The last few months have been an enjoyable mix of mini-adventures, dog walks in -30 temps, and lots of hot soups to keep us going. Here are a few of the highlights.
1. We went on a really, and I can’t stress enough, really cold trip to the National Observatory. Not usually open to the public, we were able to go on a private tour with a few friends late one evening. Even though the telescope was pretty rudimentary (built by the Russians in the 1950s) we got to see two of Jupiter’s moons, a star cluster, and some other astronomical beauties. Our tour guide was Mongolia’s only state astronomer who just happens to be married to Mongolia’s only state palaeontologist. I think a trip back in the summer would be fun–the loveliness of the stars without our toes freezing off.
2. I have gotten more involved with IWAM, or International Women’s Association of Mongolia. I am volunteering as the project coordinator which means that I communicate with organizations wishing to apply for funds, present their applications to the board, and then facilitate approved projects. Our first project of the year was to donate a much needed fetal heart monitor to Maternity Hospital #2. They deliver 20 to 25 babies a day and up until now only had one machine. Here I am presenting the hospital representatives with the machine during our Tsagaan Sar meeting.
Other activities have included making up donation bundles to give to new mothers in the national hospitals, visiting various hospitals and organizations, and meeting with lots of inspiring women such as those who work at the Mongolian Women’s Fund and the Women’s Council of Ulaanbaatar.
Translating at the Bayanzurkh hospital for our group of visitors.
While visiting the Mongolian Women's Fund we were lucky enough to celebrate the birthday of their director who also happens to be the first-"First Lady of Mongolia."
3. My translating skills have been put to the test more and more lately with IWAM, as well as one time being the intermediary in a minor fender bender. I enjoy being able to help in situations, but it is a good reminder that I need to continue to study each and every day if I ever want to come close to mastering this ridiculous but fun language.
4. Our Tsagaan Sar this year was very laid back and only our friend Zula and her family visited us. In fact, all 5 days of Tsagaan Sar can be summed up with this one, relaxing picture.
We did visit one friend’s home, as well, and on our way back to town we stopped at an ice playground in the parking lot of a shopping center. You have to be a tough kid to enjoy going down an ice slide.
5. Lastly, Darkhuu is back in town for a few weeks which we always enjoy. On Sunday she, Tsend-Ayoush, and I went to a belated Tsagaan Sar party for all the people from Hanhongor who now live in Ulaanbaatar. I only knew a few people, but it was nice to see some familiar faces and to confuse the visiting dignitaries who must have really wondered who the foreigner was who acted like she belonged there.
Our next blog post will chronicle our upcoming tropical vacation to a secret destination, but until then I leave you with this wonderful curled paper doll that I bought at a craft fair.
