I ask the desk clerk and his friend if there is an ATM nearby. “ATM?” he queries. “Yes, for the money.” “ATM closed. Today Sunday.” “Closed? Not always open?” “No, bank close. ATM close. Go to morning market to change money.” “ATM not open all the time?” “Yes, all the time, but give you Laos money. Kip.” “What do I have to use to buy things? Dollar or Kip?” They look at me like I’m crazy. “Kip.” To myself I think, so then why wouldn’t I want to use the ATM? I smile and thank them.