Vientiane is decorated for New Years - practically Christmas. It is a unique city, many worlds meshing and melding here - a teseract town.

Lost in the morning market which goes all day. Shades of Marakesh. More looking than buying - test the waters.

Michael the consul - he has a polar opposite view of this country we are visitiing. Working hard in the capitol, he hasn't seen the countryside yet, hasn't met the people. He has the uncomfortable job of dealing with an unpleasant government, denying visas,and helping americans in distress. Sort of like working in the complaints department - no one ever comes to you with something good to say. We want to try to take him up north with us for a different view.

Amanda his wife is well suited to their nomadic life. She teaches world history - an applicable subject anywhere you go. She too is working hard here and definitely for love, not money. A college teacher's salary: $125.00 / month. The maid makes more.

yesterday