Until next time…
Entering and leaving Laos, as far as I can relate, is like dating and breaking up with someone. Seriously, bear with me for a second and I will explain the similarities. When I first arrived in Laos, on what seems like months ago, I was filled with excitement, joy, hope and happiness. Somewhat like the start a relationship with someone new. Everything, every detail seemed like a source of joy and happiness. As soon as the plane landed, I was on my feet and already looking around. I could not wait another minute to get off and to step onto the street. The anticipation of seeing my cousins, the smell in the air, the heat, the humidity, everything about Laos, I wanted to see. Simply put, it was pure joy.
Now, with the thought of leaving Laos looming, my mood had completely changed to one of sorrow, regret and despair. Gone was the excitement, gone was the happy mood and gone was hope that I have had just a few weeks before. Regrettably, my relationship with Laos was coming to an end… and like most breakups, I was lost and miserable. Like a heart broken lover, I wanted nothing more than to delay the end that I knew was coming. I thought about everything that would stop that plane from taking off. Give me one more hour, one more day, please, I begged! Coming home was the last thing I wanted to. Rather dramatic, I am sure, but those were the thoughts racing through my mind that day.
I settled into a chair in the waiting room in front of Gates1 and 2 at Wattay Airport on Saturday afternoon, a little bit past 5:00 PM. My carry-on bag was at my side and my lunch of boiled chicken and rice my cousins had made for me was clutch tightly in my hand. The rice and chicken was still warm to the touch and only made me miss everyone I was leaving behind even more.
Sitting a row over and to the right of me were 4 little old Hmong ladies. Despite the heat and humidity around us, the 4 little old ladies had on multiple layers of clothes, thick jackets and long black polyester pants, the kind of pants my own grandmother would often wear. On their necks, everyone had a thick white string that had been tied into a necklace. And on that necklace was a laminated 4x6 card with their names and flight numbers on it. Unlike me, they were very talkative and full of excitement. Even while sitting down, I see that 3 of the 4 little ladies were still carrying their backpacks; like what 3 little girls would do before the start of a trip to the beach or to Disneyland. Seeing how happy they were bought a smile and laughter to my face.
As it turns out, the 4 little old Hmong ladies were coming to America. All 4 of them were from Xieng Khouang however they weren’t related. 3 of the 4 ladies were heading to Fresno, California and the last and smallest one was going to Madison, Wisconsin. I can only imagine the fear they must have and the excitement they must feel. I can only wonder how they will make the leap from South East Asia to 20th Century USA. I can only imagine the culture shock, the things they will do, the people they will meet and the places they will visit, I envy them! And I hope they will have a good visit and a great time in America.
The 4 little old ladies and I boarded the same plane heading to Hanoi. With a blast from the engines, our plane lifted off and for the second time in a year, I am leaving Laos again. As the plane leveled off, I peeked out my window. Below me, among the thousands of dimly lit houses was May and her little store. Down there, was someone I truly cared for. Quietly, I whisper, “May, I will be back for you”.
Well, that’s my trip. The 4 little old ladies and I parted ways in Hanoi, their route included Japan than onto LAX, while mine was to South Korea and San Francisco.
As for Laos, despite what you have heard and think you know, unless you have been there yourself, you must not judge. Laos is neither good nor bad, it is neither heaven nor hell, and it is definitely nothing like the stories you have heard. Laos is both beautiful and simple. The people are friendly and warm. It is what it is and nothing more. I truly hope you have a chance to visit Laos someday. And if you still need a reason, go find where your grandparents came from, go find your roots. Because like the old saying goes, “it’s your past that defines your future” and without knowing our past, how can we know who we are today. Again, go with an open mind and I promise, you will have a great time.
Until next time, good bye and good luck to you all… I promise I will stop by, from time to time, and check on everyone. Perhaps give you all an update on how things are going for May and I.
Happy Travels, LHG
Topic: Going to Laos... For Dummies (Like Me) (Read 226993 times)