The first hand experience of another world faith sounds very interesting.You can read about ideas but how it is practised on the ground tells you so much more. Are local people attenders at the Temple, do they meditate at home or is faith much more nominal as it is in the UK? It is often said Bhuddists dont really believe in a God outside themselves in the way Christianity or Judaism does. Do you get an impression of what Bhuddists actually believe or perhaps they are reluctant to talk?
The news is full of the Stephen Lawrence trial and the sentences of the accused. Is Laos ethnically varied or pretty monochrome? On the street TV interviews suggest race relations have improved here but there is still bad feeling apparent. Its difficult to think "world community" rather than "our community". Although footage of the Republican primaries in the States reveals some fairly frightening small town opinions and points of view. They really seem to find it difficult to get off the "lets make America great again" theme song. You can see why there is alot of anti American feeling in the world. How does the West look from the east?
Sounds like you are having a mind blowing time. Love the blog. Keep it up.
Lots of love from us both.
Libby
Love it, sent u a mail on here x x
Tessa
I am loving reading your blog and am so pleased that the adventure is just what you wanted Hannah. Much Love, x
Claire
Hello Lovely
Enjoying your blog and I love your 'dusty rice pudding' analogy ! Hope you're having a fabu-tastic time xxx
Tessa
I'm exhausted just reaing about your first few days! Hope those poor old feet are recovering?
Much Love
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Libby
Hope you had a great nye Han. Mia Nick Ben and I all raised our glasses many times to you last night so I get to blame you for this headache I have had all day :-). Hopefully make good headway on my project tomorrow and complete my tax return at the weekend fun all the way.I wish I was with you.
Have fun speak soon XXXX
Maff
Han, great news on your blog! Glad you got there ok. Its NYE here and I am off to Ashington with Karys and Wills to see her BF Sarah and her Husband Tony, to C the NY in.
Will toast you best wishes for 2012.
All the best sis. C U Next year. xxxxx
Dad
Your best mate is you excellent atttude ,which we all admire and will get you through all the challenges ahead !
The next 6 weeks will be fun for us all
LOL
,,,,Dad
Libby
Cant wait to hear about what your up to. This is brill, I will be logging all blogging on the map I made and I will be thinking of you whenever I go to the loo. X
Maff
Alright sid,
Thank god your finally going! It seems like ages that you have been waiting.
Hoping you have a smooth transfer and hit the ground runnng in Bangkok.