A Mongolian Wedding and Updates

A few weeks ago I was invited to a wedding of my friend Ganaa, who works at MIU and who also is in a class I am teaching. The wedding was held at a local restaurant, and filled with about 80 family members and guests. Weddings in Mongolia can range from completely traditionally Mongolian to totally Western. Many take some traditions of both worlds, as Ganaa did. It was a nice time to be a guest at the wedding.

I have also posted a few photos of friends in Ulaanbaatar and students at LEI.

It has snowed here a few times, signs of the cold weather that is coming. Today is 50F (10C).. beautiful. In a few days the temperature will be getting down to a low of 0F (-17C) at night, 30F (0C) during the day. We are ready :)

The bride and groom. Notice the traditional sheep's head and whole sheep on the table :)

Some MIU students who performed some pop dances.

Our friends Carey Ko and Annie (Chadraabaliin Molormaa)

My friends Annie, Bachka and me :)

The bride and groom with some of us.

Our friend Ganaa and me

Annie and Bachka

My student and friend Gan :)

... preparing a cake for our LEI teacher Carissa's birthday ...

Carissa with her cake :)

Our friend Ebu at Papa Cafe :)

Great photo of my Kathy with Ebu :)

Demka, one of our excellent students at LEI :)

Daniel our new friend :)

Saihnaa, another of our new friends :)

Our friends May, who works at MIU, and her sister Khanda

Time to go... Maria, JP, Hulan and Saihnaa :)

Maria, Soko, Saihnaa, Ankhzaya, Kathy and I at a movie night at our home :)

Our friend and "niece" Nance at Papa Cafe :)

Fall Semester Is in Full Swing :)

The next week is already midterm week! And interestingly, it is snowing here in Ulaanbaatar tonight. The main thing that continues is the involvement Kathy and I have with students, teachers, friends and contacts here in Mongolia. (Though I also always am in contact with some wonderful friends in other parts of the world!)

Following are photos of friends and students I often see. I took photos of some of the teachers and classes one day recently. I also was on a team of students at the fall MIU basketball competition. Always great to run run run! We came in 5th out of 12. Ok! 

As always, I like to add a few scenes of Ulaanbaatar and the MIU campus. It is true that you can make a work of art from the ordinary things of life, if you only have your eyes tuned in to see it.

Johnny and Sue, my "son" and "daughter" :)

Chaagii teaching one of her classes.

Natasha with her students doing a song :)

Natasha with one of her classes.

Carissa teaching a class.

Khishgee with a class :)

Nina teaching one of her classes.

Sasha and his sister from Russia, students at LEI.

Chimgee with one of her classes.

My friend Jinny!!

... with a little friend at the MIU bball competiton ...

... with Davka ...

Maral, Gan and me ... :)

Our basketball team and some friends :)

Demka, Enhbat, Tsegii and Bujee ... :)

Evening sun at MIU