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quirks and joys.

I have been thinking the past few days about all the quirks of Mongolia that Erin and I have been finding great joy in. I thought I'd share some of those with you...

First, let me set the scene for you: I am writing this while eating a rather soupy bowl of broccoli soup. It's warm, though, and that's all that matters. Right outside my window is the coldest capital city in the world, UB. It is 22 degrees out there today. And I am sitting here without having taken a shower in 2 days. I woke up this morning and could not take a shower because currently we have no hot water. And that...that's just the beginning.

Here is the mere top 11 quirks that bring us joy:

1. The days of the week are just 1st day, 2nd, etc. until you get to Saturday. Saturday literally translates to half good day while Sunday is a full good day.

2. When you text message you text in English-Mongolian (I call this Engolian) because their phones don't have the Mongolian language on them.

3. Our teacher mysteriously got up and left our classroom today. A few minutes later she called our cell phones just so that we could practice talking on the phone in Mongolian.

4. Our bus driver LAUGHED at me when I tried to say thank you to him today.

5. I am petrified of all the dogs here because I didn't get my rabies shot. I'm only afraid because I don't know what country I would have to go to for treatment. The dogs are sweet here so I don't know why I'm so scared, though.

6. We thought it was great news that we had a washing machine. We soon found out that wasn't such great news...it flood our bathroom floor [see picture]

7. Our refrigerator has a winter setting. I am not really sure what that is for...

8. Our TV shows: Russian (Russian version of MTV complete with a dubbed "Pimp My Ride") Korean, Mongolian and Chinese channels. Oh and I almost forgot, we also have an American rap channel.

9. Mongolian food=fried, meat-filled, hotpockets (not literally, that's just how I describe them)

10. We live next to the Wrestling Palace.

11. My personal favorite thing: the main road here is called Peace Avenue. They don't use any other road names but this one.

I'm sure you can tell there are many, MANY more but I will spare you all the details. Erin and I are learning to laugh at the quirks of Mongolia and enjoy them for all that they are. I hope that this brought you some joy, too.

Comments

  1. Unknown28 October, 2009 22:04

    I love the joy you have found in the quirks of Mongolia. You made me smile this morning. Keep the posts coming and stay warm! Love, Kathryn

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wendy28 October, 2009 22:28

    love love love it!!!! :) Great way to start the day reading your blog!! :) Have a fantastic day!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Heather Bishop29 October, 2009 00:50

    i love this! and i can't wait to visit the wrestling palace on peace avenue.

    ReplyDelete
  4. O-Town29 October, 2009 03:34

    I am so thankful the Lord has given you a joyful spirit. My post would have read "I'm crazy...It's 22 degrees...I would be crying but my tears would freeze...I'm dirty...I can't wait until I can take a warm shower and it's 70 degrees outside." Oh wait. I have been saying that. But it's been 40 degrees, and I have warm water. Oh well.

    Can I just tell you I was so excited when my blog feeder showed up that "Ulannbatar" (or wherever you live) visited my blog.

    Love.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Karen Crawford29 October, 2009 07:37

    So glad you are finding humor in your new adventure. Keep learning, loving, and sharing. Praying for you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Trent30 October, 2009 11:31

    Holli! If you get bit by a dog you can get the rabies vaccine after the fact. But make sure they give you the cell culture vaccine and not the one from rats. That stuff will mess you up as bad as the rabies. Peace!

    ReplyDelete

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