On special occasions, especially farewell parties, we would have a ‘baci’. Everyone would come and we would tie strings around each other’s wrists and say a little prayer, “Good luck in, bad luck out.” Baby Tam had more baci strings than anyone else. At this party were (from left, clockwise) two British VSO volunteers; Sounthone, friend of American IVS volunteer Jon Pennebaker (with glasses); and my landlord, half hidden by Australian David Pepper. In the centre, an American couple who were passing through; and at right foreground, Baby Tam and Christine Pepper.

Charlie was leaving for Thailand with his girlfriend, so we set up a farewell photo on the self-timer (no selfies in those days). The tension was palpable. We froze. The second attempt was slightly over the top. Goodbye Charlie!

John De Hoog and Jean-Pierre Midavaine were the two giants of Wattay, both about 6’6” tall. Paul Mahoney was a gifted guitarist who improvised hilarious songs, especially after a few joints. We enjoyed many fits of hysterical laughter together. Later, we also went on trips to the countryside, until his bike was stolen. 

 

My first six months in Laos were wonderfully relaxing. I spent my time mostly at the school or at home with friends Paul and Rod, who would drop in to talk or play or listen to music, (James Taylor and Sweet Baby James) and I did a lot of reading on the verandah as the river flowed past. An idyllic existence. Then I was fired by LAA (see “Prelude” on this website), but got a better job at the International School of Vientiane, and bought a motorbike. It was not a large machine but it got me out of the town into the countryside. Now I had a camera and a bike. Perfect.