Today we had our first day of orientation at the American Embassy in Vientiane. The embassy is about a 20 minute drive from the city center. The building was finished in 2016 and is very modern with lots of beautiful landscaping.

Courtesy of BL Harbert International

We had meetings throughout the day with embassy diplomats who told us about precautions we should take and holidays we should be aware of like Pi Mai (Lao New Year) and the boat racing festival in October. Pi Mai happens in April, which is one of the months when farmers slash and burn their fields to clear them and provide nutrients for the soil for next year. (The other month for slash and burn farming is March.) These months have lower air quality in the north in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, and many people wear masks to prevent breathing in the smoke and low quality air found in the cities.

We met the ambassador today. His name is Peter Haymond, and he has served in Laos for 3 terms (3-4 years each), which is uncommon for an ambassador. He talked to us about Laos, and he was so knowledgeable and well-spoken. He will be reassigned to another country in 3 weeks since his third term is almost up. We all took a group photo and several headshot pictures.

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)

On the way to the embassy!

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)

Photo with Ambassador Haymond

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)

Vaccines at French Clinic

If you go to Laos you should definitely get shots for Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and typhoid.We went to the French Clinic after lunch at the embassy and got vaccines for Japanese encephalitis and rabies (our first of two rabies shots, the second of which we will get next week). In the U.S. Japanese encephalits vaccines cost 800 for two shots, and rabies costs 600 for two shots. In Laos you only need one shot for Japanese encephalitis and two for rabies. Both shots would have cost around $1400 in the U.S., but in Laos they only cost 1,150,000 kip for both including a doctor’s fee, so 57.50. The nurses also gave us documentation of our vaccines and international vaccine cards. The French Clinic was really nice and had Belgian and French doctors. The Swiss and Belgians are known for donating money to health here and for posting doctors here.

The French Clinic is one of the best places for medical care in Laos, and is recommended for all health and dental needs. It took us about 45 minutes of waiting in the doctor’s office, so they are on Lao time relaxing and taking life slowly. No worries! We’re on Lao time too!

Courtesy of Guerra, C. (2023)

Check it out! We all got one shot in each arm as part of our group vaccines trip!