I've had a few requests to tell what I do on a daily basis. It's so hard to say, because every day has been different, but I thought I'd give you a brief run-down of this past week.

On Monday, I taught two 90-minute seminars on Abuse and Neglect in the morning. In the afternoon, Odgerel and I spent some time in conversation with Enkhe (Director of Training for our School) about research needs. Then, Odgerel and I continued to talk about the possibility of conducting some research on physical activity in the classroom - children here sit and listen for most of the day!

On Tuesday, Odgerel and I went over the several hand-outs I've developed for future seminars, and the Assessment booklet I have written for the School. For interpretation to be accurate and effective, much work is done beforehand! Then, I went in search of the Public Library, where the American Center is located. This is my mail drop. I found it, and a letter from Rick. I also found a felt shop! A whole shop full of felted items - clothing, home decoration articles, doo-dads, boots, etc. Needless to say, I was in felt heaven. My purchase was a felted Santa atop a reindeer for our collection. Back to the office for a quick check-in, and home to continue writing on the series of booklets that have been requested. (I don't have a computer at work)

On Wednesday, I taught two more seminars on Abuse and Neglect, and then went home with Amaraa. She had invited her friend who also speaks some English, and we had a Tsagaan Sar meal - bots, mutton, vegetables, etc. A very nice time.

On Thursday, I worked at home until late morning and then went into the office. I met with Otgoo who teaches English as a Second Language in our School. We talked about how we might work together. In the afternoon, Doko came to the office. Doko is an amazing woman who is a felter, but also runs Duuren Sanaa, an NGO that encourages and helps market indigenous craft. (She also has a day job at another NGO) I had been communicating with her before I arrived in UB, and I was delighted to meet her. She graciously gave me her book on felt-quilting and we talked of the many opportunities to see women working. She is also going to take me to Wool Center, which, for those who know me, I can hardly wait to do!

Friday, we had a department meeting at 10:30 that got moved to 1:30....allowed time for Odgerel, Miyumi and I to go across the street to a Japanese restaurant for ramen. Our meeting lasted until 3, at which time I went to the Math department meeting. This was a lively and engaged group of people who have all kinds of interest in what we do in Columbia, and have the desire to work together with me. Very energizing meeting. Then home.

So, it's now Saturday morning - early - and I'm writing this blog. Later this morning, Oyunaa and I will go visit the National Museum of History. Sunday is a day of rest - and reading and writing!

I hope this gives you a flavor. Each day, indeed, each week, is different!

Tsagaan Sar - the Lunar New Year. This holiday ushers in the promise of spring - greetings include inquiries about one's winter, and anticipation of spring. It began the evening of February 2 with family dinners and fireworks. The next days are devoted to greeting. Younger people travel to the homes of older relatives and friends for greeting ceremonies and conversations. My colleague Tseveen invited Odgerel and I to his ger on Saturday. What a treat - to be able to participate in this ritual.

In Tseveen's ger: Tseveen, Odgerel - my colleague and interpreter - and me, seated at the table which has the traditional biscuit, the sheep (with tail) and assorted other food and drink.

Teacher Greeting Day: On Sunday morning, all teachers in our school gathered to enact a formal greeting ceremony. Each one is greeted, snuff bottles exchanged, airag and vodka imbibed, and a general atmosphere of happiness and joy that spring is imminent is shared.

To the right: This is the greeting that was held in the Presidents' quarters. It is a beautiful round table, and all the schools were encouraged to come to this greeting site.

Below: Pictures from the teacher greeting in our school, both in the Dean's Office, and then in individual offices. This was a wonderful day. The ceremonial aspects are very respectful of the elders, and very collegial. Many people were in traditional dress, and all were welcoming

This is my colleague, Oyunaa. She is in the Human Sciences department, and the wonderful new friend who met me at the airport. She teaches English.

Serving the infamous airag - fermented mare's milk! Slightly alcoholic, but very important for special days and celebrations.

Left: greeting my colleague, Oyunaa. She is in my department. Note the blue scarf and that her arms are under mine - signifying I am older! Right: my colleague, Amaraa. She is in the Math and Science department.

For anyone who might want a more extensive explanation of the celebration of Tsagaan Sar, the following website is helpful. e-mongol.com

These are students of the American School of Ulaanbaatar (ASU). It was National Dress Day, so many students came costumed in their country or regional dress. Obviously there were as cute as they could be.

These are students from Mongolian School 60. ASU has formed a partnership with this school and has supplied materials and equipment. The Mongolian School came to give a performance as a thank-you. It was amazing. The students danced and sang, and they were incredibly talented and poised. It was fascinating and kept everyone's attention for 70 minutes! Including the little ones!

ASU was founded five years ago by a group of citizens who were interested in having Mongolian children attend a school where English was the language of instruction. They wanted their children prepared to attend American colleges and universities. The school is steadily growing, currently serving 420 students. The majority of students are Mongolian, the next largest group of children are Korean, and there are about six or seven additional nationalities represented. The school spans from kindergarten through 12th grade, has a dedicated and skilled faculty and an outstanding principal, Kristina Nefstead. It is located south of the city and is nestled against the foot of the mountains - as I looked out Kristina's window, there was the mountain, dusted with snow and with Mongolian wild horses grazing!

We have two courageous and committed students, Nicole Hill and Laura Miller, who will be coming to Mongolia in May to complete one of their teaching clinical experiences. Nicole will be in the kindergarten and Laura will teach in the second grade

I work at the Mongolian State University of Education. The University has 13 Schools and 1 Affiliate. Schools are free standing buildings and are spread out all around UB. This is my school, the Teacher's School. We have three departments - Maths and Science Studies, Human and Social Studies, and my department, Education Studies and Methodology. The Dean of our School is Enkhtseseg, and the Director of my department is Byemba. I already have several assignments - lecturing, visiting schools, working with faculty on their methodology and writing.

This is our office. In the back is Byemba, our Director. My desk is right next to hers. Oyunaa and Odgerel will complete our group. A student is diligently filling out forms in the foreground.

Today was the first day of classes, and this is a seminar class (I'm on the left, saying Kimchi). Lecture courses include about 90 students, and seminars about 30. Half the students have not returned to campus since next week is the Lunar New Year, and they are staying home until the celebrations are complete! These students had lots of questions about American Education.

How do I get there? I walk, about a mile, on mostly icy, definitely uneven sidewalks complete with the occasional missing or wobbly manhole cover - apparently more than person has fallen in! The most fun, though is crossing the streets. The painted pedestrian crosswalks have no meaning at all, and even the flashing green go sign is open for interpretation! I just find someone else crossing and walk next to him/her - on the other side of the line of cars.....

Have I mentioned that it's cold?

Chinggis Khan...

Chinggis Khan – that is the way it is written and pronounced…Chinggis.  While most of us know him as warrior, his main intention was to unite the tribes of Mongolia, and then the world, in order to eliminate the need for war.  If everyone lived under his rules, they were quite simple, there would be no rancor.  Mongolia has managed to do this for many years.

Interestingly, the people of Mongolia know little about Chinggis as they were kept from their history  until 1990 when communism fell and they became a democracy.  However, they are quite proud of him and the fact that, once, they ruled the world.

Mongolian BBQ began with Chinggis.  They would use their shields as pans in the fire, and their swords as cooking utensils.  Mongolian BBQ restaurants emulate this today.  And, it’s very good.

Quick update......I do have my visa. I just now got confirmation on my apartment. I am packed. All systems go. Next post will be from Mongolia.

Less than two weeks. I do wish I could wiggle my nose and be there. The trip is long and includes quite a layover in China - I have to collect my luggage and check back in - starting to worry about that a bit. I don't have an apartment yet, but when I have one confirmed, I'll be happy to share that information. Oh, and my visa hasn't been returned yet....I'll be trying another call to the Embassy tomorrow. So, all that, plus not being quite sure what I will be doing when I get there.....good thing I don't stress easily. Still, I'm looking forward to Jan 18 and being in my apartment in Ulaan Bataar and scouting out my route to the University. Stay tuned.