Lake Khuvsgul

My article about traveling to Lake Khuvsgul has been published by Venus Adventures, an adventure travel company for women.  Right now it’s on their Facebook page (see below).  They’ll see how many hits it gets and then decide what to do next.

Venus Adventures

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!

More with my camera....

Peaceful winter scene with ice skating rink at Sukhbaatar Square.

I love this photo!  We just had Crazy Hat Day.  Look at the little boy in the foreground.  He only has eyes for the camera.  To get the full effect, click on the image to make it larger.

I love photographing children.  I was at this art museum/gallery and stumbled across this class for young people.  The art teacher is on the left.  See the boy in the background--his hand is moving as he watches the girl draw.

Welcome to 2015 and Diane's new camera!

Well, I'm back in Mongolia (the temperatures are unusually "high") after spending a wonderful holiday season back home...and I gave myself a Christmas gift...a Canon camera with two super lenses for all the photography I love to do!  Below are a few photos of my students...the camera is amazing!!!

Thanksgiving in Mongolia and more....

I'll be home in less than two weeks for the rest of the holiday season! 

Thanksgiving in Mongolia with Christy.  By the way, this was taken with one of those new Polaroid cameras.

 

ASU Thanksgiving in motion....

Mark and Kathleen carving the two turkeys that cost $93.00 each!  This was the first time for several of the Mongolians to eat turkey, and guess what, they really liked it:)

Recently, grades 2-5 went on a field trip to an international camp outside the city.  Below is a video of students and teachers dancing.

 

Somehow, I'm always in the presence of Nordstrom (right down the street from State Department Store).

Several weeks ago, I was honored to be a part of a Mongolian hair cutting ceremony for Boogii's little boy.  Everyone participates.  Please read the link about this important hair cutting tradition.

So handsome!!!

 



239th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Ulaanbaatar

The Few, The Proud, The Marines

Yesterday, I attended the first ever Marine Ball in Ulaanbaatar.  It was an honor to be a part of this!  About 160 people were present--including twenty from our school and many Mongolians from different walks of life.  It was amazing to see our two countries/cultures come together.  It made me proud to be an American.

I met the U.S. Ambassador Piper Campbell, Lt.Col. Ruth Pulaski (retired), and the eight marines who are stationed at the Embassy.  Please click on this link to learn more about the Marine Security Guard

I have added photos and two short videos that I think you'll really like.

Some of you know how much I love to dance--well, I danced until midnight and it was very fun!!!

Sometimes I'm really surprised at all the things I'm learning by being on this journey.

Mark, ASU middle school teacher married to Kathleen (next photo), also middle school teacher

Lt.Col. Ruth Pulaski

Hey, what can I say....

U.S. Ambassador Piper Campbell