soupy says

I’m currently sitting in the Peace Corps volunteer lounge getting some computer business done before I meet a couple friends for breakfast.

 I came to UB on Monday for my mid-service medical exam. I’m healthy, and somehow, in this country with its plethora of candy and sugared drinks, I escaped with no cavities.

 I’m heading today to Bagakhangai to assist a volunteer with his training of trainers for a health project. I and another volunteer will run sessions on family planning and effective presentation skills. Bagakhangai is technically a district of UB. However, it is about two hours outside of UB and seems to govern itself completely independently of the capital. I’ve been told that we are riding camels today. I’ve lived here for almost a year, and I have yet to ride any animal. (Although, Mongolians have inisted that I sit upon various horses so I can have my photo taken. That does not count as riding.)

As always, UB is relaxing and exhausting at the same time. All of the M17s are having medical check-ups at the same time. There is lots of eating, hanging out, and some dancing for good measure. Thus far, I have consumed two bananas, chinese food, korean food, and more vegetables than I ususally eat in a week. I have yet to eat a sandwich, but my visit isn’t over yet.

green things!

Originally uploaded by mmgoodsoup.

It really is amazing the power of spring.

When I first spotted green blades of grass weeks ago, I almost didn’t believe it. I then started seeing leaves sprout from tree branches. When I first saw a batch of the purple flowers, I stared at it, convinced that it couldn’t be real.

Most Mongolians don’t like spring. The weather is even more unpredictable than usual. In April, it was in the 60s, and then suddenly, everything was covered in snow. Sand storms appear from nowhere and can be over in a flash or last forever. However, for me, the warming weather, and the greening of the earth is too wonderful for me to be angry at spring.

I didn’t think winter was that bad. I mean, I had to wear a lot of layers, but it wasn’t anything like I feared. [Note: this was the warmest winter in Mongolia in 20 years.] But now, screw winter. Bring on the summer. However, I am a little nervous about the heat. It was 80 yesterday, and I was hot. ha. I think I’ll survive. I have to. I am due quality time swimming in the river.

But then I leave my apartment at 8am and almost trip over a man holding a sheep to the ground; a knife rested beside them.

Good morning!