Just a few more hours...

Off to Japan in the morning.  Will be spending a week with my friend Aron, playing tourist by day (including climbing Mt. Fuji!!) and catching up in the evenings.  Looking forward to good food and good times with my good friend before re-entering Americaland.  It's been a very emotional few days; the decompression will be much needed!

Stay tuned...Japan adventures will make it up here, as well as a final farewell, in due time.

Goodbye, Peace Corps

Today was the day I had been dreading, my final day with Peace Corps.  I'll save the sentimental gushing for another post, when I've had a bit more time to process and reflect on my feelings.  This post will just be a few photos of me with the amazing staff here, ringing the bell (symbolically closing out my service), and hugging everyone through the sobs.  July 18, 2014, 2:30pm ULAT, 1143 days of service. Countless friends and memories made.  Effective midnight, RPCV status.

 Couldn't even hold in the sobs to go get the bell!

 Saying thank you...Even though those two words could never express how grateful I am for everything those wonderful people did for me.

 Walking away for the last time...

Goodbye, UNFPA

On Thursday, July 10, I worked my last day at the UN.  My co-workers gave me some really sweet gifts and we hugged it out as I left.  I thought that was it.  I should have known better.

Yesterday, (July 17), I was called to the UN House at 6pm.  Very mysterious...I was greeted outside with a gorgeous khatag scarf and a traditional copper bowl (engraved!) of milk.  After receiving it (and swallowing the lump in my throat), we chatted over a bottle of rum (yeay, no vodka!) for about an hour until we all had to run to other commitments (I had a farewell dinner with the rest of the COSing PCVs).

 

Thanks, UNFPA YDP!

Naadam #4

I had written off this Naadam for a slew of reasons: fourth time, UB insanity, tourists, needing tickets...But I am so happy I went!  The city was full of activities, from the Three Manly Sports of the actual Naadam to cultural events all week long throughout UB.

 Best of Classics, an outdoor performance of dance, opera and music with fireworks at the end!

 The city was decked out in national pride in the days leading up to the Naadam holiday.

 Look at 'em danglin' up there!

On Friday the 11th I went to the stadium with my friend (and new Response Volunteer) Donna.  She gave me a free ticket as a thank you for always including her in our sitemate happenings!  We started in the square for the procession of the Nine White Banners.

 

Five generations: M21, M22, M23, M24 and Response!

 The banners just outside the stadium, waiting to go in.

 

Grabbed some khuushuur before heading in.

 Got my ticket in hand!

The following are from inside the stadium, the parade, positioning of the banners, and cultural performances:

 After watching a bit of the wrestling we decided to leave the stadium and find the archery.

 Me, Chinggis and a cup of airag (fermented mare's milk).

 President Elbegdorj shooting!

 After he made a speech, he walked along the fence and greeted the crowd...AND I SHOOK HIS HAND!

 We left shortly thereafter and stopped into the new Dinosaur Museum to see Tarbosaurus Baatar.

 Then we went to yet another cultural performance in the square...

Followed by a light show and fireworks!

After all that excitement, I skipped out on Saturday's events.  Sunday was the Deeltei Mongol festival, showing off the national costumes:

 

 

 

We wore ours too!

It was a really great Naadam weekend, though it did drag on a bit too long (Parliament extended it two days, Monday & Tuesday, shutting the city down those extra days).  But it was really great to experience another Naadam, my first (during PST) and last cultural event in this country.