11 feb, i went for the lay retreat without knowing how and where. i knew there would be a 3-day retreat at chua hoang phap starting in the evening and so i packed up my things and checked out from my guesthouse. i took the bus and stopped at an suong where i met a kind middle-aged man who warmly assisted me on bus and even gave me a magazine he was selling on bus for free. when i have alighted, i met co anh (aunty anh) who brought me into chua hoang phap. she was also there for the lay retreat and she guided me around for registration, for meals etc. and took so much care of me. there i met oanh again. i stayed there successfully for the retreat due to much kindness from these people who have helped me so much. (read blog)