Today we went to the American Center for the first time. The American Center is a place where young Lao people can come to practice their English and learn about American culture and values. The ETAs stationed in Vientiane will be volunteering here and teaching cultural classes. They have a similar program in Savannakhet called American Corner that is smaller but has the same mission of sharing American culture and values. There is no American Corner in Champasak, but the American Embassy is looking at starting one in the next few years.

We will have our orientation in the American Center for the next 3 weeks. We will practice teaching there and implement suggestions at our respective universities.

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)

Mak Phet & Sticky Rice

After our orientation ended at 2:00 we went to have lunch at Mak Phet (it is pronounced “Maak Pet” since you don’t pronounce Hs in anglicized Lao). Mak Phet means “spicy” in Lao. Mak Phet is really cool because it is a place for Lao chefs in training to test different dishes on the public. The dishes offered change often and are somewhat seasonal, so I’m told.

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)

I had my first taste of sticky rice at Mak Phet. Sticky rice is a staple in Laos, and is eaten every day. Sticky rice is served in small wicker baskets sold in many shops throughout Vientiane.

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)

Sticky rice in a closed container the way it comes.

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)

Sticky rice is drier than normal rice and is significantly harder to chew.

The group and I also got ice cream after lunch. Christina P. and I had a great time!

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)

Zumba by the Mekong

We took a short break after lunch and then 4 of us decided to go to the gym by our hotel called Vientiane Fitness Center. They have a giant pool! However, they were sadly closed for renovations. We still wanted to exercise, so we went to a zumba class by the Mekong. I should say that it was hot zumba since it was 83 degrees Fahrenheit with 81% humidity. There are 3 zumba classes by the Mekong. It seems to be very popular here. Our class cost 10,000 kip, so it is very affordable. (A zumba class is about the cost of a bubble tea, for reference.) We had a great time!

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)