I remember a lot of people crying and worrying that they'd never get home or the virus was going to kill them, but I've been very happy being one of the few foreigners still here. It feels like I have the whole place to myself. I can read and speak the language now. I could read Thai before I came and the two languages are very similar, but I honestly believe you could read Lao in a year if you tried. Actually anyone can learn to read Korean in an hour, because it was created by a great scientist and linguist, but speaking Korean is very difficult.

My students are baristas at Mongkhoun Cafe and asked me to teach them English so they could better serve foreign customers. I'm American, so my English is ain't not too bad, and I speak Lao so teaching is a breeze, but what about when I'm gone or never see them again? That's why I always get my beginner students to activate Siri or Google voice commands on their phones so they can practice their pronunciation and perfect their voice to text skills. It's very frustrating at first, but a great teacher and it's free.

I feel that this area, Luang Prabang, has its own unique artistic style from the surrounding Southeast Asian cultures, but I can't explain it in words, just like I can't explain blockchain in my third language. I've tried to explain NFTs and the idea of putting art on the blockchain to local artists here, but no one can be bothered.

Mongkhoun Cafe has nice seating inside and out, but it was hot today, so we talked and enjoyed coffee inside.

Now that we've had coffee, a chocolate drink, and a good chat, it's time to look at more art...

Thanks for enjoying this local Luang Prabang art and cafe with us today.