sometimes it's good to cry

I met this 3 year old yesterday, he weighs under 9Kg, initially he was apprehensive of me. Kazumi is looking after him in the outreach programme and we are putting our heads together to find ways to help with his numerous medical problems.  He's been a real star, I've been a bit tearful and we're becoming friends. Loved holding him while kazumi fed him, and when he'd finished eating he rested his head and we were all happy, very rewarding, will miss this special child when back I'm in London

what's been happening at work this week ....

the uniforms arrived and the mai bhans were busy sowing on the logo

Rod was busy teaching us how to use spreadsheets

Anong was busy repairing the drains, NB health and safety!

Dr Thongher was busy teaching

I've been busy running around like an idiot because today is my last day before 2 weeks holiday, I'm flying home tonight!

Looking forward to seeing everyone, just found my passport and next to it was my Oyster card! Haven't used that for a while

making movies

Adri is a film-maker living in Luang Prabang and a great supporter of the hospital
Together with a group of novice monks we are making educational films for the hospital
Our first one is about nutrition and we met at the library to brainstorm, an exciting project

The Sunday Papers

I always love being at Wat NaLuang

This weekend we read the Sunday paper to practice reading, listening and comprehension.

I was concentrating in an attempt to ask thoughtful questions and was struck by how depressing the news was. But Novices Mue, Pali and Somsai were happy, especially when we had post lesson pain au chocolates, yummy or seb lai in Laos

Look who came to the hospital

Great to see novices Pali and Somsai today

And they'll be back in July for a summer programme I'm organising for 'hopeful doctors'

Pi May Day 3 or is it 4?

I can't think straight, Pi Mai has been very eventful! Today Alex arrived at dawn to take me to wash the Buddha's image. This brings luck, health and happiness for the coming year. It's tradition to visit 9 temples and at each to pray, light 2 candles, 3 inscence sticks, leave flowers and wash the Buddha's image with scented water. Very calming, thank you Alex

Pi Mai Day 2

A very colourful and lively procession, the energy was playful and friendly.
The Prabang Buddha travels from Wat Mai along the main street to the Wat in my village, Xieng Thong accompanied by monks and novice monks, I was surprised to see they were as soaked as everyone else!
And then I spotted Adam in the parade, he charmed his way into the parade

Pi Mai Dragon Dance

somehow I managed to be in the front row

people touch the dragons for good luck
so next year is going to be a front row ride all year

how exciting is that

Pi Mai party time

another day at pi mai can only mean more water!
great day which started with champagne brunch with my neighbours
then across the road to chris and john's, their punch packed one
the water throwing was calm and below the head up until the procession
and then .... flipin heck, there was whooping and soon we were all very soggy
The all day drinking session, like most others, ended up at Phout's bar
ooh, shots and dodgy dancing

Pi Mai shopping

The essential items are a Pi Mai shirt and a water-pistol
I'm ready for Pi Mai ....

Washing the Buddha image at Pi Mai

The town is pumping through the day with parties, water fights and markets
And at night Luang Prabang is so peaceful, perfect to wander through the temples watching people washing Buddha images for long life and peace

Pi Mai Stupas

Stupas are built in the sand of the riverbanks for good luck in the coming year
Pi Mai is equally peaceful, with beautiful traditions, and crazy with parties and the biggest and loudest speaker competition
Christine and I escaped the mayhem of our neighbours booming speakers to go for a stroll along the Mekong and Nam Khan and appreciate these thoughtful Buddhist traditions

Pi Mai water-fights

will I ever be dry again?!

Pi Mai crowds

There's a carnival atmosphere in Luang Prabang!

Pi Mai bamboo hats and balloons