Thankyou soooo much for saying such nice things about Canberra. I’m glad you enjoyed your time here. I truly believe that the fact it is a fantastic place to live is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. Of course, this doesn’t stop me getting annoyed when people bag it, or the news says disdainful things about it.

The one thing – the ne: thing! – that’s difficult for me is the cold I will admit that!

I can also admit now that I would have liked to meet you guys, but was a bit shy to say so, plus I am really trying to work on my thesis, so don’t have much time to spare. But that doesn’t mean I couldn’t meet you all in the future sometime

Good luck in Sydney. You have dealt so well with the challenges of everywhere else, I just can’t see you not working out how to be in Sydney peacefully

can’t wait to read what the next part of the life change experiment brings!

V. excited to read

Many fled Laos during the communist take-over in 1975. Prior to this, Laos had a rich and ancient history, culture, religion and people. A largely peaceful and tranquil Buddhist nation ruled by a revered monarchy, it was best described as a kingdom paradise blessed with abundance and long periods of peace.

Recently the Lao Government illegally detained thousands of Hmong and Laotians they forcibly removed from UNHCR Refugee camps in Thailand. This is in direct violation of International Law, and the UN Declaration of Human Rights to which Laos became a signatory to on 7 December 2001.

This nightmare of wrongful arrest, illegal detainment, torture and secret rendition continues for many Australian families who have loved ones still trapped in Laos.

Thank you again for caring about the plight these families endure everyday as a living hell.

Kay Danes

Author of Standing Ground – An imprisoned couple’s struggle for
justice against a communist regime (Laos)