Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences that a person can have. Whether you're visiting a new place for business or leisure, there's always something to learn, discover, and appreciate. I recently had the pleasure of traveling to Thailand and Laos, and honestly, I’m so excited to be traveling back here again. I was there to visit family and friends, do a school visit, and teach a workshop, and I have so much to share about my adventures and experiences.
Thailand and Laos are two countries located in Southeast Asia, known for their rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. This was my first time visiting both countries since December 2019, and I was excited to re-immerse myself in the local culture and get to know my birthplace better.
Vientiane International School Visit
One of the highlights of my trip was my visit to the Vientiane International School. The school is located in the capital city of Laos, Vientiane, and is one of the leading international schools in the country. During my visit, I had the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with the students, who were eager to learn about my journey as a children's book author and UX designer. Special thank you to William Henley, VIS Librarian, for inviting me to do a school visit there.
I talked to the students about my creative process in making children's books and how storytelling plays a crucial role in UX design. I shared how I got into both fields and how my passion for storytelling and design has taken me on an incredible journey. The students were amazed by my stories, and it was great seeing their faces light up excitedly. They asked me many questions and were genuinely interested in learning more about my work. The highlight of the visit was after the drawing session; each student came up to me for an autograph. It made me feel like a celebrity and warmed my heart.
The school visit was an amazing experience, and it was a privilege to share my knowledge and expertise with the students. It was also a great opportunity to learn from the students, who shared their experiences and perspectives with me. I was impressed by their creativity, curiosity, and passion for learning, and it was a great reminder of the power of education to inspire and enrich people's lives.
A Friendly Wedding
One of the most memorable moments of my trip was attending my friend Van's wedding in Vientiane. The wedding was a small, intimate affair held in the backyard of the bride's family home. The bride, Toukta, was radiant in her traditional Lao wedding attire, and Van looked dashing in his. The love and happiness between the two of them were palpable.
As a friend of the groom, I was honored to be a part of the wedding and even more honored to be the designated cameraman for the Facebook Live broadcast. I wanted to ensure that the couple's friends and family who could not attend could still be a part of the special day. In addition, the live broadcast allowed us to share this special moment with loved ones worldwide.
My dad was also there to help celebrate the wedding, and it was great to see him interacting with my friends and living it up as if he was already back home in Laos. The family atmosphere at the wedding was warm and welcoming, and it was clear that everyone was there to support the happy couple.
The wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and friendship, and I was thrilled to be part of it. It was a great reminder of the importance of connecting with loved ones and cherishing the moments we have with them. I am so happy for Van and Toukta and wish them all the love and happiness as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.
Vang Vieng Interpark
Our cousins from Vientiane generously offered to take us on a day trip to the charming town of Vang Vieng, and it was a day to remember! Unfortunately, the van we were traveling in broke down when we exited the city to start our journey. But our hosts proved to be true heroes as they quickly arranged for a car service to pick us up and had the van fixed a few hours later.
It was lunchtime, and our host took us to a scenic meal by the river at Neverland Restaurant & Bar. The zipliners soaring overhead added excitement as we savored delicious food and marveled at the breathtaking view. However, the highlight of the trip was yet to come.
Our next stop was the tranquil Vang Vieng Interpark, a beautiful oasis surrounded by lush greenery and flecked with ferocious dinosaur sculptures. The park offered an escape from the fast-paced city life and provided a peaceful and serene environment to relax and enjoy nature. The lush gardens, scenic walking paths, and breathtaking overlooks made for an unforgettable experience. As we waited for the van to be done, we spent hours exploring the park and soaking in its beauty.
Our unexpected adventure in Vang Vieng was a day full of surprises, good food, and breathtaking sights. From the kindness of our cousins and the car service they provided to the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the park, it was a day we would cherish for years to come.
Workshop on Storytelling at Wat Suan Dok
Another exciting event during my trip was my workshop on storytelling at Wat Suan Dok in Chiangmai. Wat Suan Dok is a Buddhist temple in the heart of the city, and it is a popular tourist attraction for its stunning architecture, rich history, and peaceful surroundings. The workshop was held in one of the temple’s classrooms, and teaching in such a unique and sacred place was an honor.
The workshop focused on storytelling and how I used story structure to make my children’s books. I shared my insights and experiences on creating compelling and engaging stories that resonate with users and help build strong emotional connections.
We discussed the importance of understanding your audience, using vivid imagery, and creating an emotional journey for the user. We also talked about how storytelling can be used to communicate complex ideas and concepts in a simple and accessible way. The workshop was a great success, and the participants were eager to apply their knowledge to their work.
Leaving with a Full Heart and a Lifetime of Memories
My trip to Thailand and Laos was an incredible journey filled with adventure, education, and culture. I was so grateful for the opportunity to visit my family and friends, do a school visit, and teach a workshop. In addition, I was inspired by the beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and rich cultures I encountered along the way. I am already looking forward to my next trip to these distinguished countries, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an enriching and unforgettable travel experience.
I am filled with gratitude and awe as I sit and reflect on this trip. From the warm hospitality of family and friends to the breathtaking landscapes and tranquil oasis of Vang Vieng Interpark, this journey has been a true treasure trove of experiences.
Attending my friend’s intimate backyard wedding in Vientiane and capturing the joyous moments as the cameraman for their Facebook Live broadcast was a special honor and a moment I will always cherish. In addition, teaching at Vientiane International School and conducting a storytelling workshop at Wat Suan Dok in Chiangmai further reinforced my passion for storytelling and its impact on design and education.
This trip has left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me for years. The memories and relationships formed will stay with me forever, constantly reminding me of the richness and diversity of culture, people, and nature that this world has to offer. Thank you, Thailand and Laos, for a truly unforgettable experience.
