I'm at a loss of words to describe the western version of new years... a pageant maybe? Students and teachers have their own separate parties weeks before the new year. There is usually a small show at the beginning, some games, food, and dancing. Have you ever learned how to waltz? me neither, but its an important thing at these formal parties. the day of, many of my teachers were scrambling to find a fancy dress to wear. I played a small song on my horse fiddle during the performance section, and was really nervous. People said it turned out okay though. On actual new years eve, families celebrate at home. I made pizza for some of my Mongolian family and friends and we watched the countdown on TV.
As opposed to staying up until midnight, for the lunar new year, people get up early and go up on a mountain to greet the first sunrise of the new year. this time I visited the small town where I spent the first summer training.
For some reason I didn't end up doing this last year, so it was a first for me. It was pretty cold in Selenge (where I traveled to) but thankfully, I had some hand warmers and toe warmers with me :) So it wasn't too bad. In this picture you can see a mound of rocks with some colorful scarves in the middle. Here people sprinkle milk, or vodka around it clockwise. Also people light incense, offer food, and leave money on it. Only the men come up to the mountain, and traditionally, only people born certain years are supposed to go. For example, I was born on the year of the cow, but this year is the year of the horse.Anyways I, got to meet my host family's sons as well as some other relatives.
Here's a picture of one of my host family's neighbors houses. On the table, everyone decorates a centerpiece made out of bread and dairy products and sugar. Also they place a large plate of sheep meat on the table. This holiday has no defined ending - officially it lasts for 3 days, but people may still invite you to their house to celebrate weeks afterwards.
Last week, my school had their traditional costume day. Its one of my favorite events to see all the students in their fancy clothes. During winter, everyone wears a long piece of clothing, called a "deel." They wrap it with a belt, generally made out bright colored cloth. Some guys also wear a Mongolian jacket "hurem" over their deel. As a final touch, people often wear a fancy hat made out of animal fur.
So, what was I talking about? Oh yeah, work. Its not productive to try to push projects while everybody else is busy with preparing and celebrating holidays. It can be pretty frustrating when volunteers are ready to work, but there's a lot of other stuff happening such as competitions or what not. Now that it will be March soon, me and my school will begin practicing for some English competitions coming up the following month. April will probably be the last big project month before the school year starts to slip away.
