Labor Day
Posted by Stuart at 10:22 AM on May 01, 2003Happy Labor Day! I used to think that celebrating Labor Day on May 1 was a communist thing (Power to the People!) but I guess it is celebrated all over the world on this date, except for in the US. Shows what I know.
In any case, I am enjoying my day off from school. Tomorrow I will have one more day of work (no classes though) then its off to Laos on an overnight bus Friday night. Can hardly wait!
Love the journal!
One thing I have found about bus rides in Thailand: The number of seats on the bus in no way corresponds to the number of tickets sold. No more seats? No problem!
It makes for a thrilling ride and a _very_ close encounter with Thai culture.
Stuart,
Tell me before you visit Laos next time. I'd like you to stop by and say hello to my mom and my extended family in Vientiane. Or when you go to the US, please stop by to visit me in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Tony
Dan,
Yes, I have been in that situation -- one time I was in Laos on a bus that sat about 50, and there was *at least* 100 people on it (no exaggeration). People were litterally hanging out of the doors and windows. Unbelievable. But luckily the VIP bus I took to Nong Khai has 24 seats, and they only sell 24. A highly recommended way to travel!
Tony,
I'd love to say hello to your family next time I visit Vietianne. I am sure I will go back soon since I like it there so much. Keep in touch!
Hi Stuart,
I live and work (at the University of Michigan) in Ann Arbor, MI. I do not have a website. Plan to go to graduate school at EMU in the fall. How about you? Are you originally from the US? Canada? UK? Australia? New Zealand? You seem to be full of life (traveling, meeting new people, making friends, experiencing new cultures and other exciting stuffs)? What kind of work you do in Bangkok? When are you visiting the US again? Remember to visit me. You are welcome to stay at my place and I'll be more than happy to show you around town. I live about 20 minutes from Detroit Metro Aiport, 40 minutes from Detroit, and 50 minutes from Windsor Canada. Please email me before you visit Vientiane next time. Sok Dee Der.
Tony, thanks for a good example of the unbelievable hospitality of Lao (and Thai) people. In the US, I would only expect my closest friends to say "Sure, come visit and stay with me". Here in Asia I get that all the time. Or taking it one step further, I have heard many times: "Oh, you are visiting City X? My friend lives there and would be glad to meet you and show you around and give you a place to stay."
It is one of my favorite things about this part of the world because I have met many wonderful people in this way.
Thanks again!
Happy Labor Day!
Will this be the first overnight bus trip for you since living in Southeast Asia? If so -- gee -- do tell all when you get home!! Just chalk it up as another adventure!! :-)
Love and miss you!!