Life of a Miner

I am now at our mine site up in the mountain, about 4 hours by car from the head office. I have been living like a miner: sleeping in a dormitory-style room, eating in dining hall, getting up at 5 am in the morning, and wearing hard hats and boots to the office. It was sure different than the work in Hong Kong and Singapore, but I think it is quite refreshing!

Most of the colleagues I met work on a "roster" basis. They would fly in from Australia and work something like 20 days straight, then they would go home for 10 days. I met several guys who are so excited to go back home on the eve of their leave. I was presented with a more palatable option: 5 days on and 2 days off with the family based in Bangkok. But I pleaded with Yumi to come to Vientiane with me because I wouldn't be able to handle the separation from her...oh, and the kids. I owed her a great deal.

On our way to the mine site: we have to wait for some pedestrians.

People actually wash their clothes and bath in this river. The water is very clear.

This is the scene just outside my dorm room at sunset.

This is certainly not the Shangri-La Hotel!!

At least there is a cable TV, and I am watching Wimbledon in the middle of nowhere.

The mountain at 5:30 am. Time for breakfast!