Hi, sorry I haven’t been posting lately. Its been a bit much with school work. I am going to continue with the 23rd even though it is now the 30th, because I really want to share all the things I have been doing. Thank you for following the blog still, I hope that posts will be more consistent in the future. 🙂
Today, for our last day in Vientiane, we decided we needed to check out the “COPE” (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) centre here in the city.
the COPE centre is a rehabilitation centre dedicated to helping amputees in Laos. Mainly the victims of UXOs (Unexploded Ordnances, or bombs), but also people who have been in other accidents or were born with missing limbs. At the COPE centre there is a building that is a place where visitors can go and learn about the mission of COPE. And how UXOs are affecting Laos.
A bit more about UXOs is in the mid 60s, Laos was bombed by American forces. Some of the landmines didn’t go off though, so they are still a hazard in the present day. Normal people who are just trying to cook for their family, could accidentally set off a landmine. Its a terrible thought. But the good news is that there are people working to clear the UXOs.
Its a terrible part in history. But I think it was important to see. My favourite part was watching videos of all the amputees getting their new prosthesis. It was heart warming to see their faces light up as they could walk again, or run again or have two hands again.
After we left the COPE centre, we needed to stop by the Cuso office one last time to get our bus tickets for the night bus we would be traveling to Pakse on. So we caught a Touk-Touk, only problem was, the Touk-Touk driver had no idea where the office was. So we had to bring up a google maps to tell him the street it was on, and then he got it. It was all quite a process! Luckily we made it to the office and got our tickets, then we walked back to the apartment to pack up for leaving Vientiane.
I felt sad leaving Vientiane, it almost became a temporary home for me. But who knows, maybe one day I’ll go back there! So we took another Touk-Touk to the bus stop and got on the night bus.
After that it was a long 12-hour drive on the night bus, but we each got a sleeping compartment, so we got to relax and stretch out a bit. Again sorry for keeping you waiting for this post. We are having lots of fun on our adventure.
*Word of the Day: Lang (pronounced how it looks), it means night, which I thought would be fitting since I just talked about the night bus.
Taya's Laos Blog 
Hello sounds like an adventure . What language is your schooling in. What are the subjects . Have you started your schooling in the village yet? I am really enjoying the posts. Love AP
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I haven’t started schooling in the village yet, but hopefully soon! My schooling right now is online, and the program is based out of vancouver. The subjects i am doing are art, science, social studies, math and english, Love you ❤
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Super cool life you have going on there Taya!
xo. Donna
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Thank you 🙂
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Hi Taya. Bow-pen-ya about the posts- there’s no way I’d stop following! And it’s more important to live the adventure…and school too!
I am so glad that you could see some good coming out of the COPE experience- the bombing thing is so sad, but we have learn about that stuff so we don’t repeat it. Good for you.
Kinda of sad to to leave Vientiane, but I have to admit I’m almost more interested in life in Lao Ngam.
Keep having fun… and Get me a pic of a giant avocado!!!
Hugs to you and your Mom,
ME
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Me too, Vientiane was nice but it was a big city and didn’t have much scenery. I love being in the small village, as the community reminds me of Bowen. Its also very beautiful out here, which I will show in posts to come!
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I am so happy you love the village life – reminds you of Bowen – wonderful news … phob kan mai … xoxoxo
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Sa bai dee dawn sao Taya ….. Dii for you, in seeing some positive in the devastation of Laos AND the re-building now ….. Galoona realise you are teaching us so much AND we, in turn, share ….. The Lang bus picture looks so cosy – what a great idea !!! ….. Life is pretty *fallish* here with sun shining on us between cloud movement – very grateful for the Vitamin D – I guess there is no lack of Vitamin D for you !!! ….. Are you getting used to the Laos food – what is your favorite so far ….. Every day You & Mom are in my thoughts – Khwap jai again for your time on the blog – your school work sounds very full; but, knowing You, very fun !!! ….. La garn, for now – sleep well – so much love – big squeezes xoxoxoxoxoxoxo,
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Sa bai dee! I love how you incorporate the words I’m teaching into the sentences! The Lang bus was very cosy. And you are correct, no lack of Vitamin D here! I am getting used to Laos food. There are a few foods they have here that we have back home, like bread, meat and of course fruits and vegetables. My favourite Laos dish would have to be this beef, and rice stir fry, its really good! Love you so much, say hi to everyone for me xoxoxoxo ❤
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I love your blog Taya! Keep it coming. We are living vicariously through you! Hugs!
Lara, Adrhia & Roberto
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Thank you!
🙂
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Sa bai dee, Taya! Great post! You are doing such a good job with your posts and I look forward to checking your blog and seeing new stories. I saw a picture of your house. It looks great! Is Paske the name of the village you will be living in? Hugs to you and your mama. I love you heaps. Alynn
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Thank you for following! The house is very nice. We are living in Lao Ngam which is about a hours drive away from Pakse.
xoxo ❤
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