Kamu Lodge

Every year the grades 6-12 are sent away on a service learning trip for one week. The focus of the trip is to give back to the Lao community and to help local villages in need. The trip, dubbed "SALSA" happens in November. However, this year we changed things up a bit and sent our seniors out at the beginning of the year for some regrouping and team building. Myself and colleague, Todd were the leaders of this pack. With thirteen grade 12 students, we boarded a plane to Luang Prabang followed by a three hour boat ride to Kamu Lodge - an Eco Hotel (http://www.kamulodge.com/).

We were given a fabulous meal wrapped in banana leaves when we settled into our slow boat.

En route, we stopped at Pak Ou Cave. This attraction is located about 25 km from Luang Prabang. It can be reached by boat from Luang Prabang. Alternatively you can go by a soonthaew, that will bring you to the opposite bank of the river, where boats will be waiting to take you to the other site. There are two levels. One cave entrance is clearly visible from the river. The higher level can be reached after climbing some stairs. Bring a flashlight with you, if possible. Both caves have lots of small and bigger Buddha images, mostly donated by local people.

We were greeted at Kamu Lodge by villagers who carried our bags up a maze of stairs and welcomed us to our new home for the week.  Here is a look at my 'palace' (I made a video but it wouldn't upload). 

Kamu Lodge is situated in rice paddy fields which is surrounded by Yoi Hai Model Village.

While enjoying the sites of the serene setting, I was filled with mixed emotions while I watched villagers work around me.

The main focus at the local village was to conduct census. This was an important task as it is hoped that a medical dispensary will be built for the villagers. The students were creating a village profile which would be used as evidence that such medical needs were critical.

The next day we met the village chief and school teacher at the school. The chief delivered a message(I am not entirely sure what it was as it was given in Lao) and students were given the opportunity to ask questions of the chief and teacher.

It was a very rainy day so we decided it best to give the kids some play time. What a perfect opportunity to plant some rice!

With the weather being a bit of a pain, we tried to create opportunities for the students. I took one group into the kitchen where we actually prepared lunch for the entire crew. Chicken laap, papaya salad, stir-fried vegetables, and fried rice were on the menu.

On the way back to Vientiane we had a stop over in Luang Prabang and the students wandered around, had some lunch, and some, like me enjoyed some pampering at the spas. Can't really beat a 90 minute foot massage for $7, can you?

New Year...New Blog!!

My good friend Rob frequently told me this summer that I was not doing a great job of keeping all my followers informed and up to date.  I told him that I was only reporting on my travels and he was quick to tell me that I should be posting weekly!!  I didn't realize the life of Nikki Hutchison was so interesting, but I've officially been told!!  Now, I'm sure a few of you are thinking that I've been quite lax so here I am - New Year...New Blog!!

I appreciated the 2000+ hits on my Planet Ranger blog (I'm certainly 1500 were from my mother) but I found it a bit frustrating when it came to adding pictures.  I couldn't embed them right into the blog, yet had to create a picture page.  Regardless, I'm glad you're here and checking out "Notes From Nikki The Nomad".

My six weeks at home flew by and it was really nice to see friends and family.  I didn't feel rushed or over-extended and it was just really nice to hang out with my parents and kick my father's butt in cards.  I can say this, because he won't read this blog and let you know if my comments were true or not - Mom is the techy in the family.

Have been back at work for a week and it's good to be home!  While away, my fabulous Mae ban moved me into a new house.  I wanted something a bit bigger and I LOVED this house when my former colleague lived in it.  It's funny how the house looks a bit different when it's bare and your 'personality' hasn't quite infused it. 

Here are a few "before" and "after" pics.  It is by no means finished, but you'll get the idea...

From New house

From New house

From New house

From New house

From New house

Dear followers, I promise to be more diligent.  If I'm not, I'm sure Rob will call me to task - and probably my mother too!

See you in a week!!