Day 9 - Boxing Day December 26
I’m still in Savanekhet, having taken a rest day for Christmas. After mass yesterday morning I went and called Mom and Dad and Matt for Christmas for a few minutes for 19,000 kip/min. Very expensive, but a real phone connection for the first time in months. We switch3ed to IM after a few minutes which was good, though delayed. I showed them my online journal (this), which they really like. I’m a bit concerned I’ll start writing my journal with the public veb version in ming from now on, and no longer write only for myself. Gonna have to watch it.
I got directions for eggnog online, and then went to the market to get ingredients. I found everthing except nutmeg and salt, even found vanilla extract. And I bought a proper rice-paddy working hat for myself for 2,000 kip. However, I didn’t think about how aerodynamic it’s going to be. We’ll see, I had to take it off on the ride home, but I still need to work out a proper chin strap. I almost bought a fedora instead, but it was too small.
The eggnong was… interesting. NOt exactly like back hom. I think it really needed the nutmeg. Plus, in retrospect, I think we should have whipped the eggs more, to make it thicker. Ah well, it was still nice. However, I was the only person at the guesthouse besides one other Laos girl to finish mine. I think everyone else was slightly worried about the raw eggs. This morning, so far so good:)
I retrued my bike wheel, book in one hand, spoke wrench in the other. I did pretty well, considering. Problem is, I think the rear axel is slightly bent. A problem I’m ignoring for now.
I had Chritmas dinner with the two belgiun bicyclists and then went out to a night club with Andy and Lindsey, the two British English teachers from Japan, Ron the Israeli, and two Lao girls who were lots of fun that Lindsey and Andy had met. Really enjoyed talking with everyone. Particularlly Andy and Lindsey. Such good people and good stories. Andy’s stories of being 6 foot and a good bit and red haired with freckles in Japan were hilarious. About having all his students burst into laughter when he ducks to walk in the door. And how they think he dyed his hair.
The night club was a trip, with Laos line dancing and massages in the toilet while you’re peeing at the urinal. Here the clubs open at 9pm and close promptly at midnight. So you don’t screw around. Had lots of beer, and slept like a drunk rock.
Bike riding with a hangover, Woohoo!