A ReFleCtIoN oN GeR LiFe InjUrIEs (GrueSoMe PicTuReS InCluDeD...ThoSE WiTh WeaK StoMaChS ShoUlD WanDeR No FurThEr))

As I look back on my past year I realize I have had more injuries than the normal person. We all remember my trip to Thailand to fix my crooked pinky that I injured during my CYD (Community and youth development) Training at camp last July. Well it was an amazing and unexpected trip, but my finger remains permanently crooked (I have to say, it was worth the free trip though)! Since then, I have had numerous injuries stemming from Ger life.

For Instance: This burn, coming from my stove pipe!
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And then there has been pointer finger injuries I have sustained while cutting kindling. This is what it looked like the first time...

And This is what it looked like the second time.While both times look painful, surprisingly, only the second time actually hurt. 

About a week prior to the second finger injury I impaled myself with wood while cutting kindling. I had an infected wrist from the incident as you can see from the swelling and redness. While the swelling and redness have gone down, the wood remains, in my wrist because it is in a place that is hard to get and possibly attached to; most definitely surrounded by arteries.  Since it doesn't hurt for the time being, in my wrist it will stay until the end of my service, unless it works it's way out of my skin. It's an interesting memoir of my service since i can move it around in my wrist. Of course, it is also slightly disgusting to have some random foreign body in your arm. .

While growing fingers back is actually easy (it's like when a chameleon grows back it's tail) it's still incredibly painful. I have to admit though, living Ger life has made me tough. With each new injury I give myself a pat on the back from sticking to my guns and staying in my Ger. It's become home to me and moving is just out of the question.  I also notice that I am not the only person to cut my finger; MONGOLIAN'S DO IT TOO; and they've been chopping away for years. You just wrap the injury to keep it from bleeding everywhere and becoming infected and "keep on swimming" so to speak. Things happen, injuries occur, there is a revolving door of people coming and going from your life, but the strong survive, they excel and they find a light at the end of every tunnel.

A YeAr In the LiFe OF JeNn

Everyone that has a blog has participated in the yearly updated. My nostalgic synapses is coming a bit late, as I have always been a chronic procrastinator; especially with things I do not have a timeline on. Thus, I'm perpetually late with posts and events, which is not very different from the Mongolian people.
So here I am. A year later, a year older and still enjoying my time in Mongolia. Pondering this year, I feel that I have grown and become accustomed to the Mongolian life and more importantly Ger life. I may cut a finger here and there (yeah that's not a joke) but I have a Khasha family who cares for me and close friends that I share similar experiences with. 45 people started training with me just over a year ago. One person left quite early on in training process and I remember feeling badly that the experience wouldn't be shared with them. SO that makes 44. 44 people and I sat in an initial meeting in Washington not knowing what was in store for us and not at all able to comprehend what we would go through, emotionally and physically over the next two years. I remember waiting to see what my host family would be like, all of us in our respective groups and wondering how we would be received. I remember getting to the middle of nowhere and seeing a school, watching my 11 training site mates leave one by one until there was only me left as my khasha dad was a tad late. Then I remember the trip home, asking what dog was in passing and thinking Pec was going to turn around and go back when all i wanted to do was rest. Then I remember being completely alone, in my host families Khasha and having no idea what to do or where my friends were. The first meal I helped with. It was Gittus (stomach) that i helped stuff fill with blood.
That was the first week of my new life. Flash forward to the end of PST (post service training). I found I no longer had a boyfriend and we were also down to 41 PCV's. Some had left during training not feeling like this was for them. I felt excited. I was ready to cook my own meals, live in my own Ger and meet my Khasha family. Much like a child I was ready to leave the nest and experience work in the real world (the Mongolian world). Before swearing in we met our counterparts. Mine was a lovely lady that I would get to know well. Dashka with a warm smile, and a beautiful family; just look at this little one! Daskha smiled constantly and I was excited to see what my new surroundings would be like. Then it was the day we would find out where we were going. I remember going to the children's art and waiting for my name to be called. As PCV's were called, we dispersed on the HUGE map that covers the park. Finally my name was called. I was irrationally excited even though I had no idea where Arkhangai was. When we were all able to walk around everyone  kept telling me that Arkhangai was gorgeous and Tsetserleg was the most beautiful aimag center in Mongolia so I was ready to go!

Next I remember getting to site with my new site mates, watching my dad hook up the electricity in my Ger and unpack.
It wasn't long before the PCMO's (Peace Corps Medica Unit) called me and told me I would need to come in for my finger. A week in UB and I was told I would be going to Thailand for surgery. While in UB I met an amazing English Man while crossing the street and two weeks later when I came in to fly out, we had our first date in the Blue Sky building.

Bankok, Thailand was amazing. The food, the shopping, the entertainment at the cabaret bar, the drinks and the tourist attractions made me feel like I was on a mini vacation instead of in for surgery. The fact that I didn't have surgery and just went in for PT every other day was icing on the cake.  

When I got back to site it was work work work. I have realized that some projects are implemented quickly and stay implemented while others come and go. Injuries happen probably more often  than they should but it is all relative to the experience. Christmas was the hardest time I have had in Mongolia but thankfully, I had site mates that made me come and hang out with them. I've lost two incredibly amazing people (my Aunt and and Uncle) while I have been overseas but you realize that life goes on at home and well, here, in Mongolia. There are day's, like today where I am busy for a few hours and can then update my blog and then other days when I am so busy that eating is barely an option. I have learned to use very little resources for what I need and create opportunities for children to run with ideas and I am having a blast.

Last weekend as I saw some of the the current PCV's and I felt in aww. We now have a meager number 39 (1 is COS'ing [conclusion of service]) which pales in comparison to the 95 PCV's that came in. It was quite a feeling watching the newbies take their first step into Mongolia and I couldn't help but feel genuinly excited for them. This is such an amazing and unique opportunity and not everyone in the world can experience what PCV's do in their everyday lives. I hope that this first year flies for them like it did for me.  

Looking back on the last year I don't regret a thing. I am happy to be here, in Mongolia being forever lost in translation, as well as creating a better life for the youth I come in contact with.

Making educated transportation choices through trial and error.

Your destination: UB also known as Ulaanbaatar and MECCA. Shopping, spices, exotic foods (Italian, Spanish, Mexican, American) and peanut butter. 

They way is long...but it is worth every second whether it be crammed in a Meeker, bouncing up and down in a under-equipped car or traveling via the ever reliable bus.
Trial and error is half the fun if you don't mind wasting the day away, for the road is long; the journey exhausting and filled with the same 3 Mongolian songs....good luck!




Meeker  (full disclosure this does not just come in yellow)            r

 I decided a 7pm Meeker home from UB, it would be the way to go because I didn't have to get up early or really rush to the station at all. Plus, i've known people to take them and they have had rave reviews so I decided I would give it a shot.  Here's how it went.

After taking a cab to the Dragon Center I was initially worried about finding the appropriate Meeker to go to my aimag at 7 at night.  I found that it really was not that difficult and in five minutes had found where I needed to be.  As long as you are able to shout out your aimag name, even in the hustle and bustle of the Dragon Center people will stop and help you.

That being said always remember to watch your stuff at the Dragon Center..if you look too lost and like a tourist you are more likely to become a target for pick-pocketing.

Next, after discussing prices, I found a seat in the Meeker. I thought it was a great seat but I quickly recanted that way of thinking. I chose a back seat. It looked great. One person; awesome. Next came the wait. In about 20 minutes people started packing in the meeker. I was in a seat meant for three people with three guys. The wheel was by my legs so I was unable to move them freely or comfortably and because I am small people just generally think I can fit into a space that an 11 year old could fit into.

It got worse.

While I was being crammed in the backseat of a van like a sardine it became clear before we even left the Dragon Center that the seat in front of me was broken. Thus, I was holding up the seat with my knees, and with some help from the guy beside me. Although I was by the window, I felt more claustrophobic than in any other situation I have been in.  All in all, 19 people were crammed into the meeker meant for 15 at the most.

Another situation that became of concern barely an hour out of the city was the amount of weight on the tires. You have a meeker with 19 people and luggage stuffed not just inside of the meeker, but on top as well. A tire popped. Now the roads in Mongolia are not great. TIM (this is Mongolia). Usually I can take the roads regardless of how bumpy they are because the bus always manages to get me there but this-was-painful.

After fixing the initial tire, we had three or four more instances where we had to stop because another tire had burst or something had happened under the meeker (Yes I heard hammering on metal under the meeker).

When we finally arrived to our destination, me drifting in and out of fitful sleep from exhaustion and an inability to get comfortable, it was 7am. Regardless of how the trip went me being dropped off in front of my Khasha was the silver lining.

 A joyful car-ride
I went to UB for the weekend and my friends from school had indicated that they would also be going up so I could ride with them for 20,000 tugs (about 12 bucks) versus 23,000 tugs and a cab ride (about 35,000 tugs or 17 dollars). In Peace Corps every penny counts and that amount of money can be the difference between going out for one meal or cooking, yet again at home.
The car ride was interesting. I was picked up about 8am and by 9:30 we had started out of Tsetserleg. The time in between was spent picking people and packages. We fit 5 people in the car but it was comfortable so I didn't mind. All in all, I thought it was a very Mongolian start.

When we got on the road...it was slow slow slow. About an hour in we went to where Davaa's wife Chancer had grown up. I don't remember the name but it was picturesque. The town was at the bottom of the mountain and it was about 20 minutes off the road on a dirt road.

Her house was around the hill and you couldn't even see the town where we were. It was gorgeous. They had baby goats next to their Ger so I of course got to go see (and try to pet them). They had some horses and sheep but they were out grazing in the fields. I enjoyed some tarek (yogurt) and watched them put more tarek in containers that would be sold in UB.

When we left Chancer's house we had two children, numerous containers of talek and a much much heavier car that went even slower than before. Next stop was the old government center in Tsagaan Suvraga that was a bunch of shrines inclosed by a huge white wall. People were also outside selling their goods. I couldn't shop because again, I am Peace Corps and I am a special kind of poor. During this stop I also realized it was only about an hour and a half away from Tsetserleg; and I had been on the road for 3 and a half hours. Not and ideal turn of events but what could ya do? Mongolian's are very family oriented and that's just how it is!

About an hour later we made a stop to drop off some of the tarek and get a tire fixed. Another 30 minutes was added to the trip during this stop.

And, another hour and a half later we arrived at the halfway point where it was time for food and a quick break! Knowing I would be encouraged to eat I got some rice and egg. Mongolians tend to eat Huge portions so they were very concerned that I had not eaten enough. I assured them I was tatson (full; which is an extremely important word to know in Mongolian)

We got on the road and about 4 and a half hours later we arrived in UB. There was a conversation about where I was going and, a car met us in the Ger district. I was told that Davaa and Chancer could in fact not go into the city because they did not have the appropriate license plates and I was then transferred into their friends car and they took me to my final destination. All in all it was a little over a thirteen hour drive. It was exhausting and I was done by the time I arrived at my final destination.

 Bus rides
8am or 2pm: get into  a bus
 11:30-12:00 or 6:30-7pm=stop at the halfway point
4:30-5pm or 9:45-10:15= arrive at the dragon center

Hail a cab and in 20 minutes your in an apartment/hostel or hotel.
Time:8and a half hours to 9 and a half hours

My conclusion:
While other people have had great 7-9 hour 6 people meeker rides, I am not lucky enough to chance it. From now on, I take the bus! It's better on time, and I know what to expect. When that starts breaking down, I shall be sure to re-access!

 

Dance Dance Dance

Regardless of how old I get I love to take dance classes. Most of you that know me know that I have taken dance since I was 4 years old, I proceeded to get an associates in dance and was part of a dance company at Fredonia. After the college years I managed to continue taking dance classes in Boston MA, and Austin Texas, as well as continued being interested in the nightclub scene just because I get "'could jiggy wit it" as much as i wanted to without anyone so much as batting an eye.  When I came to Mongolia I learned a national Monglian dance for swearing in and have held some dance classes at my HCA (school). You can imagine my excitement when I heard that they would be holding drop-in classes in UB for modern and ballet, only my two most favorite types of dance. 
In Mongolia, it's good to have low expectations. When I was finding out more information about the class times and types I stated I should probably take an intermediate class because well, I am rusty. When I showed up to the class, thinking I was going to be right on-time I was told the class would in fact not start for another hour because the time changed. slightly irritating but at least I was able to get my bearings and see the studio. It is a simply beautiful studio however there are a few slight problems. The floors are not super conducive for dance because they have polyurethane on them. Gorgeous if you were living in a house but it makes it difficult to not stick to the floor while you are dancing. Half of the room has a seating area. Great idea, but that area could be used for more floorspace because in the middle of the room there are two pillars. The two pillars don't allow for more than 7 people to comfortably dance (and that was a stretch). There is a nice amount of bar area for ballet conditioning and mirrors cover the front of the room (which was nice).
The dance routine was simple and I caught on quickly. So for the remaining 45 minutes I worked on perfecting the routine as well as tweeking my body to make sure it was in the correct alignment.  The country music in the background was really off-putting and if i go again I will ask that they not play it. The teacher said I was different from others' that had come in and asked where I had danced, saying that I was good. I sadly found out there was only one level for adult modern and ballet but I do plan on going back because it was a nice change of pace and regardless, I love dance. For what it was, I had fun and am feeling the effects of the day after dance soreness. It's just another posh expat experience in a Mongolia.

Orange Day

Last weekend I received a call from an RPCV (retired PCV). His organization in UB and he are trying to raise awareness about violence against women in Mongolia. In his call he informed me that every month on the 25th it would be great if everyone could wear orange to raise awareness, and it would be great if i could get my school to participate this month to start the trend. I of course jumped on it and Monday (Tuesday was the 25th), had my interns go to the classrooms and explain what would happen the following day. It was clear that violence against women was not really a thought that the children had because we got a few chuckles out of the request. Yesterday was a mini success. A plethora of students wore orange and held the sign UNITE to signify coming together to stop violence against women. No one however, showed up to the second picture. I had involved other schools to the second picture but no one showed up for it from other schools either. It was a tad disappointing but really I was just amazed that so many kiddos wore orange. Going ahead, I am having the interns create an "Orange club" to get kids involved in creating monthly activities that will be held the 25th of every month. I am hopeful that the children will want to get involved and maybe help educate others in the community about the importance of taking a stand against not only violence against women but violence in general.

29 and feeling fine (миний төрсөн өдөр)

A month ago I had my first Mongolian Birthday. It fell on a Wednesday so the birthday festivities didn't happen till later the weekend when I went to UB. I was extremely excited that I would be spending my birthday with my new expat friends and PC friends for my birthday weekend. My weekend started with an amazing home cooked meal and a unique birthday present. I got an easel from my guy and couldn't wait until dinner was ready to experiment with my new present!  The next day Katelynn, my really good PC volunteer friend that I roomed with from day one in Washington came into town. After a fantastic day of shopping and doing all things girly, we all got dressed up and went out. After a fantastic dinner with about 10 friends we went out to another bar and then finally out to a club where (thanks to said boyfriend) we had an amazing time in the VIP section. The weekend ended on Sunday with Marc by watching a ballet performance and having a delicious dinner. It was fantastic to be able to just watch a ballet  in UB, but the females in the performance far outshined the men. It was still amazing to just be there. The restaurant made me feel like i was back in Boston. It was delicious, and one of the most perfect birthdays I have ever had.

нохой миний гэр идэх!

THE DOG IS EATING MY GER! This was the sentence I managed in Mongolianwhen I called my Khasha mom this morning as I heard ripping of felt. The dog next door (he's super cute and gentle but clearly very cold) was attempting to eat his way through my Ger either to see me, eat my breakfast or get warm. He broke through the fence (as he has done before) and managed to pull whatever his leash was attached to enough to get to my Ger. It was humerus yet unsettling for the simple fact that if he managed to get through all three layers I would be left with holes in my Ger that will practically invite the cold in. Soon after I managed this call, my Khasha dad had the dogs family take care of him. He is now on the other side of the Khasha next door; which also works out well  because his enormous bark won't wake me up at 2am anymore!