Why I love Mongolia

This week hasn't been quite eventful (other than starting Insanity...I'm on Day 5!) so this will probably be a list of things I love about this place!  First I will talk about the big thing that is probably the catalyst for this post.  On Monday our teachers had a teachers' night out in the countryside.  We went at about 6:30 and spent the night in one of the teachers' ger and ate cheese, ааруул (aaruul), horhog meat (potatoes and carrots for me), and of course the usual airag and other Mongolian celebratory drinks.  There was lots of of cheers, singing, talking, and laughing.  And in a ger with over 40 Mongolians (it was a bit packed, but hey), I didn't feel like the odd American in the room!  It felt so great to feel at home!  Before and after that evening, I just can't stop thinking (and smiling) about how lucky I am to be in this country!  So now for the list:

1.  It's beautiful country!  (Mountains, rivers, rolling hills, blue skies, etc.  What more could you ask for?)
2. The people are so nice! You can't pass someone without them saying hi (in English or Mongolian) and greeting you with a smile (and sometimes a whole conversation)!
3. So many animals everywhere! (Camels, owls, golden eagles, cows, sheep, horses, etc...and that's just out in the wild!!)
4. They love volleyball!!! (Enough said...my favorite sport)
5. Meals?  Super affordable!   I can go to a little Mongolian restaurant and get a fully cooked meal for about 5,000 tugriks (and that's on the expensive end!  And the money is 1500 to 1 usd).
6. The teachers at my school are great!  Young and always so ready to learn english (so they can talk to me).
7. The slower pace (well...when you're outside of UB).  I love the small town feel of my area (and my training site).
8. My site mates are just FANTABULOUS!!!!  I know I've said this before, but it's true.
9. My hashaa family....they're just great.
10. The people are so proud of their country and culture!  They are always ready to tell you about Mongolia and what is great here.

There are many other reasons that words can't even properly explain.  I'm so lucky I got placed here.  I'm terrified of the winter, but I know I'll enjoy my 2 years here.

Oh....and here are pictures (it took me forever to upload these).  Goodbye until next week!!

My ger in the beginning!

My ger after the change! (My bed is gone, and the futon is now my bed)

Our hashaa dog!  Isn't she cute?

My hashaa.  My ger is the one on the right!

Camel! (This is in Darkhan, but I thought I would put it in)

The view from my school window.