The volunteer stint begins...

So today D and I parted in the morning - him back to sg n me to the guesthouse where I'd spend the next 2 weeks.. I didn't quite expect myself to cry but it was a slightly teary farewell as the thought of being alone in an unfamiliar foreign place suddenly hit me.. We've been having a great time on the trip, and the hard n challenging part is now starting!

The last day was luxuriously spent (without having to burn too deep a hole in our pockets) on a hill resort with great view but today my accommodation is suddenly a lot more humble ;P All of sudden I am also merely spending say 2 US dollars for dinner at more local places instead of like 10-15 US in a more touristy part of town - i have yet to come to any conclusion which is better.. thankfully despite the more spartan accommo, the shower, fans, lights n all are working fine n I am still feeling alright :P it just feels like my room is what a simple hotel room may have looked like in the 80s?

"Teaching" (having no teaching experience my role will be more of assisting or co-teaching it seems) will start next Monday - hopefully everything will be fine!

Hot tea n cookies served at the pool! 

No more nice room, n bought some Oreo cookies myself for room stash... 

We just flew in to charming Luang Prabang from Bangkok this morning and am liking this place v much! It is really beautiful, peaceful and laidback.. yet not swarming with tourists (it seems so thus far; prob cos it is not peak season yet) The buildings are v well maintained and facades tastefully done up.. well deserving its UNESCO World Heritage Town status. Too bad I can't seem to figure out how to post my iphone photos. We couldn't resist the barbecued fish we saw the street vendors selling and feasted on one for dinner as it seemed hygienic enough haha - it was delicious paired with Beer Lao! Tummy feels little strange now but I think we shld be ok heh :)