Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Final Weekend in UB

The final countdown began weeks ago. I've been scurrying about town, trying to sew up loose ends. Trying to get everything out of my system. Trying to prepare for my departure. I've got it all planned out. Tomorrow I will take a bus to Muruun, the capital of Khuvsguul aimag. From there I will hitch a ride to Khatgal. By Saturday I will be treking around Lake Khuvsguul. For my entire stay here I've been hearing about how awesome and pristine this place is. I want to check it out for myself. Upon my return to UB I will fly to Hawaii to visit old friends for a week. Then to Seattle for a similar visit. Finally a train home. I'm stoked. It's been a long year, and it's coming to a close.
My level 5 students made a plan to meet me for lunch. I love when they do that. For all the drudgery of school work and living in a decaying Soviet sattelite, through the worst winter of my life, I must say that I really do enjoy teaching and I absolutely adore my students. The one's who are dedicated to learning anyway. One student from this class is amazing, I'm quite humbled in fact to be her teacher. She's only fourteen but everyone believes she's older. Mostly because she has a more mature air, she acts more like an adult. She says her favorite subjects are Chemistry and Physics. I hated physics in high school! This girl is still in middle school! She asked me how to get a job at NASA the other day. Whoa.
So we met and took a walk to find the Predator statue. I think they were stoked. I was happy to share with them. Such a surreal place to find such a thing. My time here has been less than pleasant yet truly unforgettable. After the statue we had lunch and spoke about future plans. They all seemed dubious about my Khuvsguul trek.
That evening my homies from Santis joined me at Zaisan, the Soviet war memorial that overlooks the city. We took beers to the top and watched the sunset. It was glorious. UB has never looked finer. I'm truly going to miss the people I've met on this venture. They are an eclectic bunch with a lot of heart, and a penchant for mischief that never fails to amuse. Such comrades are a dime a dozen yet cherished like gold.
So, I'll be off for the next two weeks. I will have no internet access but I will be shooting photos and keeping a diary which I promise to transcribe to this blog in due time. Stay tuned. Peace.

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