Art and music

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend is a weekend of not much. No actual plans. So this morning I went for a walk to pay my phone bill (didn’t happen because the shop doesn’t open til 11am) and buy some souvenir stuff. I went to about 4 different shops and got some cool stuff, ready to bring home. Nothing for other people so don’t get too excited. I also got a really really nice leather handbag for 45000tugriks ($30). I got stuck in the art section of one shop. There’s so much beautiful art. I’ve already got some – I don’t need more. But I do. I’ll show you why:

Mongolian Art VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I didn’t buy anything as I wanted everything, so I have to think about it. I really want that photo you can see in the bigger picture above: it’s of a Mongolian man and woman, naked (except for their traditional hat) having sex on the back of a running reindeer. In real life, the picture is fantastically simple and cool. It’s on rice paper. The other ones I really like are just sketches of things: camel caravans, camels, traditional costumes……. And then there’s one with 4 large horses with four women – watercolour. How to choose? I already have some art I got from a different place…….. I don’t NEED more….. But it’s so beautiful, and very reasonably priced….. Maybe, if you fall in love with something in these photos, tell me, and I can act as an art seller and bring it home for you………………..

3pm today was the Mongolian orchestra playing at the Philharmonic Hall. It’s just up the road from my place which is convenient. Tickets 10000tugriks ($7.50). It was awesome! The orchestra was huge and we listened to brass groups, wind groups, traditional Mongolian instruments, singing, jazz music…. There was everything! It went for about two hours.

These photos are of inside the hall – the costumed Morin Khuur (horse head violin) players – and the orange jacketed jazz players.

Quite perfect

I just had my exit meeting for my volunteer position. It went really really well. They actually totally understand and accept why I chose to leave, and they've learned heaps from my position (as it was experimental).

The only thing that sucked (that I only just found out today) was that THEY made my work harder because they accused my counterpart of making me write his PhD thesis for him. Which is untrue - he asked me to write a report LIKE a PhD thesis.

The volunteer manager got mixed up with my English, I obviously wasn't clear enough. And they admitted just now that that's why it got even more difficult. They also said that the meeting (the one where I cried) was the worst one they've ever had, and they felt as terrible as I did (surely not: I didn't stop crying for 6 hours).

They just sat and listened and actually understood what I had to say - so much so that they had already figured out why I chose to go, and what the problems were with my position. They'd already come up with some solutions together. It was actually a really, really positive thing. I don't regret quitting, nor do I regret coming to Mongolia. I am really grateful that we could sit down (for 2 hours) and talk about how we can make it work better in the future, when people are in the sticky situation I was.

So I took those vitamin B stress tablets for nothing! I almost fell asleep from them because I was so relaxed.

In the meeting with my work boss, she said that my project proposal - for ger based tourism, was 'quite perfect' even though she's not even read it. She also said she wants me to present to the head honchos when they arrive next week (and I mean, the super important people). I have about 4 hours of work time to come up with an amazing presentation on something I pulled from my ass - because I didn't have time to thoroughly research. Doesn't mean I can't do it. I'll just introduce the idea as a potential poverty alleviation strategy in rural areas, and they can take it where they want to.

It's also scheduled for Monday afternoon, squished between two presentations because I'm not going to be here on Tuesday. No one knows that yet. I somehow have to wiggle my way out of having to be at work on Tuesday. Hopefully it'll work. If it doesn't - too bad. I'm going with Claire and her folks anyway.

I introduced the volunteer managers to another two potential host organisations, which is exciting. They're actually really keen to work - with Ger to Ger, and with Three Camels Lodge (that really cool ecotourism resort in the South Gobi that Dad and I went to). I've followed them both up again to ensure they know about everything, as I really think it would be a great relationship to develop.

I have mentioned before: Mongolia's a shit place to be to have shit things happen in Australia. A friend of mine is in one of those family crises that are really hard to handle from another part of the world. I'd just go home, straight away - but I'm a bit soft like that.

I wrote my list of things about myself and my time in Mongolia for that guy who is going to write a reference. The most significant dot point I decided upon is the following:

   Probably the most important thing of all is that I accept that working as a geologist isn’t just about unsustainable use of non-renewable resources. I can use my geological knowledge to influence positively on the hunt for more sustainable methods of exploration, development, extraction and energy provision. I no longer feel guilty about not being an aid worker dedicated to saving the world, because I can do it in my own way – in a practical, realistic way that I am capable of and where I believe I can really make a difference. I have explored an option of career diversification – at my own instigation but harboured through years of being questioned on my morals - that only lead me back to my original path of more sustainable mining.

Next week, on Monday, the super honorary Marie Bashir is coming to Mongolia. They think it's because Mongolian politicians are encouraging successful and inspirational international women to come to Mongolia to encourage Mongolian women to take part in the election in 2012. It means we get to meet Marie Bashir. Despite my initial ignorance (I really don't keep up with politics, I find it so banal and it never gets me anyway) - she's a freaking amazing woman! Go girls!

Marble cupcakes

It's a great day. The cupcakes I made yesterday actually are really yummy (with icing, you can't taste the extra bicarb I added). They're soft and fluffy, which after years of cupcake making, I've finally managed to do it right - once.

I'm researching Wwoof. It's short for Willing Workers on Organic Farms. They operate all over the world. The organic isn't my cup of tea, but the concept COULD work in Mongolia. Mongolians need diversification schemes. I've been hell bent on trying to figure out ways to make money. This scheme wouldn't directly make money. They'd get labour in exhange for farm help. Imagine being able to harvest enough native pasture to last your herd through winter in 5 days, instead of 20. Or getting someone else to milk your mares while you churn yesterday's milk into airag or curds (mmmmm delicious).

I have no idea how it would take. They might hate the idea. It would be difficult to implement as access to phones and internet is needed to encourage visitors. But with a base office, it's proven (in a slightly different capacity) to already be functioning in Mongolia. Why not try it? So I'm a bit excited and have been researching and emailing.

And the research I am doing in regards to mining and negotiation between landholders have proven fruitful too. The guy I emailed (professor from QLD), wrote back the next day with all his papers, access to an amazing resource he created for Canadian Aboriginals negotiating with mines, and an open invitation to get his entire presentation on Mongolian land ownership and negotiation with mining companies when he completes it. That's right, he's presenting a presentation on exactly what I was trying to do. And he's going to show it to me. I doubt I'll still be in Mongolia, but I can pass it on and hopefully it will be really useful!

In Maitland NSW, there is an antique shop that's about my favourite place in the world. I've got my table and chairs, a cupboard, lots of nic nacs, a pillbox hat, a rabbit fur coat and most importantly - a kangaroo fur coat. I bought it just before I moved to Brisbane, so it was rendered useless in the terrible humidity. THEN I moved to Mongolia and got to wear it all the time. I know why kangaroos can sleep outside in winter now. Their fur is so warm.

My presentation yesterday went as predicted. There were murmurs of interest about Field Days, Land Care, Bush Fire Brigades and Men's Sheds. The latter only because I spent 10mins explaining the benefits of Men's Shed - and no one knew what a bloody shed was. How was I to know that shed is an Australian thing? I knew a barn is a shed and a shed is a barn, but I imagined them to be interchangable. Definitely not.

Despite my work not turning out how I wanted (I would just like to concurrently point out that I am not surprised at how my job turned out - I had no expectations and never imagined my role to be anything like what I applied for. I am disappointed that I was hired but not needed for anything at all)......... I've had some pretty sweet opportunities. I've got away 'heaps' with work - even though it's only been three times, I feel like it was a lot. I went on holidays to Russia, and to Khovsgol and the Gobi with Dad. And now, two weeks before I finish my role in Mongolia, I'm going to Olkhon Aimag. I have been there twice before, but never for fun. My friend's parents are coming to visit. The visit coincides with an pre-planned work trip to the Gobi with some important people. That means there will be hardly anyone in my office. And certainly no one that will care if I'm at work or not.

So I'm going to live it up, for the second last time, in the countryside of Mongolia, with a really good friend and her parents. One week after that, I'll be going to Ulgii in the West. Two days after that, I'm going home! (well, hopefully. I still haven't got flights booked because I complained that the flights are stupid and I want another option that doesn't leave 3 stops and 2 entire days of transit).

Nat Geo article on Mongolia

I was going to copy and paste (and reference) this entire article, as I know some people will be too lazy to actually go to the webpage, but then - you should see it all - photos and all. It's great! It says things that I would never be able to articulate about Mongolia. There's nothing in the article that's new news to me, but it's all super interesting. The photos are great too. Go have a look for yourself!

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/10/ulaanbaatar/belt-text

I just got told I have to do my presentation - the boss walked, in - in a hurry - and announced I am doing my presentation. Now. I was suppose to do it about 3 weeks ago. I don't even want to do it. I don't care about it, they won't listen and I just... couldn't... give a shit. I LOVE giving presentations. These ones are just like ripping off a bandaid.

I hate using computers that has everything fake on it. I have fake copies of everything that makes a computer function. It means that right now, I have no sound in my laptop - none. It just says it can't play sound. And it can, because I used it yesterday. And I need it now. Piece of crap. It's part of my communication presentation - we're going to listen to the news.

It's raining today. It doesn't rain much in UB and especially not in October. It's really cool - except there's no drainage at all, so all the water just hangs around and you're guaranteed to get wet. Passing cars have no mercy and go out of their way to wet you. It drives me nuts. Most of the time I feel like there is no compassion or consideration towards others in Mongolia and it is really disheartening.

Off to do this bloody presentation.

No Car Day videos

Crispy leaves

You know in autumn, when the leaves fall to the ground and go all crispy - and you go out of your way to stomp on them just so they crunch under your foot? There are SO many leaves falling. They're almost finished and most people spend a lot of effort sweeping up the leaves (only to have more fall).
Pine nuts are also the flavour of the month. People crack open the shell of the pine nut and spit it out on to the floor. The nuts are also really cool and crunchy to stomp on.

Kicking around the autumn leaves

I have also noticed that when people get married, they get their hair chopped off (girls, I mean). Afterwards, after they're married - their hair disappears. I dread the day I even consider chopping my hair off. I love my long hair! (which, by the way, is slowly recovering from the hack job the Mongolian hairdresser did)

Hockey is on tonight and I will definitely be wearing my mouthguard. After last week's ice hockey episode, I'm not taking any risks. Bugger losing another tooth - it's way too much effort. Especially in Mongolia!

I had bacon and eggs this morning. I am so close to becoming a vegetarian. Maybe even a vegan, maybe. I couldn't stomach the eggs and I didn't even finish my bacon. That's very unlike me. Me and bacon are usually best friends.

I'm actually starting to get really anxious about leaving. I know I made this decision to leave, but now I'm thinking - what if I'm leaving too early? Maybe I do like doing NOTHING all the time...... Maybe I do want to experience the winter, and meet all the new volunteers that are turning up just before I leave. Maybe I don't want to go back to full time work......

Let me tell you cool things I've done lately:

• helped a friend's boyfriend get a geo job in Mongolia
• helped a Mongolian friend contact and get quotes for importing drilling rigs to Mongolia
• made a yukky, but peaceful decision to help a puppy with no future
• been offered to have a reference written to my boss' boss' boss' boss (in Australia) about me
• Sold my sewing machine and also helped a Mongolian lady increase her income by giving lessons to the lady whom I sold the machine to
• Found a really cool job in Sydney that I really want
• Forwarded on some great information about Mongolia's CSG potential, that will be forwarded again to more important people!

Mongolia's the only place I've been to where the word for 'mum' and 'dad' are significantly different to that of 'mum/mom' and 'dad/papa'.

Mum = eigch

Dad = Owh-oh

No Car Day

I’m not in a big writing mood today. So you get the short version. Yesterday was no car day. The main street in town was blocked off. Lots of things were organised. Chalk drawing on the road, rollerblading, bike riding, soccer, health checkups, basketball…. Everyone was so happy. Playing around, running around, talking, walking. It was great. We walked to Narantuul as I had to get boots to wear to Ulgii (it will be cold) in three weeks.

Everyone at Narantuul was in a great mood too. There was something in the air.

I went to a housewarming last night. I got drunk. Now I’m hungover. I had a great time. From what I remember.  I said a lot of silly things. I was talking about Tom Albanese for some reason. I talked a lot about jobs and stuff.

		No car day VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Monochrome Mongolia

Monochrome Mongolia VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

It’s been a busy moral week. My housemates bought home a dumped puppy. I didn’t want it. It’s a cute thing, but it’s mean to have a dog inside and we won’t be here forever to keep it. After three days, one housemate decided that she didn’t want the pup anymore. It made the house smell, and it growled at her once. It was 6 weeks old – that’s what puppies do.

I know that lots of animals get dumped because people don’t realise how much effort they are, but I never actually thought that someone could dump an animal, having committed to it. I was being naive about it – and now I’ve had first hand experience.

She wanted to put the dog back on the street. It would freeze to death, be run over, or live to have more litters of street puppies with no homes. I couldn’t give it to someone else as I couldn’t guarantee that the same thing wouldn’t happen to the poor thing a third time round.

My other housemate and I talked it over a bazillion times. We talked to a lot of different people about it, and we decided it was best to put her to sleep. It was the only way I could ensure she wouldn’t suffer. It cost 12800 tugriks.

These photos are from the roof at my work. The pollution is getting bad now. You can see how smoggy it is in the photos.

I have three more weeks of work.