Timequake

Had to steal the title of a Kurt Vonnegut novel for this post due to the 6 week gap where some of you might have thought that I may as well be among the Tralfamadorians. Bear with me if you want, if not, so it goes... scroll for the pics.

The month of January has been the fastest time spent in life so far I think, and already February is chugging along (revision - almost over). It seems even more incredible in a place where things move relatively slowly. Actually, I’m starting to think that things really aren’t as slow as they seem. It has been incredible the construction that has been completed in the time that I have been here. Some boulevards that had sidewalks that looked like plate tectonic shift simulations caused by tree roots are now red brick footpaths. From all accounts that I’ve heard, it seems to me that Vientiane is not just the capital city of one of the world’s least developed country, but more so seems to fall into the fold of a city experiencing the same as any other as they deal with the urbanisation symptom of globalisation.

Work as a teacher has been quite fun and even found myself thinking that I could probably get used to a gig like that. I say that now, I’m still considering on how to approach the daunting task of assessment, which has been further complicated by a constant steer away from the agreed methodology to proceed with the course. Issue being that I was supposed to have beginner and intermediate classes, one in the morning, the other in the afternoon. Well, most people have better things to do around 3 in the afternoon it seems so I have up to 15 students in the morning, and a few keeners in the afternoon. Also, I only have two computers for students to use, and they seem to just give up the computer to who ever uses it best, leaving me to wonder how effective handouts and diligent note taking will be. The rest of the day I spend cruising around the office and cleaning viruses, troubleshooting problems, and teaching some folks how to use a new photocopier donated by Vietnam. Oh and teaching the German football coach how to use his computer. All and all definitely some knowledge transfer happening which is good because I have to report on it real soon.

I really feel quite comfortable here which is a weird thought when I’m sitting reading listening to a live Pearl Jam show in Edmonton. I find myself pondering that I really have now idea at this point the extent that I might have changed in terms of excepting and thinking of new ideas as I continue this introduction in development here while the juggernaut that is human “progress” continues it’s charge of change. So everything is always changing and wonder just how differently I might be changing compared to if I was at home the last three months. For the first time I have felt like time is short and the ages march on, especially when I’m discovering serious amount of hair growing on my ears as I look at my sun-whipped face.

Maybe one day….

Right now I am looking at any possibilities to prolong my stay a few months. The development and expat community here is quite large and have been able to have some fantastic conversations and make new contacts. It’s extremely interesting meeting new people with such fascinating and rich backgrounds with life abroad and get to hear takes on the machinery of the development work world and life in Laos.

As a good way to get some communications involvement onto my CV, I might have an opportunity to start writing a column for the daily national English language paper here, the Vientiane Times. I am meeting the editor this week to discuss ideas on writing about the use of information technologies in general. I’m looking at bringing up things such as the leap frog in technology adoption that developing countries are able to take advantage of because of no previous infrastructure. One example that currently blows my mind here is how advanced the wireless telecom is. While it may not be the speediest, I am able to chat, check my e-mail, and access the Internet on my laptop via my Bluetooth and GPRS enabled cell phone. These are services that are emerging in North American markets but at a steep price preventing wide spread early adoption. Meanwhile, I hear that farmers in India are able to take advantage of mobile phones to turn on their irrigation systems. Just the other night I was telling the new canuck in town, Lisa from Winterpeg and Fernie B.C., how I think the technology bubble is going to pop and we will be dealing with Minority Report graphical interfaces (and furthermore that I fear the techno-access line of will be further drawn between the marginalized and the privileged), when on CNN I saw these guys zooming into and spinning digital maps with their hands on a wall display.

Future world is here, do will we all get to play?

I am really looking forward to a chance to take some students somewhere to do some Internet and e-mail training. While I have been able to benefit from the technology that Laos has to offer, the majority have very limited, yet rapidly growing use. I think that the Internet as a means of communications and more so it's ability to feed any hungry mind's curiosity is crucial for people who are already marginalized by poverty. As I was talking above, I think the Internet is now starting to mature and those without access or know how need it now before the technology becomes even more so culturally or rather class divisive.

So on the tech convergence note, here is some cell phone media:

Who is this guy again? I'm not sure if the peops of the land really know what they are putting on their vehicles. I've seem Osama Bin Laden mudflaps and Che is ubiquitous.

Thank you Canada! These are the only visible public rubbish bins, and there are not too many left. Made from old transport tires they are also the only thing that bears the name of our nation. As a side note, a tourist visa into Laos is 42 USD, the most expensive country in the world. This changed in October shortly before I arrived. Don't quote me but I have heard that it is due to the "New Government of Canada" (can I still call it that? what's going on there anyway?) and their complete cut of Canada Fund funding to Laos.

So pretend you are strapped to my back looking backwards to the sky and come for a ride on the Super Cub. Watch out for the rough start. I was in 1st but it still started.. with a hurry. Good thing she's a tough old bear.

A view from my perspective, lots of reading on the veranda at home in my safe foreigner compound, where I can stretch my feet up in the air without worrying about offending anyone. Sometimes it feels weird living so lavish, other times I'm really thankful for the personal space.

So the highlight photos I got this time around are mostly from a trip about 60 km north of Vientiane to the zoo:

A gibbon, he had a whole island but for the day was restricted to the cage.

Hungry hungry hippo

It's a mouse, no, it's a deer... no.. it's dinner! Big problem in Laos people eating et'in litt'l critters like these ones. I'm picturing ol' Tom Joad getting randier than a billy goat for this 'her lit'lun. Jokes aside, biodiversity (after poverty) is a major issue here. I love venison.

They are hungry too

This is a Myrna.. it blows away a Parrot in terms of bird speak. This one is speaks about 8 sentences in Lao.

Asian Sun Bear

This wasn't at the zoo but in my bathroom. About fist size. Non life threatening.

Mangoes in the mango tree at home. Eating unripe with fish sauce and chilis. Different kind of mango, so it kinda works. If you like fish sauce. The other day was the first rain in the evening. I've been told when the mangoes grow it mean the rainy season cometh.

My house and most frequented locale.

My original classroom, have since been moved. 2 computers doesn't quite cut it but making a go. Have some pretty keen learners so feel good about what is happening.

This is my gated community neighbourhood, rich Lao and falang. Loads of dogs, was thinking there might be a dog farm not too far with all the yapping. Even a pair of St. Bernards, the mom definitely has had a litter or 5.

Some sort of flowering bush

Oh yeah, and in other news, my sister Julia is getting married this coming Saturday, February 24th. As I’m writing this I am in the Hong Kong airport on the way back to Canada to take part in the festivities. This might be a surprise, I’ve only told a few. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody especially for such an occasion. I know we had all come to terms with me not being there, but as the day approached, I felt it was important to be in attendance. So on that note drop a line if you are in the Toronto area and mayhap we meets. See ya soon.