2010 April: NCOLCTL Confernce

April 22-25, 2010, I attended the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. I was reluctant to go at first because traveling was not my cup of tea. However, I was glad that I went and I enjoyed myself at the conference. I learned new things and met interesting people--some of whom I have known for decades, others were newer generation who would carry on the torch. It was too bad that I didn't get to explore the beautiful Madison. The weather was not cooperative. I did ride a shuttle and meet  UW alumna. They looked like they were having fun together.

2010 April : Songkran Celebration

We celebrated on Friday prior to the actual days. Burmese, Khmer, Lao, and Thai co-hosted the event featuring language and culture presentations --music, songs, and dances. The Cambodian Ambassador--His Excellency Hem Heng also attended the event. It's was my first Songkran celebration here at FSI  and indeed time for friendship, food, and fun--far away from  polarized, bloody, and chaotic land.

2010 April: Cherry Blossom in DC

I joined the crowd viewing Cherry Blossom along the tidal basin at its peak on Easter weekend --April 3, 2010. Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, Korean War, Vietnam War, and WW II memorials were among the places I visited.

It occurs to me that the best way to remember someone dear to you is nothing better than planting trees especially those that annually produce cozy shade, beautiful blossom, and delicious fruits.