even though we were in the middle of no where. The road was really a gravel path, constantly climbing through a morass of heavy green landscape with no signs of life. Sitting next to the window, I could see only mountains and jungle. The obstacles on the road were always a challenge too. Sometimes the bus would just ford across a shallow stream because there was no bridge. One time, we had to all get out and walk across a suspension bridge, while the bus driver drove through empty. Luckiy the suspension bridge was not too high or difficult, otherwise I would have been stuck there. Ha!! Of course, the bridge did sway, and I saw some of the thin planks cracking from the footsteps of a fellow passenger ahead of me and he was much lighter in weight than me. Ha! So, I crossed with gingerly and praying the whole time. Another time, the bus stopped because of a landslide and there was a bulldozer clearing a path. We must have sat for over an hour. Finally, the road was wide enough, so the driver proceeded slowly and carefully(thank god he was a good bus driver) I really wanted to get out and walk but I didn’t. The road seemed like soft clay and bumpy but we inched forward, swaying all the way. I thought someone just sneezing would put us over the edge-And I mean edge-because, from where I was sitting , it was straight down. Death for sure. No one on the bus was speaking. My silent prayer mantra was racing in my head. I think I have used up all of my 9 lives on this trip.

As we continued to drive on, the road seemed to always continue to climb. I thought it would never end. Finally, we there was a decent, with some small villages along the roadside. Sometimes the driver would stop to load or unload people or boxes. When we got to our destination, there was suppose to be a ferry to take up across the river, but for some reason no ferry. We then had to use this long boats which worked ok.

I was now at Muang Khua, which is only a small village, but few guest houses. More about this later..

I hope everyone is good. Special “Hello” to my Father.. I am praying for you. Love Roger

Dinner and School.

Nov. 30, Vietnam Time

Yesterday, I went to Mr. Thanh’s place for dinner. He rents one room, that adjoins a much larger house. The main residence has about 5 or 6 rooms that they rent out. His girlfriend, Miss Hang, rents another room next to his. This room is about 45 minutes from his travel office in the Old French Quarter of Hanoi. I rode on the back of his motorbike to get there. I am really used to the traffic now after so many visits but Thanh is a great driver too. Before cooking dinner we go to the local market. This is a big open metal building that has about 100 venders inside selling meat, vegetables, flowers, you name it. Lots of flies hovering over the meat. The fish come in all sizes and colors. The vegetables and fruit look good; lots of fruit unique to S.E.Asia. One fruit I like it dragon fruit and here is very sweet and huge. Thanh asked me if I would eat buffalo tongue. I said “sure”. I have had cow tongue before.

I rest and watch TV while Thanh prepares dinner. The kitchen counter is really the floor with two propane burners. After about an hour or more, dinner is ready. Soup, fish, meat, rice, and fruit. Food enough for 10 but there are only 4 of us. I think they think I eat a lot. Ha!! Oh, and I forgot beer. We eat sitting Indian style on the floor, which is the hardest part for me. I cheat and use the wall for support. The soup is very tasty. I think the vegetable is a type of turnip. The fish is very good too, but small bones, so constantly picking them out. The tongue is good, dipped in nuoc man sauce(sp?), and constantly washed down with beer. I am always amazed at how little cooking equipment they have, yet can put together such a great dinner. Of course, the weather now is helping too as you don’t have to sweat through the whole meal. But the local people think it is cold here. So far , perfect for me.

Going back into Hanoi, there is very little traffic and it is only 7:30 pm. Our main problem is the road is narrow, and we are behind a city bus, constantly breathing in fumes. You see a few motobike riders with a death wish, passing with just a sliver of payment on blind curves or hills. Thanh is content to just follow until finally we have passing lane. Back in my $12 room, we watch a soccer match before calling it a day.

Dec. 1
This morning I went to visit my old school. There is a team of volunteers there now, so I wanted to be careful not to upset or intrude on their time or routine, but Pam, the team leader and my friend, invited me to come in the morning. While there, I wanted to look up a few students but I couldn’t find them. I did see a few of the teachers I had worked with before, so that was nice. The principal heard I was there and came and gave me a big hug. He says we are “brothers” so that was very nice. Later, I had lunch at the school with him. For some reason, the principal and his son really like me and he was thrilled to see me. The volunteer team is visiting his home tomorrow, so then of course, he wanted to invited me to come to his home too, so I will do that tomorrow.

There is another teacher, Mr. Quy, who heard I was there and came running to give me a big hug too. He wanted to have lunch with me too. It was very nice that this teachers were so glad to see me again. I was touched. Now, Mr. Quy, wants to see me tonight, so I will see if he calls.

Now, I am going to get my Lao Visa.
Take care.

Dinner is Served

Fresh Fish

The market

IN Hanoi.

Landed in Seoul, Korea. 5:30 pm. Good flight but any after 10 hours is long no matter where you sitting. Luckily, I sat on aisle seat, but the next seat was vacant, so I could stretch out a little more. Asiana is an ok airlines, but not as good as Cathay Pacific.

After we landed I had almost two hours to get to my connecting flight to Hanoi. As I was getting off, I asked about the connecting gate, got directions, and proceeded off. Well, right away the directions were wrong. Never having been here before, I didn’t know but then got redirected. The big thing is international airport now, is to go through “security” again. Why?? We never leave the area; we all just got off the plane and going directly to the connecting gate. I would like someone to give me the logic for this bureaucracy!! Excuse my rant, but I think this is just frustrating and a waste of time. First we all get in line to go through the transfer area, only there were no airport workers so we had to wait. By then the line begins to accumulate.. Finally, someone comes, a big discussion, and then they say we are in the wrong place. So, off we go to another transfer area. Now, if you are on a tight schedule, this could be nerve wracking. Now, this next place is actually moving, so we proceed quickly.. but of course, it takes time to get the coat off, open the computer bag, take off the shoes, etc... Then once you go through, they want you to collect it quickly and not hold up the line. HA! I took my time because this is where I get rattled if I am not careful..

Off to a Flying Start.... breezed through check in and security. I think it pays to have an early flight. Flying United to Seattle, and now their checkin is all “touch screen”. Technology! At first, I thought I was going to have to pay an extra $49 USD for my one bag, but that is only for the second bag. Security had no lines, so I could disrobe and not be rushed. Ha! Then it was on to Powells PDX bookstore. I had ordered a book(Say You’re One of Them) online and opted to pickup at the PDX store, thus saving shipping. (my travel tip for the day!)Well, thank heavens, it opens at 6 am- I had forgotten to check when Powells opened. Now that I have had my one Latte from CoffeePeople(highly recommended by my neice), I can function. Didn’t really sleep well last night, so I am hoping I can catch some “shuteye” on my flight to Seoul.

Took off on schedule from Portland. Short 55 minute flight with no glitches. At SeaTac airport, I stumble around like a blind man trying to find the right gate. I always think is should be easy to navigate my way around an American airport but sometimes I have better luck in foreign airports. Anyway, I rode two shuttle trains to get to gate S. I didn’t worry because I had 4 plus hours before my next flight. And I didn't have to go through security again, which is a small blessing.

Just got my New boarding pass with Asiana Airlines. So now, just waiting to board for the long 11 plus hours to Seoul, Korea. So far so good.. Time to make a few pits stops before boarding again. Say a prayer for me.

Home...where to begin

I slept in my own bed last night for the first time in weeks. It felt good but my sleep is messed up and will probably remain that way for at least this next week.  I had a great trip and this will also probably be my last blog for a while. I plan to stay home for the next few months. It is always good to travel but good to be home too..

My Friday morning flight from Rome started with a jolt...and it was caffeine from a cappuccino! I was so afraid that I would oversleep and miss my 4 am taxi, that I slept very sporadically Thursday night, constantly checking the time. When the alarm did ring, I must have been asleep as I shot up, falling out of bed, actually tipping the bed frame over.  I probably woke up my neighbors. Thank goodness I didn't break the bed! 

At 3:50 AM, the taxi that the convent had arranged arrived. After I got in the cab, I discussed the 35 euros that the nun said he would charge. Of course, that was wrong, so then we had to agree on a price. I knew it should be more because of the early hour, so after a brief negotiation he agreed to take 40.  I only had a few extra euros with me, as I was leaving the country.  After the driver got out of the main area of the city, we got on a two lane highway of sorts, and it was petal to the metal all the way. Yes, there was no traffic at this hour, but I felt like we were in NASCAR race.  If we crashed, I wouldn't have to worry about the flight. Ha!! At one point, I looked over at his speedometer, which read 200 KMH!! That is 125 MPH!! An this was an older station wagon type vehicle. I don't think he was mad at me because of the price; only in a hurry to get me to the airport and get his next customer. I got the the airport in 20 minutes. I got my money's worth!!

Inside, it was virtually  deserted.  It was 4:15 am. I found the Lufthansa checkin counter and waited for someone to show up.  A steward arrived about 4:45 am so I checked in. I tried to ask her about my connecting flight time, but she assured me that I had plenty of time. I didn't feel like she really wanted help me; Maybe it was just too early in the morning.  On board, I found a more friendlier steward, who showed me on a airport map where my connecting gate was and how to get there. My main concern was that I only had 70 minutes and if I had to go through passport and security clearance too, I might not make my flight. Lufthansa actually schedules flights with as little as 30 minutes in between connections. Now that would be a disaster in the U.S. Also, I was nervous because my other experience in Frankfurt was that I needed at least 2 hours.  I just had to wait and let nature run its course.

As I deplaned, I again asked at the counter about the connecting gate. I was told which way to go and where to find the lift. (I had forgotten that lift is elevator).  I overshot the elevator and had to backtrack, and then the elevator skipped my floor, but I finally got on the right level. And then I arrived with about 30 minutes to spare. I could relax, for now.. 

My flight was good, only about 10 hours using the Polar route. Portland it was sunny and about 70 degrees. Now, it is just a matter of deciding which project to start on first. Ha!!  Or deciding where to go next. ??  

I forgot to tell you about my visit to the Catacombe di Priscilla in Rome. I got directions from the tourist information office, but they didn't exactly tell you the specific location. So when I asked the bus driver, he told me where to get off and which direction to walk. Well, he was wrong so I ended up walking about 3 km more than necessary but it is all about the adventure. At the catacombs, I joined a tour group of about 20, mostly Polish nuns and a German couple, but the tour was in English. 

The underground cemetery was fascinating. There were 3 levels, and a labyrinth of tunnels, very dark and cool. It is not for the claustrophobic. Inside, there are no bones, but there were unopened graves, original tombstones and other different artifacts. Some of the tombstones were as far back as the 4 century. Different graves sizes for adults, children, and infants. In the end, the guide got tired, so he turned off the lights as a joke, which was slightly scary. Otherwise, it was well worth going to..... fascinating history. Enough!!

Hope everyone has a good weekend...Cheers!!

Homeward Bound

My Days in Rome have ended and now it is only hours before my flight leaves. Rome has to be one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. Everywhere I go I see people trying to read a map of Rome(maybe 1 in 3). You see tour group everywhere. The Swedish group that was here at the convent left this morning and now there is another group to replace them. And these people are not all young. Many are older than me, walking for hours, in the heat of the afternoon. I give them a lot of credit.

Lately, I have been traveling everywhere in Rome by autobus or Metro. I think my bus riding experience in Portland has helped me understand this system better. Every bus I have been on is quite crowded, always more people standing than sitting. This is where you have to be careful with your money or other valuables. I took the Metro and autobus to Vatican and St. Peter’s Bacillica yesterday. The Metro was extremely crowded but this was during morning rush hour. I actually had to take two subways, but they move quite fast and it is a another world underground. There might even be two levels.

After getting off the subway, I walked to the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel. The line went quickly, and then you can rent a small audible player to listen to information about each thing that you see. The Vatican museum is really a collection of sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and artifacts collected by the Pope or the church during the Roman and Greek Times. It goes on forever. You can spend days in there. But again, there were people everywhere. One thing I saw was a mummified woman form about 500 AD. It was amazing how well preserved her body was and her red hair. (Red hair is very popular here. Something to do with henna, which I know nothing about. ha!). Of course, the crowning masterpiece for visitors is probably the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It is amazing. You can’t see it too well because the room is dark and you have to look up. But, just to learn how difficult it was to create is amazing!! Then to make is so extraordinarily eye catching is probably a miracle. In reading about it, Michelangelo really didn’t want to paint the ceiling because he insisted he was a sculptor not a painter. But when he finished, it blew them away... I am glad I saw it.

After 3 hours in the Vatican museum, I had to find a place to rest, have lunch before tackling St. Peter’s Bacillica. The huge square in front of St. Peter’s is really an oval, with about 150 pillars around the edge. These really seem huge when you are standing beside the base of one of them. I was mentally preparing myself for a long line, when I heard someone say “Free tour in English group”. I immediately followed the sound and found a tour guide who was giving free English tours. We were a group of 6. I was extremely lucky, because you get to cut through the line if you are with a group.

Inside, words can not describe what your eye beholds. It is the biggest church in the world, maybe?? The guide gave us all kinds of statistics about the dimensions, which were all astounding. I do remember it took 120 years to build and about 5 Popes. I wonder how many workers? There are so many domes everywhere. and hundreds of huge pillars. The main alter is surrounded by bronze twisted pillars. The two pieces that I liked. One was Michelangelo’s Pieta, which has incredible detail. And to think that one mistake with this marble, and you have to start over. Michelangelo was only 28 when he did this and it was the last piece he ever signed. After that, everyone knew his work without his signature. Another piece that I liked was the sitting statue of St. Peter, with is his shoes off. People come up and kiss his feet or touch his feet.

I am very glad I got to see both of these places. I think this is place that people should put on their list of must places to see.

Little things that I have noticed in Italy. Italians like to talk with their hands. The use a lot of body language. I guess I always knew that but it becomes very obvious in Italy. Italians love their wine and pasta. You can find at least 30 restuants within a few blocks of this convent. All serve Pasta and wine, and the Gelato!!Now, I like it too, but I can’t figure out why they are not heavier(body weight). Maybe it is the Vino!! Many people in Italy were stylish sunglasses and distinctive watches. It is again very noticeable everywhere. In Italy, I have talked to lots of street vendors, who are generally from Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, and Bangladesh. These are supposedly all legal, but can’t get a job because of the economy and just live on a few euros a day.(I understand they have many illegal aliens too). So the world’s poor is the same everywhere. I don’t know how they do it. Yet they all have a dream!! I feel so Blessed!!

Well, I hope my flight home goes well tomorrow. I have a very tight transfer time in Frankfurt-only 1 hour and 10 minutes. I called Lufthansa, hoping that they will “hold my hand” and guide me through to make sure but they insisted I can do it alone. Ha!! If I have to go through security and passport screening like I did coming, I doubt it.. So, hopefully I will be home Friday noon!! I am sure the weather is great in Portland.

Arrivederci......hopefully, a prologue I get home.

Getting Around in Rome

Sunday morning I went to 10 am Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore church. It is a huge church with lots of mosaics inside. Before Mass, the priests had some sort of prayer session, at least I think they were priests. They were all dressed in red, but I don’t think they were cardinals. There are huge marble pillars everywhere and lots domed ceilings. The gold on the alter was very noticeable too.

During Mass, the men’s choir or they could have been all priests, sounded beautiful. I was kind of like I was back 50 years ago, as I couldn’t tell the latin from the Italian. Amazingly, I could remember some of the latin responses. About 10 priests on the alter too, so like a high Mass. It was very cool inside too, with lots of tourists attending.

The convent, il Rosario, is working out great. My room is small, but very clean, quiet, and safe. I am lucky to get this place as it is all full now. There is a group of 20 here on tour, but I think they have about 40 rooms. In the morning, you get free breakfast too. I can lockup my valuables during the day also. This is close to the center of Rome, near Trevi fountain, and the Termini. During the last 2 days, I have done a lot of walking as it is quite easy to get around on foot. Tomorrow, I plan to use the bus and Metro, as I bought a 3 day Roma pass for 23 euros, which lets you in to two museums free. On Monday, most museums are closed, so I took the open tour bus where you can hop on and off all day. This bus takes you around to 11 different places, like St. Peter’s, the Repubblica, and Piazza Venezia. I think it is a good way to get your bearings and learn something too. You listen to a headset about each place. The double decker bus gives you a great view too.

I also got my laundry done today, at the nearby laundrymat. It cost 6 euros, which was a lot cheaper than it was in Cisternino. So now I think I am set until I get home.

Traffic can be heavy and frenetic in Rome. I have not seen an accident yet which baffles me because of the way they drive. Many people drive fast and fearless. And traffic gets back up, more so in the afternoon. There is some horn honking but not a lot. If you are crossing the street, you generally have to give way to the car, as they generally don’t stop. Today, I saw a bus driver make a left turn, only to be met head on by a taxi, maybe about 2 feet from impact. The bus driver waited for the taxi to back up. He started yelling at the taxi driver. I couldn’t hear the taxi guy, but he didn’t budge. Then the bus driver turns off his bus and they both sit in their vehicles. In the meantime, traffic is backing up in both directions. Horns blaring. After 5 minutes, the taxi driver backs up a little then turns to go around the bus. (it would have been much easier for the taxi cab to back up than the bus driver. )

Ok, I know this isn’t much news, but I am fine. Tomorrow, I hope to go to the Vatican and St. Peters... Ciao......

Finished School.

School ended yesterday. I didn't think I would get as attached to these students but in the end it was quite emotional. I had some great students who seemed to listen to my every word. These students were so open and honest, and friend. When I walked into each room this week, students who I had worked with the week before, would make eye contact with me and immediately start moving the desks so we could sit in one corner of the room. These students are very physical with me and other students. They think nothing of hugging me and the teachers would often kiss me on both cheeks-both male and female teachers. In between classes, student couple could be seen kissing and making out without any concern for the other 100 or so around. It is quite different than Am. students. It is very acceptable.

I also visited the elementary school. The school is near the high school and the principal's wife teaches at the high school. Elementary school is grades 1-5 with middle school grades 6-8. Classes are small, maybe about 20 students in each class. Their school day is the same as the high school, from 8:15-1:30pm. Students in the elementary school wear uniforms.

Last night, there was a small party at the hotel for the English teachers and the volunteers. We had like a cocktail hour with champagne. After dinner, the school gave us each a small ceramic napkin holder made in Cisternino with a rooster on the front. It is quite nice.

I also created a slide show on my laptop that made everyone viewed they thought it was very nice. They all want copies.

Now, tomorrow, Saturday, I am going back to Rome on the train. I have made reservations for a convent in Rome at 42 Euros per night. I will see how that works out. It looks good on the web so hopefully ok....

I hope I sleep good tonight.

Long days in the classroom.

Today, was another long but good day in the classroom. I generally have groups of about 4 students, starting at 8 am and ending today at 4:30 pm.. You can get pretty worn out but I just have to do it for a few more days, so it is doable. The students have been wonderful but their school system is quite different than the Am. system. For example, their about 25 students in each class but the numbers constantly fluctuate because many are often on a field trip. Like today, some were in Rome, others have been to Greece or England. These students seem to be from families who are at least in the upper middle class. Students often come late to class or the teacher comes late. Each class stays together for whole year and maybe for 5 years. (High school is 5 years here). And the teachers move from class to class while the students stay in one room.

In the photo above, one student, Caesar, came late to class. He told me he was late because he had a party at his house and didn't go to bed until 3 am and his parents were not home. I can only imagine. Students can be as old as 20 years old, because if they don't pass the final exam, they repeat the final year. Many students smoke. In the morning, I am often greeted by smoking students right outside the school doors. It seems a bit odd.

Generally, the students are polite, respectfully and attentive. Some speak English better than others, but many are quite limited, even though they have taken English for about 10 years, starting in 2nd grade. Their school day ends at 1:30 pm but they have school on Saturday. Some schools drive cars, but they have to be 18 years old.

The car in the photo is a special French car, designed for trainee car drive or teenager. It can only go about 40 mph. And the driver cannot have any passengers. I have seen lots of "different" cars in Italy. Many nice cars and cars I would never see in the U.S. Fiat is quite popular, but other European car companies seem to be quite popular too. Their are few SUV's or larger cars, maybe it is because families are small, with an average of probably less than two children. Italy has one of the lowest birth rates in the world.

I am hoping the swine flu doesn't affect my return flight. I guess there were 4 cases in Rome but I have seen little news.

Take care...Ciao.

Train trip to Leece

This morning some of us took the train from Cisternino to Leece. Four of us walked to the train station, which was a brisk 30 minutes but the weather was great. The train arrived about 5 minutes late, which was not bad. Our train ride was an hour and half through the countryside- Beautiful flowering poppies, grave vineyards, and olive trees. The train stopped in about 10 stations but moved quickly. The train was quite new.

In Leece, we had another short walk to the historical center. It was quite busy with other Italian tourists, reminding me of Rome. This city's name has something to do with a wolf, and at one time, might have been a Greek territory. Inside the city there were many very nice old churches and Roman ruins dating back to the 6th century.

The train ride back was interesting. I had left the group and alone when I decided to take the train back. So, I had ask someone about which track to wait at. And you always have to validate your ticket too. The train was to stop at track 7 but then suddenly it came to track 5. Then of course, you have to make sure you are on the right train, as they were not marked. But then 3 other volunteers arrived too, so we all went back together. Everything was running smoothly, but then the train stopped at a small station, told us all to get off. Now this was only a two car train train and we are the only 4 passengers. For some reason, we had to wait.. After about 25 minutes, we were told to get back on the train, and off we go. At first I thought we were going to switch trains, but that didn't happen. So, we arrived back to Cisternino about 25 minutes late. But it was a great day. I have been drinking a lot of wine-Suppose to be good for your heart.!!

The hotel has been great. The other volunteers are good to be with so everything is going smoothly... Caio.....

Students in Cisternino

Yesterday, I walked with about 5 other classes to a local concert where students were playing. Basically, the students walked about 1/2 mile to this huge covered area where they merged with other schools to watch and listen to the concert. The performing students were the school I am working at(Don Quirico Punzi) and from another middle school. The music, which lasted about 3/4 of an hour, was quite good.

Students at this public school do not wear uniforms. They dress in very stylish jeans and poplike style and no dress code. They are all quite friendly and seem to get along well with others. This school has a good reputation and is a springboard to the university for most. Some students live in the country with most of their mothers at home(housewives). The economy doesn't seem to be suffering here, but I have been told that the unemployment is about 11 %. You can't tell it by the way people look, act, or spend money. For example, in Rome, I was behind a woman at MacDonald's who spent $30 and paid with 500 euro bill(which is about $660.

Today, the group is going to the beach because May 1 is a holiday in Italy(worker's day), where at one point, it is really the merging of 3 seas. The weather is suppose to be good. Sunshining now, so a good sign after our thunderstorms yesterday.

At the School

Yesterday, the teachers picked us up at the hotel. Some of the teachers have just gotten back from England with students, so they were tired. At the school, the volunteers were divided into 3 groups, and an English teacher. In the first room the teacher let the students divide themselves into 5 groups, and then each volunteer as assigned to a group.

The classes were not large because some students were not there. (Those on the trip to England were home yet). I worked with 3 boys, who were 14 years old. This is a high school with an enrollment of about 700 students, a state public school. The students come here from surrounding areas because it is a school with a good reputation and offers some classes that most other schools don't. ( I think they have more science classes).

My students were shy, but typical high school with their sagging pants and styled hair. Each group varied in there competence of English, but many did not know the alphabet, numbers, and months, so we practice. The Italian alphabet has only 21 letters. Italian people love their watches, so I saw many students with their large jeweled watches, all looking very expensive. Of course, everyone seem to have a cell phone, even two. They are not suppose to use their phone during classes, but I saw some texting and one phone ring. All the students were very respectful and full of energy. The school has 4 floors and an elevator for the teachers. When were on the fourth floor, the fire bell rang, so then there was this mass chaos and lots of noise. After about 10 minutes of frantic movement, students went back to class. My teacher never left the classroom. Today, we are possibly going to a outdoor concert, which is somewhere in the city.

I am generally the first one up at the hotel, which is about about 6:30 am. Today is Thursday but there is no school Friday. Holiday. Some of us might go on the train to Leeche on Saturday, which is south and I think on the coast. I just sort of follow the group because too much input slows up the decision process. Ha!!

Bounjourno! I will try to have a few photos tomorrow.

We have been given the Go

Last night, Pam, our leader, told us the school has given us permission to come today. So, today we are actually going to get to volunteer, so people will be excited today. I woke up to a little rain but yesterday was wonderful. No wind, and lots of sunshine.

At dinner, we had fish-two kinds, a white fish and salmon. It was very good. Some sort of vegetable too, but I don't know what kind. They always give you salad too, which is mostly lettuce, carrots and radishes. And the only dressing you can find is olivie oil and balsamic. The hotel has been very good, but no English. Yesterday, I tried to get my passport back from the front desk(you have to leave it with them when you first check in) but the man didn't understand, so he kept trying to lead me to the computer. Finally, another employee understood.

I played cards again last night. I am learning a new game. My roommate likes to play and is very competitive. Most people were in there rooms before 10 pm, but I stayed up until the end, and I am generally the first one up in the morning.

Well, I will know more tomorrow... Bounjurno....

New Obstacle for GV in Cisternino

Yesterday morning, our team was suppose to go to the school to work with some students. Well, the hotel got a call from the Eng. teacher that is coordinating this joint venture, telling us our teaching would be delayed until Wednesday because of the Swine Flu. This was quite frustrating to all of us, especially people new to the program but we could do nothing. So, on the spur of the moment we all took a day trip to Martini Franca, Alberobello, and Locorotundo. In some of these areas there they have the Trulli houses, which are a drystone conical roof, topped with a symbolic ornamental spire. Very unique. There are also these stone walls everywhere, which reminds me of Ireland, even though I have not been there. The roads in the country are good, but narrow and windy. In each of these small towns, there are nice city centers to walk around, but all the shops and restaurants close from abotu 1:30-4:00. Some of the other volunteers have been here before.

In the evening we all had dinner together at the hotel.. Now, we will have to see what the school decides, so today we are going to some caves and famous pottery city. It is too bad that this might cause another world crisis just when things were getting slightly better.

I played some MN card game with 3 other volunteers last night. These were serious players but I caught on quickly... Take care...more later.

Sorry, I have to go to breakfast. I do have my priorities. Ha!

My Volunteer program begins

I met up with Lettica in Rome. She is from Fl. who used to have a restaurant in Charleston, but now is a full time RVer, traveling all over the country. My kind of deal. She is also Italian, with her grandparents living near Cisternino, but this is her first trip to Italy. I bought a ES bullet train ticket from Rome to Brindisi, a 5.5 hour ride, so on Sat. morning, we walked to the train terminal. The train was suppose to be on track 6, but as 8 am rolled around, we saw no train. So then we began checking the other tracks, finding our train about on track 8 intead. Then it was a mild panic program to catch the train before it left.

Aboard, we easily found our seats. The train looked very new and clean. It only stopped about 10 times and kept on schedule the whole time, so it was quite relaxing. The scenery along the way was rolling hills, some country farms, and small villages. In Brindisi, we deboarded and looked for the shuttle bus to the airport. Someone directed us "down two blocks, then turn left". We did that but didn't see any bus stop. A Nigerian man tried to help us, explaining we would have to wait 3 hours for a bus. I knew that wasn't right, so I around until I noticed a bus coming that said "airport", which I flagged down. Now Brindisi is not like Rome. It is a much quieter city, with little or no traffic, at least it was on Sat. afternoon. Once on the bus, I asked the driver about the bus fare. She said "no charge, it is my last trip". Great. I saved 1.5 euro.

At the airport, we were to meet up with other volunteers and then take a van to the hotel, about an hour away. The airport is small, but nice. It was about a 4 hour wait, so I thought maybe we could get a taxi. I found out the taxi fare would be 120 euros-Too rich for my blood. But then 6 other volunteers arrived, and we piled in the van with Rocco.

Rocco was a good speedy driver. The road was like a divided two lane freeway, with few exits. Drivers here drive like they are all race car drivers, especially the motorcycle drivers. Maybe it is in their genes. At the hotel, we all informally met, 14 other volunteers from various states. My roommate is Bill from So. Carolina.

Today, during the first meeting, we told more about ourselves. This is an impressive group of volunteers. For example, on 82 year old man is a gov't lawyer. Another woman is a retired Standford U. professor. At least 8 have never volunteered with GV before. But everyone is very friendly and helpful. I think this will be a good group.

A teacher from the high school came during the meeting to give us a better idea of what me will be doing in the classroom. I know from experience, this can all change by tomorrow. We also got a quick lesson in Italian. There are lots of Italian words that are similar to Spanish words, so that helps me. Actually, I should be quite the lingusist now because I have had lessons in Swahili, Indian, Spanish, Vietnam and now Italian. It would be nice to learn one. Ha!!

Tonight we are going out to have pizza. So far, the food has been great. We had some kind of pasta with mussels and shrimp for lunch today. Breakfast was a buffet with lots of fruit, bread, and Desserts!! This will be no weight-lost program. Ha!

Hope all is well with you...(did not proof read-my disclaimer)

BMW, one of many motorbikes parked on the street.

My coed dorm room at the BeeHive.

The Leonardo Express From airport to Cent. Rome

Rome...

I was all packed and waiting for my VNese brother Tuan who arrived at the house at 10:30 am, per our agreement. Next I was going to check in with Lufthansa Airlines; then I  would have time for a nice leisurely coffee and lunch with him before departing. Didn't happen. I decided to take a photo while in line. Turn on my camera and got a message "no memory card". I immediately open my suitcase, thinking it was in there. No, I had left it on the computer table at home. I asked Tuan to go home and get it-on advantage of living near the airport-and I would checkin and wait for him. It seemed like it took him longer than normal but finally he got back. Now, only time to get a sandwich and coffee "to go" for him. After I got through security, and found the gate, they were loading. No time to spare!

The flight to Frankfurt was smooth and only 9 hours. We took the polar route, over Greenland.  Some seats were empty, maybe 10%. Lots of Germans and Russians on board.  The food was good, and lots of free alcohol, even hard liquor. I drank a German beer called War?????? The man next to me was from Frankfurt, and he works for solar energy company.  He came to Portland to help promote his company. 

Frankfurt airport is old and seemed disorganized.  Even on the connecting flight, you have to go through security again, which took about an hour because, they seem to stop for no reason. A woman cut in front of me just as I was getting to the front, insisting that she would miss her flight if she had to wait at the back of the line. I  begrudgingly let her in, wondering later if she made it. The most interesting thing about the airport was these small kid-like bikes, that messengers ride around in. That looked pretty efficient. 

The flight to Rome as only about 75 minutes.  I thought having direction arrows on the floor was a great method, as I easily found the baggage area. Next, I found the Leonardo Express to the Central train station in Rome. The ticket was 11 euros, which, I think, is about $14 + .  One place tried to sell me a slightly higher ticket but I had researched the price before leaving Portland. This train reminded me of Portland's MAX. For example, you have to validate your ticket and most of the machines didn't work. Familiar??? And the name is truly a misnomer. It was slow, stopping only once at the central terminal. But at least this was a sure way for me to get to the right place, as my hostel is only two blocks from the terminal.  My view from the window of the train wasn't great, but I did see some small nurseries or farms, with lots of green grass and palm trees. It looked like Oregon. 

The hostel is nice. It is 25 euros per night, and I will stay here two nights. I just bought my train ticket for Saturday. This will be a bullet train, so we will see if this one is really speedy..Ha!! I am tired, as I didn't sleep much yet. I am hoping to sleep ok in my co-ed dorm room . True!! 

I hope to take a half day tour tomorrow. The traffic doesn't look too bad but the cars are definitely different. Lots of motorbikes, smart cars, and other odd vehicles. 

I know this is a boring start, and it might be the sane each time.. Just my thoughts....