Tsagaan Sar Celebration

Mongolians just finished celebrating Tsagaan Sar, the Lunar New Year, one of their most important holidays.  Most public places are closed for several days including our school which was closed for four days.  Families prepare by cooking traditional Mongolian food, dressing in their national costumes, visiting family and friends and exchanging gifts.  In honor of this important event our school hosted an International Day celebrating not only Mongolians, but countries represented at the school.  For more information on this holiday, please go to Tsagaan Sar.

My class.  Aren't they adorable?

My student, Danielle and her dad.

Yes, that's me in my traditional Mongolian costume.  When I was here before, I had this made for my son's wedding.  With me is my wonderful PA, Muugii.

Anar and

Khulan, students in my class.

The Americans and Canadians were on the first floor--a friendly rivalry.

Mongolians were on the third floor with artifacts and delicious food!

When I was here before these girls were in my 1st grade class, now they're 5th graders!

My girls--Haina, Soni, Bebi and Tselmuun.

Lots of fun and

lots of food!

Many of the parents participated.  This mom is representing Korea and wearing the traditional clothing.

And more food!

I love this photo!  She's from Russia.

 

I was very fortunate to be invited to Boogii's (my former PA) home.  This is her adorable son, Huchit and his grandmother.  We all know how important grandmas are:)

Winter Scenes

This is the Tuul River in Ulaanbaatar.  Right now it's frozen and people drive their cars up and down this river.  I've heard it's a great way to avoid the congestion on "regular" streets.  Now I'm from So. CA so I don't know if this is typical in snow/ice climates.

Looking out towards downtown.

They were having a great time!