April is a special month for Lao people as it holds the biggest holiday of the year. This holiday is called Lao New Year and honestly it’s beyond description. Just imagine what it would be like for every person, both child and adult alike, to be armed to the teeth with anything that could get you wet and you would have a small idea of what it’s like. It doesn’t matter who you are, no one is safe from being drenched. Carrying a wedding cake down the street? Wet. Wearing a 3-piece suit (who does that in Laos anyway)? Wet. Delivering an ancient manuscript holding the secrets of the universe? Wet. You’re also going to be baby soft for a couple of days from all the baby powder being thrown at you.
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Topics:
People,
Culture,
travel,
life,
laos
The ability to laugh at yourself is critical when you move to another country, especially when you start to learn a new language. Jenn, one of our teachers in Vietnam, shares some of her most memorable “language blunders.” If you have ever learned, or tried to learn, a new language you will likely understand the embarrassment and humor of the following situations. While Jenn has made some funny mistakes, she sets a great example in that she is able to shake off her “language blunders” and keep trying.
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Topics:
travel,
life,
foreigner,
Language
Much of my international travel is in support of humanitarian work, so, as a result, I see difficult places and hear gut-wrenching stories. I meet with people who are exhausted, yet full of joy. I dine with people who have given up everything, but have gained more than they could ever ask or imagine.
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Topics:
People,
travel,
life,
leader
Gathering together for a meal has a deeper meaning than satisfying your hunger. In China, having a meal builds relationships or establishes new friendships. Curious what our favorite Chinese dishes are? We asked one of our long-term teachers what her favorite Chinese dishes are. Here is her response:
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Topics:
People,
Culture,
travel,
life,
food,
china,
Chinese
He pulled open the calendar on his phone, swiping to the days when he would be gone. It would only be four weeks, but…
Well, I can’t be gone
that
day,
he dropped his phone on his bed. It was time to cancel the trip. His mother would want him home on the 30th, and it was smack-dab in the middle of his trip overseas.
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Topics:
development,
travel,
plans,
life,
Teacher
