Human Library

On Saturday I was a volunteer at our high school that hosted the Human Library Organization  This was all new to me.  The Human Library is a place where real people are on loan to readers.  Instead of books you have a person.  It's a place where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered.  And let me tell you, they were.  It was mind blowing.  Every topic was very sensitive. 

 

This was organized by one of our high school teachers and high school students.  Many of them volunteered that day.  I was so impressed with these students--amazing!!!

Every session was filled with mainly young people, but some older.

Each session had a Mongolian/English interpreter.

I listened in on the genderqueer person and the questions were sensitive and answered very honestly.  I learned they want to be called they or ze. 

All of these people talked about how difficult it is in Mongolia even though it's changing.  But many stigmas still exist especially with older people.

This was by far the saddest story.  She's still being abused by her ex-husband with almost no help from the police and/or the government.  I have contacted IWAM to see if we can get her into a support system.  It's very difficult in Mongolia.  I was so moved that I started to cry.

This lady is a lawyer.

 

Hong Kong in the Spring

Some people love Paris in the Spring--well, I love Hong Kong in the Spring!  This year I met up with Christy, my teaching partner at ASU for two years.  It was very special to spend time with her to celebrate her 40th birthday!  Wow, I think I can remember when I turned 40!  I've been to Hong Kong several times so I tried to capture some new images.


Dinner at Sabatini Italian Restaurant.  When it's your 40th birthday, you have to wear the crown.  I did for my 70th!

 

Victoria Harbor with Hong Kong Island in the background.

A birthday isn't complete unless you have high tea at the Peninsula Hotel.

We met up with two more ASU teachers, Ash and Tommie and had drinks at a rooftop bar.

We passed the crown to Ash who is turning 25!  Yikes! now I really feel old!

Chater Garden on Hong Kong Island and it looks like international bagpipe players.

Street scenes on a holiday.

Victoria Harbor

This is one way to dry your laundry.

Victoria Harbor reminds me of San Diego Harbor, but I don't think you would see this type of boat traffic there.

The Intercontinental Hotel is a great place to enjoy the magnificent view of the harbor and island:)