Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Conflict in the family
Some undefinable dynamics are going on in the Dogtown family. This morning the mother of the puppies was acting like an outcast. She is usually the most assertive and prominent member of the group, but today she wouldn't even come near when I was feeding everyone. I had to go over to her to make sure she got some breakfast. At that moment another adult came and pinned her down and growled at her, but I chased the other adult away with my purse. Immediately after eating she left the area and got away from the other adults. Usually she jumps up and plays with the daddy dog, so I have no idea what's going on. It'll be interesting to see what's going on tomorrow.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Christmas music in March
Some of the commercials on TV use Christmas carols as the background music. I've heard "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Deck the Halls", both used in decidedly un-Christmassy commercials.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday with Christina
Christina and I got together on Saturday, as we usually do, and decided to visit one of the Buddhist temples and monasteries in town. We looked at the UB map and easily figured out how to get to it and decided to walk there. Unfortunately the distance on the map was deceiving and the monastery was much further from the State Department Store than it looked, but we persevered. The grounds were beautiful: temple buildings with tiled roofs, a huge statue of one of Mongolia's lamas, and monks, old and young, walking around in burgundy and saffron robes. It is considered a good thing to feed the birds here, so there were people walking around selling small bags of bird seed. In spite of the fact that they were pigeon flocks for the most part, it was beautiful to see them take flight every so often and circle around the statues. The sound of their wings was enchanting in the silence of the monastery.
After our visit, we decided to go to dinner at B.D.'s Mongolian Barbecue. I think it is rather presumptuous of an American company to borrow the idea of Mongolian food, import it to the US and then bring it back to Mongolia and open a restaurant, but that's what they've done. I was surprised at how popular the restaurant is. There was an even mix of Mongolian and western customers. We enjoyed the meal a lot: Christina even had 2 banana milkshakes! It was by far the most expensive meal I've had in Mongolia, but even so the bill was only 13,000 togrog per person: between $8-9.
After our visit, we decided to go to dinner at B.D.'s Mongolian Barbecue. I think it is rather presumptuous of an American company to borrow the idea of Mongolian food, import it to the US and then bring it back to Mongolia and open a restaurant, but that's what they've done. I was surprised at how popular the restaurant is. There was an even mix of Mongolian and western customers. We enjoyed the meal a lot: Christina even had 2 banana milkshakes! It was by far the most expensive meal I've had in Mongolia, but even so the bill was only 13,000 togrog per person: between $8-9.
Pied Piper of Dogtown
THAT's what my name should be. Either that, or Mary, you can change my middle name to Too Patient. Here's what happened Sunday. I was out walking; it was a beautiful day: sunny and warm enough I could go out with just a sweater on. Anyway, I was out walking and decided, on a whim, to go feed the dogs, which I don't usually do on weekends. I stopped at the Minii and bought some hot dogs and some Vienna sausages, planning to save the sausages for another day since they were canned. My doggies were excited to see me. I fed them and then started to leave, but they followed me down the block. They've never crossed the street before while following me, but this time they did, even the youngest puppy. I stopped, rushed back and picked up the puppy and deposited her back on her side of the block. I was afraid that she would get lost on a block that, to my knowledge, she had never visited before. I walked the pack back to the school and tried to make my getaway again. Same thing happened. I decided to feed them the Vienna sausages, hoping to escape while they were busy eating, but the truth is that 6 dogs can gobble down 4 cans of Vienna sausages faster than I can throw them.
I tried walking the other way, away from my apartment, but they followed me that way, too. I walked to the back of the parking area, looking for another way out of the lot, but there isn't one. I waited around the lot for awhile and the dogs stretched out in the sun, but everytime I moved toward the front of the building they followed me. I walked directly across the street, jaywalking to the opposite block but, you guessed it, a puppy followed me. Again I picked it up and brought it back to the right side of the street. I went INTO the school building, thinking that sooner or later the dogs would leave the front of the building and go back to the area where they sleep. I won't tell you how long I stood in the building where I couldn't be seen by them, but when I went back to the front door, there they were!
By this time I was getting desperate. I wanted to go home and cook my dinner, but I didn't want the puppies endangered when I left and I couldn't figure out how to achieve this. Finally it came to me: I would just disappear via taxi. I was fairly sure that they wouldn't follow a car down the street, so that's what I did. I flagged down a car right in front of the school and got in. I motioned to the driver to make a right turn...and then another right turn...and then another right. I had him drop me off in front of BBQ Chicken, which, of course, is just one block to the left of where I got in his car. He must have been bewildered at my instructions, but at least I escaped my dog pack and got to eat my dinner. This morning the dogs were not in front of the school as they often are, but I did not go to the back to feed them. I'd had enough togetherness for a while.
I tried walking the other way, away from my apartment, but they followed me that way, too. I walked to the back of the parking area, looking for another way out of the lot, but there isn't one. I waited around the lot for awhile and the dogs stretched out in the sun, but everytime I moved toward the front of the building they followed me. I walked directly across the street, jaywalking to the opposite block but, you guessed it, a puppy followed me. Again I picked it up and brought it back to the right side of the street. I went INTO the school building, thinking that sooner or later the dogs would leave the front of the building and go back to the area where they sleep. I won't tell you how long I stood in the building where I couldn't be seen by them, but when I went back to the front door, there they were!
By this time I was getting desperate. I wanted to go home and cook my dinner, but I didn't want the puppies endangered when I left and I couldn't figure out how to achieve this. Finally it came to me: I would just disappear via taxi. I was fairly sure that they wouldn't follow a car down the street, so that's what I did. I flagged down a car right in front of the school and got in. I motioned to the driver to make a right turn...and then another right turn...and then another right. I had him drop me off in front of BBQ Chicken, which, of course, is just one block to the left of where I got in his car. He must have been bewildered at my instructions, but at least I escaped my dog pack and got to eat my dinner. This morning the dogs were not in front of the school as they often are, but I did not go to the back to feed them. I'd had enough togetherness for a while.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
UB bargains
Prices in Mongolia are generally pretty good, and if you keep your eyes open, you can find some real bargains. In general, things made in Mongolia or China are the cheapest. For example, a box of staples is 200 togrog, about 12 cents. Should I stock up, Bill? And then there is the Black Market, where prices are even better. I bought 2 notebooks there for 500 togrog total and later that day saw the exact same notebook being sold singly for 450 togrog. Yesterday I bought 2 of something (but I can't say what because they're gifts for my guys) that were 10,000 togrog a piece. The same thing at the State Department Store costs 29,000 togrog each.
Services are an exceptional bargain. Taxis (almost every car is a freelance taxi) rarely charge more than 3000 togrog, about $2, and since there is no tipping, it's an even bigger bargain. I've mentioned the hour-long massage I had for 15,000 togrog. Recently I went to a hair salon & got a cut, color and blow-dry for 18,000 togrog, about $12, and my students tell me I paid too much. They say they usually pay 5,000 togrog for a cut and blow-dry. A manicure is 6,000 togrog, $4.
Services are an exceptional bargain. Taxis (almost every car is a freelance taxi) rarely charge more than 3000 togrog, about $2, and since there is no tipping, it's an even bigger bargain. I've mentioned the hour-long massage I had for 15,000 togrog. Recently I went to a hair salon & got a cut, color and blow-dry for 18,000 togrog, about $12, and my students tell me I paid too much. They say they usually pay 5,000 togrog for a cut and blow-dry. A manicure is 6,000 togrog, $4.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The post office
Bill had suggested that I mail home some things that I won't need for a while, so I started collecting some small boxes for that purpose. Monday I walked to an office supply store during lunch to buy some packing tape and wrapped up 3 boxes for mailing. Yesterday, Tuesday, I brought the boxes to school with me and then carried them to the main post office after classes were over.
There were many windows to choose from when I got there, but chose the one that said "Acceptance of Postal Items" over it to start. After making my way to the head of the crowd (never a line), the clerk looked at my boxes and told me I would have to purchase one of their Mongol Post boxes and repack my stuff. So, I walked over to the counter where the boxes are for sale, bought the box and yet another roll of packing tape. After repacking my stuff into the new box (I could have mailed more things home, had I known that I was going to be required to buy this new, bigger box), I went back to the first counter. The clerk there opened my newly sealed box in order to examine the contents and then told me I needed to go to the Export window. So I did. That clerk told me I needed to get the box weighed at the window where I had just been. So I did. Mind you, all of this takes place in a crowd of people who don't mind pushing and shoving you around so that they can make their way up to the front.
After getting the weight of the box, I went back to the Export window where I filled out the necessary paperwork to get the thing shipped. This clerk took me back to the first window, where I was told the cost for mailing. I presented my Visa card, but since they would accept only cash, I went out to the lobby to an ATM. After receiving my cash, I went back to the window and paid. The clerk there said "finished", but since my box had no address on it yet, I wasn't about to leave until that was taken care of. Eventually the clerk affixed the shipping papers to the top of the box and I felt satisfied that I could leave. So I did.
My fun and games at the post office took an hour and a half.
There were many windows to choose from when I got there, but chose the one that said "Acceptance of Postal Items" over it to start. After making my way to the head of the crowd (never a line), the clerk looked at my boxes and told me I would have to purchase one of their Mongol Post boxes and repack my stuff. So, I walked over to the counter where the boxes are for sale, bought the box and yet another roll of packing tape. After repacking my stuff into the new box (I could have mailed more things home, had I known that I was going to be required to buy this new, bigger box), I went back to the first counter. The clerk there opened my newly sealed box in order to examine the contents and then told me I needed to go to the Export window. So I did. That clerk told me I needed to get the box weighed at the window where I had just been. So I did. Mind you, all of this takes place in a crowd of people who don't mind pushing and shoving you around so that they can make their way up to the front.
After getting the weight of the box, I went back to the Export window where I filled out the necessary paperwork to get the thing shipped. This clerk took me back to the first window, where I was told the cost for mailing. I presented my Visa card, but since they would accept only cash, I went out to the lobby to an ATM. After receiving my cash, I went back to the window and paid. The clerk there said "finished", but since my box had no address on it yet, I wasn't about to leave until that was taken care of. Eventually the clerk affixed the shipping papers to the top of the box and I felt satisfied that I could leave. So I did.
My fun and games at the post office took an hour and a half.
My big smile
I have a big smile on my face today because of my doggies. Yesterday while out doing errands, I stopped at the State Department Store and bought a couple of things for them: tennis balls and a couple of cheap stuffed animals. Interesting sidenote: they sell tennis balls individually here (no pressurized cans). I first went to the toy department and picked up the stuffed animals and found some small balls in an open bin. One was a soft plastic basketball, about 5" in diameter; the other was a hard plastic ball about 3" in diameter, rather like a whiffle ball, but without the holes. I took the items to the cashier and she turned around and put the balls back in the bin! I looked at her questioningly, and she said something and shrugged her shoulders. I gestured toward the bin and pointed to my wallet, but she shook her head "no". That's when I headed to the sporting goods department and bought the tennis balls, but I'll never know why I couldn't buy the plastic balls.
Anyway, this morning after feeding the dogs, I opened up my bag and gave them the toys and balls. They went crazy! For never having had any toys before, they sure caught on quickly about what balls are for. Two of the adult dogs were playing tug-of-war with one of the stuffed animals and I expect I'll find it in pieces later, but it sure made me feel good to see them having fun!
Anyway, this morning after feeding the dogs, I opened up my bag and gave them the toys and balls. They went crazy! For never having had any toys before, they sure caught on quickly about what balls are for. Two of the adult dogs were playing tug-of-war with one of the stuffed animals and I expect I'll find it in pieces later, but it sure made me feel good to see them having fun!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The big adventure of Christina and Babette
Christina expressed an interest in seeing a shaman, presumably because she had seen the movie, "The Horse Boy", as I had, also. I asked the teachers if anyone knew a shaman, or if they all resided in the countryside. The school director said he knew a shaman and gave me her name and telephone number. Since the shaman speaks no English, I asked one of the teachers to call her and ask her how we could make arrangements to see her. Buyaa called her, but the shaman said she had to think about it before she would make an appointment to see foreigners. It was the end of the day, so I thanked Buyaa and took back my phone and left. About 30 minutes later, the phone rang and it was the shaman, Ayuka, but of course I couldn't talk to her and she couldn't understand me. When I got home I called another teacher, Naraa, and asked her to call Ayuka and find out what she had to say.
Naraa called me back and said Ayuka would see us Saturday evening at 8pm. I asked her if she would be willing to accompany us since we would need a translator. She agreed and I called Christina and told her about the arrangements. We also made plans to get together in the afternoon and have dinner before meeting Naraa and going to the shaman's ger. Things proceeded as planned: we met Naraa at 7:30pm and took a taxi to the ger. The shaman lives in one ger and has a second one for her shamanistic activities, decorated with various stuffed birds, including an eagle, and animal furs. We met with her briefly, but when Christina said she was interested in having a reading, Ayuka said she had to prepare for it and we would have to come back the next night. I asked Naraa if she would be available on Sunday and she agreed to come back with us.
On Sunday as I was doing some chores, my phone rang. It was Naraa, saying that she was having company that evening and couldn't go with us. I asked her to call the shaman (since I couldn't) and cancel our appointment, but she suggested that we ask another teacher to go with us. I told her I didn't have Buyaa's number, but she said she would call Buyaa and ask her. Then I get a call from yet another teacher, Enkhmaa, (Naraa had called her) who said she would go with us. I said "great" and told her when to meet us. In the evening, I met up with Christina and told her of the slight change in plans which didn't seem significant to us at the time. Soon afterwards, my phone rang. It was Enkhmaa, saying something about her sister and that she would not be able to go with us. I asked her to call Ayuka and cancel the appointment for us and she did.
When I got to school on Monday it seemed that everyone knew what had happened over the weekend, but no one volunteered to go with us the next weekend. Enkhmaa, who sits next to me in the faculty office, didn't say anything to me about the canceled trip, nor did she volunteer to go another time. Later in the week the director asked me how things had gone with the shaman and I told him that we had had translator problems and hadn't been able to go.
I discussed the situation with one of my students and he explained that there are "white" shaman and "black" shaman, signifying exactly what you think they do. Black shaman are said to be able to get inside your head and stay with you, and that might explain why Naraa was unwilling to go back with us to the shaman (she's the pregnant teacher at the school), although I'm still unsure why she agreed to go with us in the first place, especially since she had told us that she had been to see a shaman in the past. The good news, however, is that the student, Odbayar, VOLUNTEERED to go with us, so I felt confident that this time things would work out. I asked him if he were nervous about going, but he said that he didn't believe in any of it, so it didn't bother him. He offered to call Ayuka and set up the appointment, which he did for Saturday the 20th, at 8pm.
Saturday rolled around and the 3 of us were off to see the shaman. We arrived at her ger again, were ushered in and sat on the floor. She got into her shaman outfit: a heavy del with many animal skins, silk scarves and bells hanging from it. Then she put on the headpiece, which had a lot of feathers and bells, and some long fringe covering her face. Some other people arrived for the event and then she began beating on a drum and chanting in a low voice. Various people went forward during the session, apparently asking her for cures, because she would put her drum over someone's head or an ailing part and beat on it (the drum, not the ailing bit). Christine asked her a couple of questions and the shaman asked her if she were serious, which took her back a bit. I don't think Christina quite got the answers she was expecting/hoping for, but it was an interesting experience and a glimpse into another culture. At the end of the session Ayuka took a bundle of silk scarves and animal furs and slung it over the back of anyone who went forward. Then it was all over and we went home. And that was the end of Christina's and Babette's Big Adventure.
Naraa called me back and said Ayuka would see us Saturday evening at 8pm. I asked her if she would be willing to accompany us since we would need a translator. She agreed and I called Christina and told her about the arrangements. We also made plans to get together in the afternoon and have dinner before meeting Naraa and going to the shaman's ger. Things proceeded as planned: we met Naraa at 7:30pm and took a taxi to the ger. The shaman lives in one ger and has a second one for her shamanistic activities, decorated with various stuffed birds, including an eagle, and animal furs. We met with her briefly, but when Christina said she was interested in having a reading, Ayuka said she had to prepare for it and we would have to come back the next night. I asked Naraa if she would be available on Sunday and she agreed to come back with us.
On Sunday as I was doing some chores, my phone rang. It was Naraa, saying that she was having company that evening and couldn't go with us. I asked her to call the shaman (since I couldn't) and cancel our appointment, but she suggested that we ask another teacher to go with us. I told her I didn't have Buyaa's number, but she said she would call Buyaa and ask her. Then I get a call from yet another teacher, Enkhmaa, (Naraa had called her) who said she would go with us. I said "great" and told her when to meet us. In the evening, I met up with Christina and told her of the slight change in plans which didn't seem significant to us at the time. Soon afterwards, my phone rang. It was Enkhmaa, saying something about her sister and that she would not be able to go with us. I asked her to call Ayuka and cancel the appointment for us and she did.
When I got to school on Monday it seemed that everyone knew what had happened over the weekend, but no one volunteered to go with us the next weekend. Enkhmaa, who sits next to me in the faculty office, didn't say anything to me about the canceled trip, nor did she volunteer to go another time. Later in the week the director asked me how things had gone with the shaman and I told him that we had had translator problems and hadn't been able to go.
I discussed the situation with one of my students and he explained that there are "white" shaman and "black" shaman, signifying exactly what you think they do. Black shaman are said to be able to get inside your head and stay with you, and that might explain why Naraa was unwilling to go back with us to the shaman (she's the pregnant teacher at the school), although I'm still unsure why she agreed to go with us in the first place, especially since she had told us that she had been to see a shaman in the past. The good news, however, is that the student, Odbayar, VOLUNTEERED to go with us, so I felt confident that this time things would work out. I asked him if he were nervous about going, but he said that he didn't believe in any of it, so it didn't bother him. He offered to call Ayuka and set up the appointment, which he did for Saturday the 20th, at 8pm.
Saturday rolled around and the 3 of us were off to see the shaman. We arrived at her ger again, were ushered in and sat on the floor. She got into her shaman outfit: a heavy del with many animal skins, silk scarves and bells hanging from it. Then she put on the headpiece, which had a lot of feathers and bells, and some long fringe covering her face. Some other people arrived for the event and then she began beating on a drum and chanting in a low voice. Various people went forward during the session, apparently asking her for cures, because she would put her drum over someone's head or an ailing part and beat on it (the drum, not the ailing bit). Christine asked her a couple of questions and the shaman asked her if she were serious, which took her back a bit. I don't think Christina quite got the answers she was expecting/hoping for, but it was an interesting experience and a glimpse into another culture. At the end of the session Ayuka took a bundle of silk scarves and animal furs and slung it over the back of anyone who went forward. Then it was all over and we went home. And that was the end of Christina's and Babette's Big Adventure.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Army Day Dinner
The female staff cooked a Korean dinner for the men, composed of a spicy Korean chicken soup, rice, and cooked bacon wrapped in lettuce leaves. I've mentioned that root vegetables are sold in the stores complete with the dirt in which they were raised, well, when the teachers were peeling the potatoes and carrots last night, they didn't wash them and of course the dirt was transferred back onto the vegetables as they peeled. The good news is that I'm alive and well this morning, so the extra minerals must not have done me any harm!
I found out this morning that the rest of the staff was here until 2 am last night and they still showed up at 9 am for work. I was chastised for not drinking enough: I had had a tiny glass of champagne and a very-watered-down vodka & tonic (couldn't have been more than 2t of vodka in my glass). They all had more of the above and several bottles of beer each, and I don't know what else after I left at 11pm, but they are all young and more used to the nightlife than I am.
I found out this morning that the rest of the staff was here until 2 am last night and they still showed up at 9 am for work. I was chastised for not drinking enough: I had had a tiny glass of champagne and a very-watered-down vodka & tonic (couldn't have been more than 2t of vodka in my glass). They all had more of the above and several bottles of beer each, and I don't know what else after I left at 11pm, but they are all young and more used to the nightlife than I am.
Today (Thursday 3/18)
Today is "Army Day", apparently the male equivalent of Women's Day. Although not every male qualifies for soldier-status recognition, the school is celebrating all of the male staff members with a dinner tonight that we women-folk are cooking for them. I wonder if karaoke is in the offing for this evening, although I doubt it since tomorrow is a work day. I walked down to the Russian Embassy after my first class and picked up my visa for my train transit to Moscow.
In case you had any doubts...
...about who won the Cold War....
The Russian Embassy accepts only US dollars IN CASH in payment for a visa. From anyone.
The Russian Embassy accepts only US dollars IN CASH in payment for a visa. From anyone.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Football
Here's a good laugh for all those who know me well. If you don't know me that well, I'm someone who went to school at The University of Texas at Austin for 2 years and never attended a football game. Well, the movie, "The Blind Side", was on TV a couple of nights ago, which I watched in my usual comprehending-only-half-of-the-story manner since the dialogue is all in Mongolian, but basically enjoyed it.
The next day one of my students asked me to explain football. I laughed at the absurdity of the situation, but did my best, which means that I said the team with the ball had 4 tries to move the football 10 yards down the field. If they succeeded, they got to try again for another 10 yards. If they didn't make it, the other team got the ball. I acknowledged to them that there were many rules and penalties that I didn't know, but that was the basis of the game as far as I knew and that ultimately the goal was to move the ball to the goal line to score points. How'd I do?
The next day one of my students asked me to explain football. I laughed at the absurdity of the situation, but did my best, which means that I said the team with the ball had 4 tries to move the football 10 yards down the field. If they succeeded, they got to try again for another 10 yards. If they didn't make it, the other team got the ball. I acknowledged to them that there were many rules and penalties that I didn't know, but that was the basis of the game as far as I knew and that ultimately the goal was to move the ball to the goal line to score points. How'd I do?
Our big adventure
I know I owe all of you the story of the big adventure Christina and I had planned for Sunday night, but we ran into a glitch and it didn't take place. I now have a lead on other arrangements for this same plan, but want to hold off on the story telling until it takes place. Sorry!
In the meantime I will tell you about the classes I've held lately. Since the English classes are strictly voluntary on the part of the students, many of them have stopped attending, leaving only the better (and obviously more interested) students in class. This makes it more fun for me because we can have actual conversations and I don't have to be at the blackboard all the time.
I've been leading discussions about "culture" and trying to get a handle on what makes a Mongolian a Mongolian - what internal thinking goes on to make up the Mongolian personality or mindset. People might often think in terms of externals: food, clothing, music, housing, etc., but I am trying to get the students to think about character. Are the people optimistic, pessimistic, complacent, etc.? Some of you may shudder, thinking about the generalizations I'm trying to draw, but since we can accept (I think) the fact that there are attitude and character differences between different nationalities, how else can we examine or define things except by generalities? Feedback is welcome, especially on this point. Our discussions have been fascinating.
In the meantime I will tell you about the classes I've held lately. Since the English classes are strictly voluntary on the part of the students, many of them have stopped attending, leaving only the better (and obviously more interested) students in class. This makes it more fun for me because we can have actual conversations and I don't have to be at the blackboard all the time.
I've been leading discussions about "culture" and trying to get a handle on what makes a Mongolian a Mongolian - what internal thinking goes on to make up the Mongolian personality or mindset. People might often think in terms of externals: food, clothing, music, housing, etc., but I am trying to get the students to think about character. Are the people optimistic, pessimistic, complacent, etc.? Some of you may shudder, thinking about the generalizations I'm trying to draw, but since we can accept (I think) the fact that there are attitude and character differences between different nationalities, how else can we examine or define things except by generalities? Feedback is welcome, especially on this point. Our discussions have been fascinating.
A sign of spring?
This morning water dripped off the roof of the apartment building onto my head. Could this be the sign of a spring thaw?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Weekend Update v.2
During my week off from school during the New Year's celebrations, I finished up knitting the baby blanket for Naraa and then began on a baby sweater for no one in particular, at that time. After returning to school, I gave the sweater to one of the teachers who had driven me to the post office on one occasion, because I knew he had a 3-yr old daughter - the same one who said I "didn't talk very clearly". Well, she came to school this past week and was wearing the sweater I made. It was dirty, so I know it has been worn more than just the once to show it off to me, and I was very gratified.
I owe all of you an update on the juice wars. I have liked everything except the sea buckthorn, which tastes a bit "off" to me, almost fermented in a way like papaya tastes "off" to me, too. I have also decided that, on general principles, I do not much care for floaty bits larger than orange juice pulp in my juices, although the pieces of coconut were interesting, at the least. I bought a new juice this week, which I have not tried yet, but I just had to have it: banana juice. I'll report later.
Christina and I got together yesterday and will do so again today. I showed her the State Department Store and the German bakery, etc. We had supper at the bakery: carrot soup for her and split pea for me. We split a serving of very-un-Italian lasagna, which was OK, but should be renamed. It consisted of 2 slices of pasta, a slice of Swiss cheese on top and diced carrots and peas between the pasta layers. Christina and I have a big adventure planned for tonight, about which more tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Christina and I walked back to my apartment yesterday after our afternoon of shopping and eating and were persistently followed by a begging child. I have encountered children like this before, but they have never followed me before, nor been so persistent and aggressive. This boy kept up his plea: "I'm hungry money thank you" for several blocks. I began by ignoring him, then shouted at him to go away. He was walking very slowly in front of me, making me try to pass him, but then he would move over on the sidewalk in front of me again. At one point I cut wide to the side when the sidewalk opened into a parklike plaza and ran ahead. Christina said he kept looking at my pockets, but since I don't keep anything in my pockets other than my handkerchief, I wasn't much worried. If he wanted my used handkerchief I wasn't going to protest. So even though incidents like this can tug at your heart and I felt bad for yelling, I wasn't about to open my purse or wallet out on the street. Still, I don't know why he singled me out in preference to her, nor did he bother with any of the Mongolians on the street.
I owe all of you an update on the juice wars. I have liked everything except the sea buckthorn, which tastes a bit "off" to me, almost fermented in a way like papaya tastes "off" to me, too. I have also decided that, on general principles, I do not much care for floaty bits larger than orange juice pulp in my juices, although the pieces of coconut were interesting, at the least. I bought a new juice this week, which I have not tried yet, but I just had to have it: banana juice. I'll report later.
Christina and I got together yesterday and will do so again today. I showed her the State Department Store and the German bakery, etc. We had supper at the bakery: carrot soup for her and split pea for me. We split a serving of very-un-Italian lasagna, which was OK, but should be renamed. It consisted of 2 slices of pasta, a slice of Swiss cheese on top and diced carrots and peas between the pasta layers. Christina and I have a big adventure planned for tonight, about which more tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Christina and I walked back to my apartment yesterday after our afternoon of shopping and eating and were persistently followed by a begging child. I have encountered children like this before, but they have never followed me before, nor been so persistent and aggressive. This boy kept up his plea: "I'm hungry money thank you" for several blocks. I began by ignoring him, then shouted at him to go away. He was walking very slowly in front of me, making me try to pass him, but then he would move over on the sidewalk in front of me again. At one point I cut wide to the side when the sidewalk opened into a parklike plaza and ran ahead. Christina said he kept looking at my pockets, but since I don't keep anything in my pockets other than my handkerchief, I wasn't much worried. If he wanted my used handkerchief I wasn't going to protest. So even though incidents like this can tug at your heart and I felt bad for yelling, I wasn't about to open my purse or wallet out on the street. Still, I don't know why he singled me out in preference to her, nor did he bother with any of the Mongolians on the street.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Another puppy gone
Another puppy is missing. We're down to 6 dogs now. These are all healthy dogs, so I don't think they are dying, nor have I seen any bodies. I've asked my students about animal control,and while they seem confused by the concept, they don't seem to think that there is any organized effort to remove dogs from the street. Anyway, why would such a group or agency take one puppy at a time?
Sumo champion
Yesterday, sumo wrestling champion, Asashoryu, a Mongolian who retired recently after allegations of a street brawl in Tokyo, came home to Ulan Bataar. He was greeted like a returning conqueror by cheering crowds. They took him to a hospital so he could kiss a newborn baby, but he couldn't fit into one of the visitors' gowns, so it was draped across his shoulders like a cape.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tuesday morning
This morning when I went to feed my doggies, another puppy was missing! This time it was one of the younger puppies. I want to know what's happening to my babies!
One of life's perplexities: SOLVED!
"They" have long maintaned that there is no rhyme for the word "orange." Well, I'm here to prove "them" wrong. Depending on how you pronounce "orange", here are the rhyme possibilities, for all you would-be-poets.
If you say OR-INGE: door hinge
Eeyore binge
Days-of-Yore binge
gore-tinge
carnivore binge
nor whinge
If you say OR-ANGE: floor flange
more Ange (like the nickname for Angie, Angela)
Rhyme "Sore flange damn fox" with "Orange salmon lox"
What does that mean? I don't know. It's YOUR poem.
If you say OR-ENGE: for venge(ance), which you can then rhyme with "Orange Ents" (Thank you, JRR Tolkien) or "orange ants".
Soren's (there should be a vertical line through the "o")
born henges
You can rhyme "pour Ganges" with "orange knees (or bees, or seas)
Rhyme "ignore singe" with "pig orange"; rhyme "more ginger" with "oranger"; "injure" with "orange ger".
You can substitute any of the following for the first syllable, depending on the subject of your poem: bore, core, door, floor, for, four, gore, whore, lore, more, nor, ignore, pour, roar, soar, sore, tore, wore, yore or your.
No, you don't have to thank me. I derive my satisfaction just knowing what a contribution I've made to literature. Of course, if you want to put my name in a footnote, or in the dedication, I can't stop you.
Next stop: SILVER!
And you wonder what I did on Women's Day!
If you say OR-INGE: door hinge
Eeyore binge
Days-of-Yore binge
gore-tinge
carnivore binge
nor whinge
If you say OR-ANGE: floor flange
more Ange (like the nickname for Angie, Angela)
Rhyme "Sore flange damn fox" with "Orange salmon lox"
What does that mean? I don't know. It's YOUR poem.
If you say OR-ENGE: for venge(ance), which you can then rhyme with "Orange Ents" (Thank you, JRR Tolkien) or "orange ants".
Soren's (there should be a vertical line through the "o")
born henges
You can rhyme "pour Ganges" with "orange knees (or bees, or seas)
Rhyme "ignore singe" with "pig orange"; rhyme "more ginger" with "oranger"; "injure" with "orange ger".
You can substitute any of the following for the first syllable, depending on the subject of your poem: bore, core, door, floor, for, four, gore, whore, lore, more, nor, ignore, pour, roar, soar, sore, tore, wore, yore or your.
No, you don't have to thank me. I derive my satisfaction just knowing what a contribution I've made to literature. Of course, if you want to put my name in a footnote, or in the dedication, I can't stop you.
Next stop: SILVER!
And you wonder what I did on Women's Day!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Weekend update
It looks like my days of free wi-fi at the apartment have come to an end. I never understood how I was getting it, anyway, but I haven't been able to use it for several days. My guess is that it came from one of the internet cafes around my building and that they have finally caught on that they've been giving away service because there now is a firewall around it. Right now I'm at one of those cafes (although they don't serve any food or beverages here, so how is it a cafe?) and will need to come here on weekends from now on, I assume. Boo!
Friday I got a taste of Mongolians' appetite for nightlife. Monday (tomorrow) is International Women's Day, and in honor of it the men in the office prepared dinner for the women. My class was over at 6pm and I assumed that we'd be having dinner around 7pm because I saw all the men being very busy making things and preparing rice, etc. Around 8pm I finally asked one of the receptionists when we might be having dinner and she said it would probably be around 9:30. She was right, and the women sat down for a nice meal at 9:30 with the men acting as waiters. After we had eaten the men ate and then it was time for champagne, toasts and gifts. Our "bartender" kept moving around the room and when he'd come to me I tried to shoo him away since I still had something in my cup, but everyone insisted that he couldn't and that I HAD to finish up my cup and try the next drink. I drank up twice (anyone ever try to guzzle champagne?), but on the third go-round I just put my hand over my cup and made him pass me by. Then we had cake and they talked - in Mongolian, of course. I sat there as long as I could, but the effects of the late hour, guzzled champagne and sheer boredom got to me and I moved quietly into the faculty office so that I could use my computer and play some games, at least. Finally at 11:30 the party began to break up, but they announced they were going out for karaoke! I made my excuses and went home.
As I said, tomorrow is Women's Day, so school is closed. I may not update this blog again until Tuesday.
Friday I got a taste of Mongolians' appetite for nightlife. Monday (tomorrow) is International Women's Day, and in honor of it the men in the office prepared dinner for the women. My class was over at 6pm and I assumed that we'd be having dinner around 7pm because I saw all the men being very busy making things and preparing rice, etc. Around 8pm I finally asked one of the receptionists when we might be having dinner and she said it would probably be around 9:30. She was right, and the women sat down for a nice meal at 9:30 with the men acting as waiters. After we had eaten the men ate and then it was time for champagne, toasts and gifts. Our "bartender" kept moving around the room and when he'd come to me I tried to shoo him away since I still had something in my cup, but everyone insisted that he couldn't and that I HAD to finish up my cup and try the next drink. I drank up twice (anyone ever try to guzzle champagne?), but on the third go-round I just put my hand over my cup and made him pass me by. Then we had cake and they talked - in Mongolian, of course. I sat there as long as I could, but the effects of the late hour, guzzled champagne and sheer boredom got to me and I moved quietly into the faculty office so that I could use my computer and play some games, at least. Finally at 11:30 the party began to break up, but they announced they were going out for karaoke! I made my excuses and went home.
As I said, tomorrow is Women's Day, so school is closed. I may not update this blog again until Tuesday.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
After the train station
After my visit to the railway headquarters, I stopped at the Russian Embassy because I'll need a transit visa to get to Moscow. Unfortunately I was too late for the one hour per day that they are open for visa applications, but I made a note to return next week. After leaving the vicinity of the embassy I was stopped at an intersection waiting to cross the street when a car came barreling down the street, running the red light. There was a policeman at the intersection and he blew his whistle and pulled the guy over. I rejoiced, thinking that I was finally going to see some enforcement of traffic laws, but all the cop did was make the driver wait to proceed through the intersection until the drivers he was letting turn left into that lane had gotten through. I wonder what, if anything, they do give tickets for?
In addition, on my way to the embassy, I passed a fashion mall where, to my amazement, they had huge billboard signs of Michelle and Barack advertising clothing! The captions on the signs had them expressing how much fun fashion is. I wonder if the US Consul has seen these.
In addition, on my way to the embassy, I passed a fashion mall where, to my amazement, they had huge billboard signs of Michelle and Barack advertising clothing! The captions on the signs had them expressing how much fun fashion is. I wonder if the US Consul has seen these.
The train station
Yesterday I went to the train station to get my ticket for my Trans-Mongolian Railway trip to Moscow at the end of this adventure in UB. Five days on the train, rolling through Siberia and Russia and an overnight in Moscow before meeting up with Bill in Iceland seems an especially wonderful way to leave UB behind. So, as I said, I went to the station to figure out the schedule and buy the ticket. Wrong! They don't sell tickets at the train station. For that, you have to walk across the street and go down 3 blocks to the office of the railroad. When I got there I looked around and saw several signs, one said Peking, which I know is the end of the line going east and south and another sign said Moscow, so that's where I headed. I waited in line for several minutes while the man ahead of me was finishing up his business. When I got to the head of the line and made my request, the woman at the window indicated that I needed to go to the information booth in the lobby.
So, I went to the booth, and THAT woman (with the help of a roaming young man who spoke quite decent English) said I needed to go to the International Office down the hall. They told me that they couldn't sell me a ticket now, but that I could order one. I went to the office indicated, and THAT woman (who also spoke good English) said I needed to go to room 212 upstairs. Soooo, I did and then I seemed to make progress. I took out my calendar and we settled on a date and she gave me the total for the ticket: less than $200, which I thought was a very good deal, considering that Amtrak once wanted to charge me $100 per person to go from Madison, CT to Boston when I wanted to take the kids to an Indians game at Fenway Park.
I took out my debit card, but was told that I needed to pay cash. Luckily there is a bank branch in the building, so I got in line in that office. After making my way to the head of the line and handing over my debit card, I was informed that there was a "programm eror", as the note the teller passed to me said, and it should be about 20 minutes before it was resolved. Either that, or I could go back to the railway station to the ATM machine there. I went into the hallway to wait out the 20 minutes, when it hit me! My money belt! I surreptitiously loosened the buckle and slid out 2 $100 bills and tried to flatten them out as well as I could, remembering how they were rejected the last time I tried to change dollars for togrogs. I got back in line, the teller took the bills, gave me my togrogs and all was well!
Back to room 212 - the sign read "VIP Room" - the woman took my money, wrote out my ticket and wagon and seat assignment and I was on my way! When I got back downstairs, I returned to the International Office (my 3rd stop in my original travels) and asked the woman there about the ticket out of Moscow that I'll need. She said I'd have to buy that ticket in Moscow, but that they could make a reservation for me at - The Information Booth! I went back to the Information Booth, paid 500 togrog for the reservation out of Moscow and went on my way. I'm fairly sure that everything is right. At least I have papers in my hands that have the correct dates on them and the correct city names, so that's all reassuring. If not, I'll be texting someone from somewhere in Europe or Russia and giving you updated dates for my return home.
So, I went to the booth, and THAT woman (with the help of a roaming young man who spoke quite decent English) said I needed to go to the International Office down the hall. They told me that they couldn't sell me a ticket now, but that I could order one. I went to the office indicated, and THAT woman (who also spoke good English) said I needed to go to room 212 upstairs. Soooo, I did and then I seemed to make progress. I took out my calendar and we settled on a date and she gave me the total for the ticket: less than $200, which I thought was a very good deal, considering that Amtrak once wanted to charge me $100 per person to go from Madison, CT to Boston when I wanted to take the kids to an Indians game at Fenway Park.
I took out my debit card, but was told that I needed to pay cash. Luckily there is a bank branch in the building, so I got in line in that office. After making my way to the head of the line and handing over my debit card, I was informed that there was a "programm eror", as the note the teller passed to me said, and it should be about 20 minutes before it was resolved. Either that, or I could go back to the railway station to the ATM machine there. I went into the hallway to wait out the 20 minutes, when it hit me! My money belt! I surreptitiously loosened the buckle and slid out 2 $100 bills and tried to flatten them out as well as I could, remembering how they were rejected the last time I tried to change dollars for togrogs. I got back in line, the teller took the bills, gave me my togrogs and all was well!
Back to room 212 - the sign read "VIP Room" - the woman took my money, wrote out my ticket and wagon and seat assignment and I was on my way! When I got back downstairs, I returned to the International Office (my 3rd stop in my original travels) and asked the woman there about the ticket out of Moscow that I'll need. She said I'd have to buy that ticket in Moscow, but that they could make a reservation for me at - The Information Booth! I went back to the Information Booth, paid 500 togrog for the reservation out of Moscow and went on my way. I'm fairly sure that everything is right. At least I have papers in my hands that have the correct dates on them and the correct city names, so that's all reassuring. If not, I'll be texting someone from somewhere in Europe or Russia and giving you updated dates for my return home.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Missing puppy
Yesterday, when I fed the dogs in the morning, all 5 were there. When I went out after work, there were only 4: one of the puppies was missing. I walked all the way back to the end of the parking area: no puppy. I whistled for him/her: still no puppy. I did discover several interesting things, however. One: someone has built a dog house at the end of the alley and covered it with some blankets and there is evidence that someone else feeds them. Two: (and most importantly) there are 4 other puppies! These are much younger than the ones I've been feeding, in fact they are still nursing. What I can't figure out is where did they come from? (Yeah, I know...when a girl doggie and a boy doggie really like each other...) No, what I mean is - there are 2 adult male dogs and one adult female dog. I estimated my 2 puppies as being 8-10 weeks old when I got here in January, and these puppies are about 8 weeks old, which puts their birthday in December to January sometime. Momma dog couldn't possibly have reproduced again so quickly after the first litter, so...? 'Tis a mystery - just another one of many I've run across here.
This morning I came again to feed the pack (it has become a pack) and the original puppy is still missing. In addition, I'm concerned about the future of all of them because I doubt that this small area can support 8 (or 9) dogs, and surely there are more to come, considering the history of our lovers.
This morning I came again to feed the pack (it has become a pack) and the original puppy is still missing. In addition, I'm concerned about the future of all of them because I doubt that this small area can support 8 (or 9) dogs, and surely there are more to come, considering the history of our lovers.
Oh no!
The worst has happened! Involuntarily, I found myself creating lyrics to the garbage truck's theme song. Now I find myself repeating the words to myself the ENTIRE time the truck is within hearing distance. I am doomed!
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