The picture of Lennon playing UNO was taken while they were teaching our guide, Sue, how to play. Sue is studying to be a teacher. He was absolutely incredible with the kids, often pairing up with maddux or lennon. At one point in the kayak trip, maddux suggested to him that we all get out and swim. He kayaked to a little island, jumped out and dove in. So fun! Lennon said, “I think Sue practices his dreams.” We all should!
When we first arrived, the villagers seemed a bit shy. I can imagine it would be strange to have white people schlepping through your home every few days to take pictures of you living your everyday life. We were as respectful as possible, often asking if it was ok to take photos. They knew no English and we don’t speak any Hmong or Lao, but we still managed to communicate.
Jesse joined in a crazy game of soccer/volleyball. When they served the ball, they would kick higher than their heads. Jesse held his own and there was a lot of laughing. They called him “You.” Crap talking is universal- they made fun of each other on bad plays. It was fun to watch a game bring everyone together.
Lennon got out his UNO and had a little buddy join him in organizing the cards. Maddux and Em gave the kids an animal book. We told them the English names of animals and they told us how to say it in their language.
At night, we played tag and watched a group of 3 and 4 year olds make a fire. Most families have about 6 children. They usually get married in their teens. The roosters start crowing at around 4am. That’s when everyone starts waking up to start their work. People seem to be doing something from morning until sunset. There is only electricity in one or two huts. All other huts are lit by candles or a small fire pit. We slept in a hut with five partitions that could hold between 10-15 people.
In the morning, we walked to the school. All grades are taught in one room. The little kids were outside doing cartwheels and playing with rocks and sticks. We saw many siblings (about 5 years old or so) carrying their infant brother or sister in a sling on their back. All the children seemed amazingly happy.
At this village, we ate, played tag, watched a warthog take a bath and em bought a bracelet from a local girl. These kids are either not old enough for school yet or can not afford to go. They will learn to farm and make things to sell in order to survive.
We got so lucky when this group came together! Forgive me if I am spelling any names wrong. We had 3 Brazilian girls (may, danny and pati), a German girl (audina), some Canadians (emma, sara and jeff) and our guides Sue, mr. Hurley and mr. Man. We all worked together and shared a life changing experience. I love the quote by Madeleine Albright that says “there is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” None of these girls will be there. If I were their parents, I would be so proud of the way they helped each other, reached out to other travelers and wanted to have everyone have fun as a group. I hope Emerson can find good girlfriends like that when she is older.The world would be a much better place if more women banned together instead of being competitive over stupid stuff. Two of the women (audina and emma) were solo travelers doing a great job on their own (very inspirational.) Please be super safe and keep in touch! Love!
Aren’t they all so beautiful? These kids were so excited to see other kids. The trek is roughly 5-6 hours through the jungle, so it’s not very easy to get to some of the villages. Em, maddux and lennon rocked it! Lennon was the leader with an incredible guy named Sue. Sue was small but strong and the boys had a great time with him. When we got to the village, everyone stayed separated for a few minutes, then Lennon started playing peek-a-boo with some kids while Maddux put on his comedy routine. Everyone was laughing.
Today I met a friend named Edgar. We started talking while at a community pool in Luang Prabang. His life story is incredible. When I told him that I want an amazing life story, too, he said ” it is so easy!” He is so positive and seems to have made wildly challenging situations into a wonderful life. He has been traveling since November and gave us recommendations of places to stay in Vietnam and Myanmar. He was in the army in Vietnam during the war and said going back was great. He enjoyed the people, the food, the beaches… I had such a fun day talking to him while the kids swam and Jesse went and got a well deserved massage. We are still recovering from our trekking and kayaking trip! Happy Birthday to you, Edgar! Shine on! Thanks again for the stellar company (I am so thankful our paths crossed and “the gears matched up.”) If we ever get to Alaska- I’ll give you a ring! Safe travels home.
marschmadness 