Who said English class had to be boring?

I am going to post this batch of photos now because they are some of my favorites from the entire trip. Here is the story behind them...

In Laos there is a town called Vang Vieng, which is one of the most popular stops on the backpacker trail. Just outside of Vang Vieng is an organic farm where the main crop is mulberry, and they take volunteers. I learned about it from the Lonely Planet, which said that a person can go and work in exchange for food and a room, a great opportunity to learn about organic farming and give a bit back to the community.

At the time I was really craving some physical labor, since I had been doing nothing but being a lazy backpacker for quite awhile. I was really into the idea of spending a few days getting my hands dirty and eating organic food on the farm. As it turned out, things have changed quite a bit, most likely due to the influx of people that came after the place got put in the LP. There was no more work/room exchange, and the people who really ran the farm seemed to have nothing at all to do with the travelers. The only thing to get involved in were traveler-led projects - which happened to be mud brick making and planting a garden. I got to make some mud bricks, but the gardening (what I had really wanted to do) had been put on hold for the planning of a Space Party at the local bar. So I never really got to do any of the farm work I was hoping for!

But I did get to do something I had not expected - help teach the English classes. Every night about 15 volunteers headed up the road to a community center to offer free English classes to any kids that wanted to come. There were two levels of classes, and each had about 40 kids that came regularly. This was completely voluntary on their part as well, and they were very eager students! Being a part of the class was a great experience -- the kids were just wonderful and such a joy to be with.

The last night I went was Game and Song Day, so I brought along my camera. I had to post almost all of the shots because they are all so much fun!

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Girls learning how to play Red Light Green Light

Playing Red Light Green Light

And of course Duck Duck Goose, with one modification -- we had to touch kids on the shoulder, not the head. In Buddhist countries the head is the most sacred part of the body, and it is very disrespectful to touch someone's head.

In the classroom....

I think this girl is just adorable! But also take a look at the wall behind her -- those are colored glass bottles that were stuck in when it was built, which made for a lovely effect during the daylight.

This boy was hiding under a bucket during a game of 4 Corners.

It's always essential to teach the "hand slapping game." You know the one I mean....does it even have a name?

A few shots from the Tarzan song...

Notice that the older boys on the left are too cool to do the handmotions :-)

Going back inside after break.

I don't think you can see it on the photo, but he's writing the lyrics to Hey Jude, which we taught all the kids how to sing.

Heads Up Seven Up is always a hit...

And someone always peeks!