Winter Holiday Adventures Part 2

Intermission: I spent about three weeks in Thailand between the first and second halves of my winter holiday adventures. During this time, I met with many like-minded friends who encouraged and challenged me in a meeting setting. This time afforded me friends, fun (ultimate frisbee, the beach, laughing, stories), and great Western food including several stops at Starbucks! Further, I vacationed with several friends to the Island of Koh Samui which was 3 days of pure bliss. It was warm and humid! Two things that I miss from Oklahoma. We swam, walked on the beach, snorkeled, drove around the island, and celebrated a good friend's birthday!

Back to my winter vacation adventures: Upon returning to the country, I stayed with a friend for four days in Hohhot. During this time, I enjoyed the company of friends, did some specific shopping (imported food store), and ate McDonald's several times. My treat while in Hohhot! Then I returned to my home for a day, before heading out to the grassland again.

Now, when it takes 3 Nationals to coordinate when you are supposed to get off your bus, things don't seem to be very optimistic. Anyways, after traveling for about an hour and a half, the bus stops and there is my student, Hairtu. I am grateful to see him and to know that he was there to meet my bus. So, we hop onto the family truckster (translated Chinese motorcycle which most Mongol families have as their primary mode of transportation) and head to his home. Now, his home is down a paved road, a dirt road, and through the sand dunes which surround his home. This trek lasted for about 30 minutes in the cold, whipping wind. We arrive at his house and I am warmly greeted by his brother. The usual scenario entails over the next few days. Stuff the foreigner, refuse him to help out with the work, and bring him along to visit the whole family / surrounding neighbors. Now, I really enjoy my visits to my students homes; therefore, these things don't bother me. But, they are customary! Hairtu has a large family who was very gracious and hospitable to me during my visit. His paternal grandparents offered for me to live with them permanently. They were so excited to have a foreigner in their home, they did not want it to end.

During my visit to his maternal grandparent's home, the electricity went out which directly affects two things: tv and light bulbs. The loss of tv is not a big thing, but that one halogen bulb that lights the room for 4 hours each night is somewhat crucial. Out come the candles, flashlights, etc. Well, we finish eating dinner and begin to head home. This time around when heading home it is dark. Thus, through the country in the dark with Father's creation in the night sky as our guides and miniscule cell phone flashlights, we made our way home. The next day I headed back along the same roads to the main highway to catch the bus into Wu Shen.

I head into Wu Shen and spend 3 days with Hurwa. I visited his house before in part 1. While here, he and I enjoy each other's company while walking around his hometown. We meet up with his best friend who goes to school in their hometown. His school has already started, so I had the opportunity to meet some of his classmates thus making new Mongol friends. I really did enjoy it! Additionally, I saw several of my own students from school. My time in Wu Shen was relaxing and enjoyable.

Now, I am back in Erdos, and we began school this morning. So, it is back to the 'usual' of class and relating with my students. I already have open invites to continue my adventures this summer. I anticipate them!

For now, I have added pictures and will add some more soon from my adventures in Thailand and in the grassland! To view my pictures, just click on any of the pictures displayed and it should automatically take you to my photos page!