The buzz of two-cycle motorbike engines filled the MCC office compound this week as all five of us new service workers began practicing. Behind the office is a large warehouse with a sheltered open-air parking area, ideal for learning how to ride. The 100cc Honda’s would technically be considered scooters in the US, but here in Lao they are synonymous with motorcycles. Kaarina was terrified to drive on the roads and thus slightly reluctant to get her license, but after riding around a few laps she has warmed up to the idea and is progressing very well! She and the other four new Service Workers will take the Lao test once their permanent work visas are in their hands and they feel ready. The test consists of a series of maneuvering skills in a roughly 3m by 9m rectangle. First, you drive two circuits around the perimeter, then ride two figure eights and finally travel one time around one of the smaller circles that make up the ‘eight.’ A candidate has two attempts without putting a foot down or crossing the outer or inner boundaries. In our chalk-drawn practice space Kaarina, after only three days, putts around the circuit in relative control and comfort! Since I already obtained a motorcycle license in the US, I needed to perform the Lao test (in our chalk rectangle) for one of the MCC Staff instead of going to the official testing facility. After some practice I passed the MCC bar today! Driving on the roads is a different story! I am learning to drive the Lao way, mainly driving with the flow and learning to know which stop signs are optional. There are many things to watch out for, but the driving is a lot more laid back than what we observed in Vietnam. The highlights for this coming week are moving in with our host family and beginning language classes. Kaarina and I are both excited to be able to ride around the city on our own.
Posted by Jeffrey
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