Country home with family

Went to country home to visit Eej (Mummy) and Aaw (Daddy) 2 Sundays ago. It was a really beautiful day. The hills surrounding it has become green. Bb,Ariuka (niece), Fuudee (nephew) and I took a hike on the hill nearby. It was not a very difficult climb but very rocky. Panting and heaving ourselves up the hill, this shows how unfit I have become!!!

Nevertheless, after the climb, we had a nice barbecue outside!!! yummy food, yummy day, yummy time!!!

The GOOD and the BAD

Autobus is a common way for Mongolian people to travel. Its cheap, its fast and its buses are frequent. At 300Tugrug, you can go from one end of the city to the other (if the bus is on the route).

Bus might be packed with people like sardines and the driver drives like a F1 driver. Reminds me of the time when we used to have minibuses. hehe.
However, one thing I noticed is that young people will give their seats to older ones. Though not all of them does it but at least there is sense of respect in them to give their seats to the elderly. Sometimes, the elderly will request that they want your seat.

I guess this is one wonderful habit that they have. :)

Happy Women and children's Day 1.6.10

It was Children's Day on 1.6.10 and it was a public holiday here in Mongolia. Big events were lined up at Sukhbataar Square and at other places too. Traffic was so bad that day that it took me 1 hour to get home. Well, it was fun though seeing all the kids with their toys, and laughing happily albeit the scorching sun and heat.
During my bus trip home, I though I witnessed a sandstorm! Wind was blowing strongly and as the roads and walkways are dusty, the wind brings up all the dust and makes visibility low. I thought I was in the desert!
hehe.
Anyway, it was a nice day as well.

Ramen Noodles soup anyone?

Today is my third attempt to cook ramen noodles soup. Baagii and myself invited our friends over, Sainaa, Aagii and baby Anand for lunch. It was not that difficult to cook and in fact, it was kind of fun.
The first time I cooked it, I was nervous as I was cooking for the whole family and was afraid that Eej and Aaw won't like it. But it turns out ok. hehe.

My friends commented that the soup is nice and they enjoyed it. :) After dinner, we just sit around and chit chat.

It just makes my day!

Getting used to my life here

Well, its been 3 months since I came to Mongolia and I must say, I am beginning to get used to the life here. The wind, the dust, the traffic jam, the cold, the food and above all, my Mongolia family.

Its a warm home to be in as Eej (Mummy) is always making sure I eat, eat, and eat. hehehe.
And Aaw (Daddy) always make sure I am kept warm when I go out. He will check my socks and make sure my coat is good enough to withstand the cold.

Now that it's Spring, its very windy and dusty. However, with rain recently, the trees are just about to get green. So, I guess Summer must be here soon!!! Hooray!!!!

I received my visa extension!!!

Finally, I have received my 6months visa extension to remain in Mongolia. After waiting for almost 2months! I thought I was going to be deported back to Malaysia. Hahaha
Anyway, I asked the immigration that if I want to go back Malaysia in the duration of the visa, what would happen? Guess what he said?
I, a Malaysian who wants to go back to Malaysia for a holiday, need to apply for a VISA which will cost me USD28!!! Isn't that funny? But anyhow, I am prepared to pay that USD28 if it allows me to go back to Malaysia. hahaha!!!!!

It's a traffic jam, Misters!!!

There goes the honking, everywhere! And its in a stand-still traffic! I can't understand these people. Will their honking make the traffic disappear??NOT!!! But seems like people just don't get it. You get people like this everywhere. They honk and honk in a stand-still traffic as if it will make the cars in front of them go away.

Headache !

For example the bus I was on yesterday. All cars were inching forward slowly and yet the bus driver kept tooting his honk. It just gives me the headache!
ARggghhHH!!

The nomadic ways of Mongolians

I once asked my student, how come drivers in Mongolia are so impatient? And why isit that they don't follow the traffic regulations?

This is what I got from him:
Mongolians used to be nomadic. They travel by horses most times and they make the rules as they go. They go wherever they want to go and whenever they want to go. Since there were no proper roads back then, they were the king of the roads or pathways or whatever they call it. With modernization and more traffic, they still used to ride like that only now, with a car. They are impatient and wouldn't give way to other vehicles. Thus, the 3 lanes for 5 cars.

The honking here is endless and is especially worse with the buses. They will swerve left and right and with a busload full of people. Reminds me of the time we had our mini-buses. It was scary the first time I took the bus but now I got used to it.

I still remember too when back in Malaysia, people will rush to get onto the bus but for the past few year, I think people are starting to get in-line which I saw at the LRT station. It is a good practice and I am really happy that Malaysians are becoming more civilised.

The first time I took a bus here in Mongolia, I was nearly left out of the bus because I was not fast enough to get on it. I noticed, people here push their way through to get on regardless if there are people getting down from it. I observe and now, I too have learned the way of getting onto a bus. Its not that I am not courteous but if I let other people push me, I wouldn't be able to get on the bus. Becoming like a Mongolian now??? Maybe... hehehe

Never ending winter in Mongolia

According to locals, this year's winter is the most harsh and longest winter they have ever experienced. Over millions of live-stock perished in this freezing weather. As most of the country-side people survive on selling the beef and mutton to the market, they are the hardest hit. And because of that, price of red meat has risen over the winter.

Although its nearly end of May now, its still chilly at times. You may get sunny and hot day in the day time and then come evening, its cold and these days , rain too. Not very good for people like me as I fall sick easily with the change of weather and thus now, my nose is blocked on one side, I am losing my voice and basically coughing my lungs out.

I really wish the summer will come quicker but by time it really comes, its autumn...


dang!!!!

Culture shock in Mongolia

First impression of Mongolia, So cold! The mountains were still covered in snow when I arrived.

Second, I was like on a bumpy ride on the way home. The roads were all pot holes and uneven surface. Maybe its because of the snow. It made the roads like that but I don't know for sure. So, there I was bouncing my way home on the 4WD. hahaha. luckily I didn't throw up!

Third, traffic is really bad here and I thought Malaysian drivers are crazy, here, its 10times worse! Imagine 3 lanes for 3 cars can end up wt 5 cars???
Well, people say you usually get culture shock when you go to a Western country but I guess it happens in Asia as well!!!

Welcome to Mongolia

Its' been 2 months now since I am here in Mongolia. When I tell people that I am coming here, their first reaction was, WHY MONGOLIA???? Its freaking cold there.
Well, it was really cold when I first got here. It was somewhere around -13deg but its also much better compared to 3weeks before that when it was -30deg!!!!

I was greeted by my bb and his friends at the airport. The airport is really a very small one though its considered an International Airport. In comparison to Beijing Airport, its much smaller and very basic. I had to transit twice before I reach Ulaanbaatar. The first was at London then it was at Beijing. In both the airports, I was like doing a marathon because the gates where I was suppose to go are at the far end of the terminal. Having to carry one luggage and a heavy loaded handbag, I felt like I was carrying my whole house! hahahaha

The journey to Mongolia was pleasant though I didn't get much sleep. Partly, I was worried bout my things as I was travelling alone. Secondly, I guess I was too excited. :P

I was tired and a little jet-lagged but upon seeing my bb at the exit gate, all weariness dissappeared. I am so so happy to see him after being apart for 1 year. It was a torturous 1 year but we managed to pull through the time and distance and finally be together again.

After the greetings, hugs and kisses, we were on our way home for a scrumptious meal prepared by bb's mom(Eej) and sister(Egch). Nervous as I was to meet my new family, I was more overjoyed to be finally with my bb again...

Leaving on a jet plane... AGAIN!!!

Finally, the day that I have been waiting for has arrived. I am embarking on a new adventure but this time with Baagii. Hopefully this trip is well worth my effort and that things will work out for me in Mongolia!!!

I am missing UK already. Really indescribable feelings now.

Missing home as well...

4more days to go

My oh my.. How time flies. When it was 18days, its only down to 4 now. Really heavyhearted to leave...

18days to go!

well, I only have 18days left in the city of Liverpool, the city that has been home to me for the past 2years. I kinda liked it here already though sometimes the wind is annoying. But, it can be pleasant when there is sun and less wind!

I am leaving Liverpool to go to another country where its 20times much colder even in the day!!!
I am really not sure how I am gonna survive there but I will!
Shall keep everyone posted on my next adventure!

...

Gosh, I realised I haven't written anything since last year.
Well, this is gonna be my first one for 2010 and lets hope I will not slag again!

It's already February. Its almost time for me to leave UK. I am heavy hearted to go but I have my constraints and I do have another destination to head to. Sometimes, how I wish all that I wish for will go my way. But life doesn't happen that way, do they?

When I look back at the 2 years I spent here, I am really glad I took this journey. I found someone I really really want to spend my life with albeit he is from a foreign country. But somehow I felt I connect with him and that's where my next adventure is taking me to. Alot are at stake but I am willing to take the risk. You never try, you never know.

In the 2years I am in UK, I have learnt to value my family and to spend more wisely. Not that I managed to save alot but at least I managed to fulfill some of my dreams. Some may call me silly for leaving my job in Msia to come to UK and be a waitress. Though waitressing does not need much of thinking to do but its a job that requires attention and speed.
You need to be attentive to your customers, you have to be fast in clearing the tables, you have to know what to do if customers are unhappy, you need to make sure there are no mistakes in their food and the list goes on and on.
I am very grateful that in the course that I've been a waitress, I've made friends with some customers. I feel appreciated when they say thank you and they really meant it.

A lovely couple gave me a farewell gift the other day. Nearly made me cry as I can feel tears welling in my eyes. I was too lost for words just thank you. Other regulars customers too commented that they wish I won't go and that if there is anything they can do to help me stay back. But I guess, my journey in UK is coming to an end and when its time to leave, I just had to go.

But, fear not. I am going to my babe. Been separated for almost 1 year now. I can't wait to go to him.

Keeping my fingers crossed that I will update this blog diligently!!!!