A Long Overdue and Quick Update

I know that I haven't posted anything in over 2 months, almost 3. But I have a good excuse! I have been so busy with my coursework that I didn't have the energy to write anything else. And, as I'm finishing my last paper tonight, I still don't.

We leave tomorrow for a 3+ week trip around Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. We'll be spending about 10 days with our friends Abigail and Jesse, in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and an unknown location that Chris has organized for us. Then, we'll spend New Year's in Bangkok and, after recovering on the 1st, we'll welcome my parents as they make their first trip to Southeast Asia. We'll visit Bangkok, Koh Samet, Chiang Mai and Chiang Dao in Thailand, then head to Cambodia for a stop at the Wats in Siem Reap and a quick visit to Phnom Penh.

I'm excited for the whole trip and to show my parents our adopted and adored "home." But I'm really excited for Laos. Every person we've mentioned it to has either said, "Ohhhhh I LOVED Laos" or "Ohhhh I can't WAIT to go to Laos." I just stumbled upon a blog post whose writer put into words what I've expected Laos to be like (the last paragraph, not the "Dragon" part...) and I'm even more excited to get this paper done, get packed and get out!

Here it is: http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/12/18/gonzo-traveler-robin-esrock-discovers-why-he-travels-in-laos/

Happy Holidays to any of our friends and family who read this! We wish you all every happiness as we move into a new and HOPEful year!

xoxo Jenna and Chris