Kuching! Elephant Beetle?

Is that what this guy is? He was on his back when we found him and we thought he was dead. Then we saw one of his legs move and Hong flipped him over. Not dead!

For scale, here's a picture of Hong taking a picture of the beetle. 

I kept thinking that I should be afraid of him, but I wasn't at all. He was so strange and pretty and I wanted to touch him. But I didn't.

Kuching! Tradition

While we were in Kuching, we were able to see some traditional houses and dances. 

This guy was intense. That long stick in his hand is actually a blowpipe used for hunting. His uniform was also quite impressive.

 In this dance, there was a pole. Then a guy climbed and sat atop the pole.

Hong tried out some dancing, 

blowpipe shooting, 

and instrument playing, 

though both agreed that each of those activities would have been greatly enhanced had he been wearing a feather headdress and black underwear.

Kuching!

Despite my desire to take a rest from traveling, I left Vientiane once again and headed to Kuching, Malaysia on Saturday morning.

Apparently, the airport in Vientiane had not removed the patriotic bunting for the Secretary of State's visit earlier in the month.

I was surprised by the neat rows of palm trees as we flew into Kuala Lumpur,

and also by this interesting river in Kuching.

I'm excited to share more adventures and pictures!

Dad and Mom in Laos 2

We visited Patouxai! Hong hid behind a bush and took pictures of us as we climbed to each of the three level.

Here are my mom and I at the first main ledge. Can you see us? I think that's my dad's hand in the space to the left of me.

Here are my dad and I and a monk at the second main ledge. 

While Hong was taking that picture, mom was taking this picture! Good teamwork, guys. 

 And here are all three of us at the very top window. Do you spy?

Dad and Mom in Laos

It was fun to have my parents visit my home! Here are some of the things we did:

Rode around on motorbikes,

 rode in tuk-tuks

bought some pretty material, 

and wore it. And also rode in another tuk-tuk. 

More to come!

Aaaaand we're back

It's so good to be back in Laos! Among other things, I've...

watched my mom eat chicken hearts (brave!),

killed this spider (she was carrying a large egg sack), 

and cuddled this puppy (he had hiccups).

It's so fun to have my parents here!

Dad and Mom in Thailand

It's so fun to have my parents with me in Southeast Asia! After a long trip, we arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday evening. Our hotel is only a short walk away from a night market (pictured below in the daytime) and a large park.

We leave for Laos tomorrow morning! I'm so excited and ready to be back.