Dear Readers,

August has been a hectic month full of travel and then adjusting to living again, in Southeast Asia. I’m excited to be living in Vientiane, Laos for the next four months. This slowly developing nation has seen much growth in the last five years, but many changes are still necessary to bring the country into line with other Southeast Asian role models e.g. Vietnam and Thailand.
Already my social agenda is crowded with engagements of: WIG (Women’s International Group) meetings and lunches. Not only do these industrious women busy themselves with supporting their homes and families, but they raise funds to support local schools and hospitals. Invariably, the funds are managed by a small committee who oversee the use of these monies and follow up with visits to the institutions. On occasions, they are involved with UNICEF ‘Clean Water’ projects in the nearby provinces. These projects are carefully supervised and several visits are made to assure the donors that their funding is used successfully. I am also trying to learn the Lao language to better understand the local people and their culture.
Vientiane abounds with local artisans: Muoung embroidery, Carvings and wooden statues, water colour and silk painting. Many expatriates chose to practice some of the arts to gain experience and they enjoy the sensation of creating beautiful art. They explore the wonderful temples and Wats within Laos especially Luang PhraBang with its exquisite vistas and history of the people.
Currently, I’m returning to a story that I must continue writing about Uzbekistan, the people and ‘the story of the silk road.’ This story has been bubbling along for awhile, and my young friend Gulnora will play a central role in unwinding the past towards the present.
I am also re-editing ‘Angels of Saigon’ and ‘The Emerald Buddha’ (a new book) which are under consideration for publishing by American Publishers. This is an opportunity to reach a wider reading audience within America and possibly other countries.

Bye for now,
Leonie Campbell