Saying Goodbye to Mongolia

As I sat outside watching the Tuul River meander downstream I reflected on my life of almost 72 years and how blessed I’ve been with a wonderful family and wonderful friends.  I wouldn’t trade my life for anything!  I had always wanted to live and work in another country and within these last 8 years I’ve been able to do just that for a little over 5 years.  It’s been an incredible journey full of many discoveries and a lot about what I discovered about myself.  It will be bittersweet to say goodbye that is for sure.  But Mongolia is a part of me so I will return, but in a different capacity--who knows?!  I made the right decision as the government just passed a law not issuing work visas to anyone over 60.  They’re trying to stimulate the economy by giving more jobs to Mongolians.  Some say it’s becoming more of an isolationist government.  Isn’t the world an interesting place right now?!

I’m an expat and will have an adjustment being back “home” so through other expats I found some websites to help with that adjustment expats adjusting

It was difficult to choose the pictures for this blog because I have so many photos (many you have seen), and so many memories.  I love that I’ve connected with the Mongolian people and their incredible land.  I guess at a later date I’ll have to put together photobooks and other books about this incredible experience.  Stay tuned!  At the end I included the Buddha statue in Zaisan because it was almost the only thing here when I arrived in 2009 and even though tall buildings are everywhere, it still dominates the landscape and seems to watch over all.  And my last photo is Dawa, my driver.  I have known him since 2009 and I think he probably saved my life by always getting as close as he could to the entrance to the markets so I wouldn’t slip on the ice/snow!  I will miss him and his sense of humor.

One of my students from three years ago said and I quote, “Even though Ms. Diane you’ll be in California, we will still be friends.”

The Tuul River

My wonderful program assistants from years past and present, Muugii and Boogii celebrating with me at the Shangri-La Hotel.

I'm learning to make buuz, a favorite Mongolian cuisine with Muugii and her daughter, Amina.

 

This is Gandan Monastery, one of my favorites.

I love this photo of these two monks just chatting at Dashchoilon Monastery, another favorite.

Another favorite is Zanabazar with lots of Buddhist displays.

I would just go into this art gallery because it was always so quiet and peaceful.

This is the famous Mercury Market with great produce.  It's been written up in western papers.

Our English club met in a small coffee house and it was a pleasure for me to a part of this dynamic group of mainly young people.

Mary & Martha owners, Bill and Irene have been in business in UB for 15 years.  They came for five and well, they are terrific and do wonderful work for women.

The famous Millie's

I'm standing between Millie's owners, Daniel and his wife Densmaa and my favorite servers.  As most of you know, I frequent this place a lot mainly to get a great breakfast Saturday morning.  When they see me coming, everything is ready when I walk in:)  They are the best!!!

I've known Niema, my hair stylist since 2009 and she gets me to look good for functions below....

The IWAM gang--actually we are at the German Embassy saying goodbye to Nina (past president and the tall one next to me) as her and her husband are being posted at the Embassy in Berlin.

He really didn't want his picture taken, but he humored me.  These guys are great!

"Flagging" down a street
taxi is very common in Mongolia for all of us.

It wouldn't be Mongolia if I didn't show a photo of the snow/ice.  It was November and I was in a taxi going into town on the worst snowstorm of the season.  You gotta love it!!!

Everyone at Tom N Tom's knows me including the owner and knows exactly how I like my "drinks." 

Doesn't this capture the beautiful sky?
 

I've worked with these wonderful 3rd grade teachers, Morene and Ash for three years.  Can't you tell we're heading towards the end?!

This is where I shop.  It's very similar to Costco.  That's Dawa's white car parked right at the entrance.  How does he do it?

Another one of my markets that now has a delivery service using electric cars.

I'm glad Dawa drives and not me!  My apt. is in the blue building behind middle/high school.