We Are Official Now!!

Today was another rainy day here in lovely Savannakhet.  There is very little to do here and very little traveler friendly restaurants.  We walked to one last night which was close and got the worlds hottest meal.  They served chilies on the chilies, that what it "tasted" like anyways.  Tasted is in quotes because there wasnt much tasting of anything just burning. This morning we made our way out to the stadium and had a good practice.  At practice Coach No surprised us with a gift. Badges!!!!  We are truly official now and I think that we are the only foreigners with badges.  This means we better not suck.  After practice we watched a second day of volleyball this time men's.  The crowd was ruckus and LP played really well getting the win.  Its a fun environment to be in when the crowd gets crazy.  This quiet ghost town is steaming to zap the energy out of me plus the weather doesn't help.  More photos plus my entry into the Lao Photo of the Year contest at the bottom.

This is my official badge.  Notice the Deer man in the corner plus the official stamp.  The stamp is what keeps Laos going.

  The LP Men's Volleyball team getting introduced.

This is my entry for Photo of the Year.  What do you think?  Make sure you click on it.

Photos of the First Practice in Savannakhet

This morning we had our first practice with the team.  Tom and I arrived before them and sat in the stadium awaiting their arrival.  From the northern end of the stadium they entered in new warm ups all matching in a dark blue. I waved at them and finally a few of them saw and waved back.  I did my best to scream and cheer for them which they all enjoyed.  The team looked really like a team.  After a breezy cold workout we sat around and watched the practice opening ceremonies.  This is going to be a really cool event.  We watched some volleyball and then headed back to the guest house.  We had started walked but the team picked us up and dropped us at the guesthouse.  Here are some photos for your enjoyment.

 This is the stadium as we drove in.

We are sitting about 5 rows up in the stadium.

 The band leads the way for the opening ceremony practice.

 Tom thinking about what to do with all his gold medals.  The team sitting behind Tom filling out our bio sheet.

 Some students carrying the sign of high school games. Notice the skinny jeans and masks.

 The volleyball/basketball stadium.  LP got crushed by Vientiane in the first match.

For some reason the Olympic games and other international sporting events have characters.  The high school games are no different.  Those two deer people are the mascots for the games.  Weird stuff.

Savannakhet a Good Old Fashion Laotian Ghost Town

This morning around 6 am Tom and I arrived in Savannakhet via the VIP "King of Buses".  This was easily the nicest night bus that I had taken so far (the two prior were from LP to Vientiane VTE).  The seats almost completely reclined, the ac worked, there were no vomiting passengers and no blasting Lao music not to mention the fact that we had about an extra 8 inches of leg room.  Easy and short or at least it felt that way because I slept through a good portion of it.  We shared a tuk tuk in from the bus station with the 3 other falang on the bus and then walked to our guest house the Leena Lodge.  The weather here was cold, jacket and jeans worthy, and the city seems as thought it is completely deserted.  We dropped of our stuff in the room which is cozy with 2 beds, ac, and tv, and set out for an adventure.  Walking around there was barely a shop open or a soul on the streets.  We saw zero other falang and walked most of the city.  The streets are wide open and the comparison we kept drawing was that of a good Midwest town if the movie Red Dawn had actually been real.  Red Dawn is a film where the Cubans and Russians invade the US and a high school football team in Colorado fights a guerrilla war against them.  Quality film if not just a hilarious premise.  The buildings had that traditional style of soviet control and there were few business open.  We kept expecting a tumble weed to roll by.  We walked by the post office and there were cows grazing in the front yard.  At this point we werent sure if people actually lived here.  We walked along the mekong river which is a popular spot for tourists in LP and VTE but here there was almost nothing built on it.  Across the river is Thailand which looked like a mecca of industry with its large buildings.  We had to keep in mind the fact that it was only 9 am on a Sunday so obviously everyone in town was at the one Catholic church......this was obviously not the case.  With the weather surprisingly cold the only thing that sounded like a good idea was sitting down and watching a movie which is what happened next and might fill a lot of our downtime not spent at the stadium.  On the bus ride in we saw the stadium and it looked giant in comparison to the one we had been training at in LP and bigger than the one I posted of VTE.  I think that tomorrow we will have practice and I will be sure to post some photos.  I think we get our coaches badges then also. 

Ohh Thailand What a Beautiful Land

Two days ago I headed to Vientiane ahead of the team.  I did this not only to avoid them (just kidding) but to renew my visa by traveling to Thailand.  Thailand is only a half hour drive from Vientiane.  Today I made that long journey to leave Laos for the first time in 65 days.  Not very long in terms of a year I know but it feels like longer than just two months.  I was dropped off by Bob at the border and then given my instructions.  I got out of Laos by dropping off my departure ticket and then going through immigration.  This took about 4 minutes then I bought a ticket and jumped on a bus to Thailand the trip took another 10 minutes or so as we left Laos crossed the friendship bridge and made it to Thailand.  I got off the bus filled out my immigration form for Thailand and then crossed into Thailand which took about 5 minutes waiting in line and zero dollars with very little information needed.  Lovely Thailand.  I walked across the street and then got back into line leaving Thailand.  This was another quick process before buying a bus ticket and getting back on my way to Laos.  After arriving in Laos I filled out some paperwork for my Visa then paid my entry fee to Laos(notice there was nothing for Thailand).  About ten minutes later my visa was finished being put in my passport.  I got in line with about 50 other people trying to pass immigration and waited for about 10 more minutes when a military woman came up to me saying that I didnt need to wait and let me through.  I just walked out and got in the car with Bob my tiny journey was over.  It is an amazing/completely dumb thought that all I had to do to get a completely new visa was to go to Thailand for what ended up being 15 minutes.  Gotta love me some bureaucracy.  The whole trip totaled about an hour and was lackluster at best.  I can now say I have been to Thailand on this trip.  Next trip I hope spend more time there.  The count down is 2 days till Savannakhet, Tom and I are leaving on the night bus tomorrow and should arrive at 5 am on the 27th.

A side note.  As some of you may notice at the bottom of the screen is a counter which tallies the number of page views.  The site just eclipsed the 1000 view mark and I thought that I would say thank you because I think that this is a special benchmark that I didn't think we would achieve so quickly.  I always love comments and advice.  I would also like to let you know that although there were 2 earthquakes in SE Asia I felt neither and am doing fine.

A New Adventure

As always with things in Laos nothing is ever how it was planned.  Today I found out that the team was leaving on a different date then I had thought and that I would not be joining them.  The Sports Committee had told Sumlat that I would not be allowed to join because the bus could wreck and then the US Embassy would have to look after saving my life.  Although I do appreciate their concern I would have loved to know about this prior to my making plans about the trip to Savannakhet.  As it turns out I will be leaving 2 days before the team and arriving a day after so that is a few days of coaching that will be completely missed.  Tom left for Vientiane this morning so I was the lonely falang.  This was fine with me but truly showed how much influence and respect that Tom has gained.  I have written all of the workouts but Tom has taken control over the distance team and adjusts workouts as he see fit.  Every time practice is about to begin the distance team looks at Tom and the sprinters(the respective assistant coaches included) look at me.  This caused quite a stir when Tom didnt show. I basically had to look over the entire team so as can be expected I failed personally but felt that I delegated well. 

After an exciting practice with the weather getting back to its normal 90 feels like 100000 degrees, I was invited to a good luck ceremony at one of the girls houses in Chompet.  I had no idea what I was invited to until I arrived (if I had I would have brought my camera).  Mr. No and I drove down to the water front and wait for a boat to take us to Chompet.  As we wait a large portion of the team arrives and now I have some sense of what is about to take shape.  We dont get dropped of at the typical landing spot.  We hike up some mudd steps and into a house.  I sit down in a large comfy chair, one of 4 in the room, and the rest of the team sits on the floor.  It is joked that I am a king.  Mr. No luckily translates most of the night for me. I am given a scarf type cloth and told how a man should wrap it around.  An older woman brings in a table of sorts(this  table is about a foot high and it is metal with a flower statue on top of it that is about 3 feet high.  The base of the statue is in a bowl which people put money before the beginning of the ceremony.) and which is covered with candles and sticks with white cloth around them.  We all sit on the floor then the few closest to the table touch it while the others farther back touch them.  I was lucky enough to be able to touch the table.  A prayer, of sorts, is said by an older man, we sit and listen.  A few prayers are spoken and then the sticks with the white cloth are distributed.  I take two because No tells me to.  The rest are taken by the contingent of older people who sat in on the ceremony.  They distribute the cloth two per person, one per handm telling a prayer of good luck with each one.  The right hand of the receiver, palm up, first then the left.  Some people choose three knots others choose two.  Some like to rub the knots before finishing others just knot and tuck under the other bracelets.  I received five bracelets per arm, to be worn I am told for three days.  I got my five bands, then went to my athletes whose house it was and wrapped the bands around her wrists.  As I was trying my best to mimic the others No yells at me to speak Lao.  I respond by saying "I dont speak Lao but good luck for your races" in Lao.  This got a good chuckle out of the people around me.  I tried to take it seriously and although my Lao got a few laughs people saw that I was trying not mocking it.  After the bands were handed out we all touched the table again and another prayer was spoken.  We broke for dinner shortly there after.  The older men passed around a glass they filled with some Lao Lao and I took part before No (luckily) started to say no more and moved onto beer.  We ate fish laap and drank beer.  I was particularly pleased that the assistant coach and one who works with me most of the time, drank some beer, albeit begrudgingly.  We had jokes and I spoke some(some may be generous but a random visitor could not have said what I did, I think) Lao.  It was a nice that I will always remember even though nothing spectacular happened.  We boated back and on a clear night the view of Orion's Belt and the Big Dipper were a sight to be seen(they were in the wrong part of the sky though).

I realized tonight that however large the impact I have on them they will always have made a bigger one on me.  I truly felt lucky to be in the situation I am and thank you all for helping me get here.  I just hope we win some damn medals to justify it all.

I took a picture after I got back sorry I have none of the event.

Tomorrow I follow to Tom to Vientiane and hope that the team practices while I am gone.  Today was also a big day because the team all got a new pair of spikes and running uniform.  Tom and I got shirts also.  This was not CLI, so I had no prior knowledge, but we will look like a team down there and they deserve it.  For all the time I rag on them this team fits my personality perfectly, a great sense of humor and try hard when they try.  Plus those of you who know me know I am super lazy. Haha. 

Thinking about the Past

In 2008 I was selected as one of two representatives from Lewis & Clark College to attend an NCAA National Leadership Conference.  Over 700 athletes from all divisions were selected to meet and discuss issues such as leadership, race and gender equality, and sportsmanship.  This was a great honor for me to be selected.  The conference was held in Orlando.  I learned a lot and met a ton of great student-athletes.  We were broken down into smaller groups of about 20 all from different backgrounds, school sizes, states, and sports.  This was a great experience being able to learn about not only other people but how to lead.  I was very luck and about to sit next to our guest for the conference who was none other than former eagles defensive back Brian Dawkins.  He is a really nice guy and huge although not much taller than I am.  Near the end of the conference each group was given a topic and asked to make a public service announcement.  They then threw them all up on youtube.  I was messing around and thought I might try to find it again and I did.

Here it is. Play a fun game of "Where's David?"  I am in more scenes than you would think.

Here is the link if you would like to open it separately.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPqnI7epMBI&feature=relmfu

Yes I know this has nothing to do with the program I wanted to spice things up for you all.  

Team Camp

We are now under a week from Savannakhet and the games.  On Saturday we had a test day which was them running races.  Only the distance team ran the events they were supposed to and all the sprinters ran a 4x400.  This went very well.  The weather has cleared but it is still nice and cool in the morning while getting warm in the afternoon.  After the races No, Tom and I had talked about showing the team a movie.  I had been spending some off time downloading videos from YouTube of world record breaking performances so they could see some top notch track performances.  No decided that after the races around 2pm we would watch the movie.  This ment I had to go home and actually finish making it.  I got it done under the wire and had a 33minute film which opened with part of the opening ceremonies from the South East Asia (SEA) games held in Vientiane last year.  We eventually headed over to the camp around 3:30  remember we are on Lao time.  We arrived at the team camp which we had heard about but never seen.  This complex was in a great location and much nice than I had imagined.  Each team separated by sex shared a room in a multi-story building and there were about 6 teams there.  The coaches from the districts live at the complex to oversee things.  In all honesty I thought it might be a blast to get to live with 80 other athletes for a month train and hang out.  Just like summer camp.  The shock on the teams faces was great when we showed up to camp.  Their sanctum away from the falang was gone.  We watched the movie with the team which most seemed to enjoy.  Then we hung out for a while playing petanque.

 Here is coach no in his bedroom/movie theater.

 This a view out his door at some girls playing Takraw its like volleyball but with a tiny plastic ball and no hands allowed.

A view at the main building with Sumlat and Tom playing petanque.

I think they are having a great time and a life changing experience.  In the middle of this week we are trekking down to Savannakhet.  I will try my best to keep the updates coming.

A March Miracle

The skies have opened and the rain has stopped.  Some blue can be seen and people got out of their home to look upon the sky as though they had never seen it before.  It was brisk but beautiful.  Today the weather finally cleared.  Today the streets were mostly dry and although it was brisk and cool, the weather was nice.  Everyone showed up to practice and we resumed with our schedule.  I am sure none of them ran while they weren't coming to practice so I had to make today another hard one.  Not everyone finished but those who did probably regret showing up.  I had a few people stop running and instead of chiding them I let them do what the felt.  They know the are shirking the workout because the hid from me.  The girls, who showed up a half hour late, look lackadaisical and complained but eventually I got them to finish the workout.  They probably hate me now but I think they know that I am trying to help them.  I would never force them to do it if I thought that they were seriously injured.  It really doesn't help their argument though when I make them run the last repeat and its the fastest one so far.  This after saying they cant run because they are injured.  They are used to being coddled and that is starting to change with the race coming very quickly.   Hopefully the weather stays clear and they keep showing up.  Slowly they are breaking down mental barriers.

Update: The address I gave is incorrect.  The real one is PO Box 479 Luang Prabang, Laos.

Blog Update: In the right hand corner just above the picture of me I added a email link.  Enter your email and all subsequent posts from the blog will be emailed to you.  If you decide to do it please email me telling me what you think.

Portland Has Finally Found Us

Earlier today Tom brought up a very valid point.  It has taken just around 2 months but it finally happened.  Portland Found Us. Its 60 degrees and raining right now and it feels way colder.  There is a bite to the weather and the wind cuts you down.  Needless to say practice was canceled again without anyone telling Tom or I.  Tom is currently running at the stadium.  Personally I would rather run in 95 heat than 50 with rain.  Maybe being over here has helped me get back to my AZ roots rather than my Portland ones.  I would not have thought that after two months we would be dealing with weather that was similar to that of Portland.  I know many of you in Portland are saying "Shut up its like 35 here with snow and has been for 5 months".  Well I don't care its actually only 10 degrees colder there than it is here. We can commiserate together. The difference is in two days it will be back to balmy 85 degrees. The best part is motorbiking around getting soaked.  The Lao bike with umbrellas but I am just not skilled enough to do that, plus my bike is manual.  I hope you all are enjoying you week.

First Floods Now Locusts

I woke up this morning and stumbled around the house before turning on a light.  As soon as I did I thought I was in a film from some stupid horror movie.  The kitchen, living room and hallway were covered with something.  At first it looked like piles of dirt maybe.  I looked again and something moved.  At first I swore it was the wind moving the dirt.  Then I looked closer and saw that one was a wing of something maybe an inch long.  With a body the size of an ant hundreds of these bugs were covering the ground in the house mostly dead but some moving.  I am not sure if the babies were moving of they had shed their wings to move.  I turned on the light in my room and found more.  Tom said there were a couple dozen in his room.  One of my thoughts was that I may have offended somebody with my last post.  Did I start something biblical?  So I rushed to the tap to see if the water had turned to blood or wine.  Sadly no wine came out of the tap.  This was just some freak occurrence of a huge swarm of bugs attacking the house probably because the rain (which got a lot heavier) last night.

This is my cleaned up pile from the living room.  Click on the picture to enlarge.

Lets hope that something crazy doesn't happy today.

Where's Noah? We Need That Ark!

Today it rained and you would think that the team had never seen rain before.  Two practices are scheduled for 6 days of the week with one day for complete rest.  It drizzled this morning so practice was in their eyes canceled.  A few (the good few) showed up only about 2 hours late for morning practice.  Tom and I waited at the stadium the whole time.  We got a workout in and only 3 melted.  They are very special creatures these athletes.  Coach No decided that if it was still raining that we would cancel afternoon practice.  We agreed because there was no reason Tom and I should show up if they ditch anyways.
It came time for afternoon practice scheduled for 3pm and the rain had subsided around 2pm.  We thought perfect we can still get a good workout in and the weather is still cool.  Tom and I got on our motorbikes and rode to the stadium, noticing on the way that the roads were dry.  This got my spirits up.  What I didn't take into account was that since it rained in the last 24 hours the team was obviously building an ark for the ensuing flood.  Building the ark is much more important than practice so even though we thought we had practice only 3 guys showed up.  ZERO sprinters.  We waited, made some phone calls, eventually No showed up and also made phone calls and no one new showed.  They few who showed got a workout in and then Tom did one of his own because this was his favorite weather of the trip.  It wasn't raining during the workout which must have made the team think "great easier to build our ark".
I try not to get personally offended.  As Tom keeps reminding me its not personal they are just all lazy.  Still though after spending a better portion of my day at the stadium with little coaching I find it hard to not be offended. What would they do if they situation was switched.  Not with the same coach/athlete relationship because they would be ecstatic no practice but in another scenario where I made them wait for 2 hours.  After waiting I wouldn't show up and set up the meeting for later and made them wait again and didn't show.  I think they would not be so receptive of the idea.  I know No wasn't happy.  This just means tomorrow is going to be really fun for them.  Unless it rains. 

Such is Laos.  I just hope the damn ark floats!

Savannakhet Shaping Up

The count down clock has officially begun to Savannakhet and the high school national games.  The team plus myself will be heading to Vientiane on the 24th, will pick up Tom and arrive in Savannakhet on the 25th.  Tom is going down early to get his visa renewed, even though it seems like we just did that.  Since we have already renewed our visa once we must now leave Laos for a token amount of time and then come back. Tom will be going across the friendship bridge into Udon Thailand from Vientiane.  I on the other hand will be crossing the second friendship bridge from Savannakhet into unknown city in Thailand.  Tom and I have made a reservation at a hotel but when the receptionist did ask for a name with the reservation Tom and I became skeptical.  It seems as though there were quite a few places to stay and if we get super desperate we could stay with the team.  Although no one (especially them) wants this to happen.  One hotel we looked at was the Savan Vegas Hotel http://www.savanvegas.com/home.html.  Its hilarious yet intriguing and a part of me really wanted to stay there.  The one issue is the cheapest room for one night is how much we plan on spending for 14 days at the other place. 

With leaving for the games nearly 11 days away the thoughts about how competitive we will be is coming to the forefront.  I honestly have no idea what to expect.  In my eyes they are well trained but lacking the "killer instinct".  I can only hope that it is truly a national problem not just a local Luang Prabang one.  My team still only has one set of blocks so I hope that every athlete can get their opportunity to put the work in they need.  We started working on hand-offs for the 4 x 100m which was rocky at the beginning but now they seem to be getting a hang of it. Leaving brings up many questions I have about the meet. 

Will we be one LP team or just a free for all everyone for themselves?  I have no idea. If its a free for all why am I working on hand-offs? I do know there is a 4x100m so that's a good sign at least.  What exactly is the schedule? I got a basic list of events but over all no idea. What times have won in the past?  I don't have a reference point for what times won events in the past so we could be great or shit.  I know hope the latter is false. 

The closer we get the more I feel like I don't know.  I do know that Tom and I have our id cards with our pictures on them.  I will post photos when we get them.  I do know that there are opening ceremonies and closing ceremonies much like the Olympics. I am not sure if we walk and get introduced by districts like the Olympics.  That would be pretty cool.  I do know that when even if we win Tom and I wont get the credit I am we are trolling for.  I am kidding about the last part.  Its been a lot of fun although frustrating at times.  I just hope they get rewarded for the work they put in.


Interesting aside, Tom and I have become low level celebrities. We are the two goofy falang (foreigners) who live in Ban Nasangveuy.  We were recognized three times last night.  Two of the people actually are our neighbors we have never met. And if you are wondering this was out at a restaurant not at our house.  We are such an attraction people just come by the house and stare at us.  Three men in suits came up and just opened the door without saying anything or being invited for that matter.  Then they wondered around the porch looking at the house.  Last week an older woman came to the door and yelled at me for beer bottles.  This caught me by surprise but there was nothing I could do but oblige her.  After I gave her the 12 bottles she asked for she wanted a bag to which I didn't have.  She really was asking for a lot.  Just another day being a low level celebrity in SE Asia.

Last night we had Lao Hotpot.  Some of you may have had Vietnamese hotpot.  Vietnamese hotpot is a large bowl of broth cooked at your table and you thrown in the ingredients you want and it cooks in front of you.   Lao hotpot is different.  The same basic principles apply cooking the food at your table.  Instead of a bowl there is a metal Sombrero of sorts that is placed over the coals and on the very top some pork fat is placed.  Then around the bottom bowl of the sombrero the broth, vegetables, egg, and noodles are placed.  The pork fat cooks and the juices pour down into the lower level broth.  The around the pork up top you place the meat which is very thinly cut and cooks in about 2 minutes, one minute on each side.  The juices from the meat also pour down into the broth.  This creates a delicious meal and for 6 bucks for two people a pretty good deal.  If I were to put a negative on the experience the hot oil/juices at times can jump on you.  Very much like the Tracy Jordan Meat Machine.  It is a good time and something you all should try.

I hope this post tides your insatiable hunger for my words.  Until next time.

By the way thank you all for your concern.  I would hope that you all realize that no I do not have cholera.  I am doing well and I hope you all are too.

Fashion show at the track

On Monday this past week we decided to sweeten the pot for the team and give them shirts to match the new shoes. We did our best with sizes but it didn't work out perfectly.  Considering I am a large here its hard to get all the smalls and extra smalls which may have been needed for the guys team alone.  I wasn't able to attend this practice but Tom and Chanta were there.  I just got the photos.

The team in all their glory.  Notice my two slacker sprinters in the corner.

New signs for the library made by a Hong Kong High School which has donated to CLI and visited Laos.

Another new sign focusing on the Library boat.

The entrance to the library in Luang Prabang.  Chanta is the head librarian.

This is Chanta's son Song Noi whose name in English means "Little Elephant".  He just got his license and a DUI first day.  Something about too much milk.  Its fine though he is a party member. 

Tom gave me the heading.  I was trying to go with an Oprah giving away gifts reference but it was lacking. My alternate heading was going to with "Child DUI brings up discussion about drinking age".  Then write a fake story about how the children's union is fighting back with the argument "we can work, we can fight for our country(with the dog) and drive, how can you take away our right to drink?"

Finding Comfort in an Uncomfortable situation

I am sick.  I have been for what is now equating almost 48 hours.  I will spare you the gory details but its stomach related.  I have cholera.  No its not that bad but at times I wish it was because then I could justify a trip to the hospital where they could drug me up and it would be all better.  Currently I have been mixing and matching some remedies.  Honestly its not that bad its just very uncomfortable and I have missed 3 practices already because of it.  Who knows what they have been doing in my absence.  Its CHAOS out there. 

The only reason I am informing you all of this is because I wanted to pose a question. 

What is the one thing that every time you are sick gives you comfort?  Is it a comfort food, movie, couch spot, long shower, really long sleep, or some herbal fix?

The reason I ask is because one of the things that gives me comfort is lying on my couch with some soup probably watching tv or a stupid movie on HBO or FX.  I currently have no way of doing this in Laos.  I have some DVD's to watch and soup if I saunter out and find a place that does take out, but in reality its not there.  My drug cabinet is small here so I don't have my normal options of fixes.  I could try a witch doctor but my Lao isn't good enough to find one or to describe what is wrong.  I am not even sure there are witch doctors here, they are all probably part of the communist party now.  So what do you do under house arrest with an empty fridge and a certain lack of mobility?

I just want to be better and typing posts helps me take my mind off things.  I have made a film which I am currently unable to upload due to my connection so as soon as I get back this summer it will come.

Two Articles for Vientiane Times

Robert Anderson has submitted two short articles, with photos, for consideration for publication in the Vientiane Times. Both report recent assistance provided in Luang Prabang Province by the NGO Community Learning International.

Here are these articles:

Luang Prabang School Athletes Receive Help Preparing for Games

Track and field athletes training to represent Luang Prabang Province in the coming School Games in Savannakhet received a boost recently when the NGO Community Learning International (CLI) provided sport shoes for the team. Previously many of the runners had to train on the hot track without shoes or wore heavy shoes not suited for running. The 40 pairs of shoes and other gear were provided by CLI at a cost of US$1,500. CLI is also providing two volunteer international coaches to assist local coaches in preparing the team. The photo shows team members, coaches, and Luang Prabang Education Department Director Mr.Eung Losavanh who received the donation on behalf of the Province.      

New Learning Center Opens in Nong Kiaw

A new Leaning Center was recently opened at Nong Kiaw, Ngoi District, Luang Prabang Province, to provide local children and youth increased access to books and learning activities. The project’s NGO sponsor, Community Learning International (CLI), has operated the project in Nong Kiaw for several years but the new facility will allow activities to be expanded and many more children to benefit..The Center contains a library, a large activity room, storage and toilets. The construction cost of US$22,000 was partially supported by contributions from Pencils of Promise and Ngoi District. The photos show the new Learning Center and Province, District and CLI representatives participating in the opening ceremony. 

 Ideally one or both of these articles will make it into the Vientiane times.

Big Day

Today was as the title would suggest a big day.  There are a few reasons for this.

First off we had our first set of races and they went well, not great.  The reason they werent great was simple this is the most these people have trained in their entire lives and they are still adjusting to the stress we put them through.  Another reason is they dont know how to race yet.  You may say "how do you not know how to race 100m?".  "Its just run really fast then stop."  The key is in the preparation. Good form is involved, knowing what to do before, between and after races, and mentally pushing yourself through barriers.  A large percentage of everything in life is just being mentally tough an pushing through personal barriers.

The second big part of the day is the most exciting.  Unbeknown to the athletes CLI had purchased everyone of them a pair of new running shoes.  For some this is the first real pair of shoes they own, others are replacing their well worn Chinese off brand chuck taylor's and others had decent pairs of shoes but you can currently see their feet through the bottom which makes them worthless.  After the meet ended Bob, Sumlat and a government representative opened a box, sent up from Sirivanh in Vientiane, and called out athletes by name giving them their shoes.  Some cried (Tom) and others were shocked they got shoes.  As is custom in Laos they were excited but the only verbal thanks was from the coaching staff. who also received shoes.  Tom and I did not receive shoes and I was asked by a coach later about this to which I replied "I don't want shoes, I want gold medals!"  This got a little chuckle but its true.  I want results because I am seeing the work they put in I know they can do good things.  The one thing holding them back (now that they have new shoes) is the mental aspect of training and racing.  This is not to short change those things I am just saying they have gifts and a coaching staff bent on pulling those gifts out of them.  I would assume (although I cannot say for sure) that not a ton of other Lao kids are getting the opportunity to train with the two most qualified whitest coaches in Laos.

Phase 1 is completed.  We have a weekly and daily schedule.  A set of drills which they complete twice every day and is mostly correct now. They have raced at least once with us.  They are learning English (because that is the language I yell at them in).  The most important part is that through all the hard work they still seem to be having a good time and that is always the goal for them to succeed and enjoy doing it.

Tom took photos and I will upload them as soon as I can.  Also Bob is writing an article for the Vientiane Times and when I have a copy of that I will post it also.

 The boxes of shoes.

 Bob, our local official, and Sumlat distributing shoes.

 One of our throwers receiving shoes.

 One of my top sprinters getting some shoes.

 The Team Photo!

Quick aside we now have a PO BOX.  The address is PO BOX 497 LUANG PRABANG LAOS.  Yes its just that simple to send me a care package or the 4th season of the West Wing.

If you have commented on a post in recent days I have tried to respond below it.

As always thanks for reading and know that your support made this possible.  Paid for by PBS.  Our telethon will be next week from 9-10pm.

Coaching Update

Starting this last Monday our team exploded.  We went from the original 13 athletes to now over 35 and at times almost 40.  These students have come from different districts to live in LP and train with us for the high school games.  The coaching staff has also ballooned to 8 of us.  The first set of drills was the definition of too many cooks in the kitchen.  Its like the two cooks who know whats on the menu only speak french and the rest speak English.  This is basically what Tom and I were dealing with.  We had a set routine with the original 13 (sounds like a band or the colonies) and they did the drills in the order and how I had wanted them to.  Then the new coaches showed up and tried to change everything.  Luckily from that original power struggle on the hierarchy has reestablish itself and they are back to the rhythm we put them in. For the most part since that first day the other coaches have been very good about not only helping us but trying to be involved.  I have tried to get some of them to carve out particular niches so I could help oversee everything but that mostly failed.

Tuesday we started two a days which is a huge leap for some people.  Some of these athletes had rarely run at all and now are being forced to work out twice a day.  This is also testing the limits of my coaching ability.  I am trying to get people ready for different events in a month and all the while getting them in shape.  Finding ways to get two workouts out of people who after the first one Tuesday were crying because they were tired.  That was a first for me and hopefully a last.  Hopefully they can just get in better shape. 

I know they might not win any medals but I want to give them the best chance I can.  Who knows they might win somethings?