New Years Present...

Fun times for New Years here... one of my classes bought me a present for New Years!

New Years is a bigger holiday internationally and even in Laos its bigger than Christmas or any American holiday (we actually get New Year's Day off, but we hafta ask for Christmas off). They usually give presents and occasionally have bossi's to start the new year right (see previous post about bossis for more info on that whole ordeal).

Well, I think my students noticed that I only own about 8 dress shirts (about means exactly) and that I was in need of more diversity. Thus, for New Year's they bought me a shirt...here are the pics:

...and the girls who apparently organized the gift giving wanted a picture with me. Actually, I'm glad I got a picture with them because they really help translate my instructions and directions for the rest of the class when I can't explain something in Lao. Also, they really like getting a picture with them and the foreign teacher:
And of course, the peace sign that students love to give appears! The girl on my left side (to the right from our perspective) is probably the best student in that class.Funny note... they always tell me that I look very handsome when I wear my glasses; funny because I think glasses are my "Today-is-a-rough-day" look. Some things like that are great around here! Maybe, just a little help on those days you feel out of it.

The shirt is great! I love the style of cut that is available here. When I first got it, I noticed it was a size large and I thought it would be too big on me. But sizes are different here in Asia... I think it ended up being just below of medium in the states.

Also, there is this great little logo on the shirt. I'm not sure what the brand is or what the logo stands for... but, as my tutor put it, its the same logo as the one for the bathroom signs:
Yes, I have a little man picture because my shirt is for a man apparently. Glad that whole picture scheme works out the gender question.

Honestly, love the shirt. Hate American style cuts now... So I will be packing an enormous suitcase of $7-9 dress shirts from Laos. Also, the jeans are great too; maybe not so hot on the durability end, but for the price! YES, Levis... you can take that $150 price tag per pair and smoke it in your scandalously-priced-clothing pipe (as I shake my fists at you)!