Shin Jil

I was dreading this party for so long. I was constantly thinking of excuses I could give to get out of going. But, I went....and I had a WONDERFUL time! It was amazing! It wasn't close to what I thought it would be. Yes, there was vodka going around the entire time and a whole lot of dancing--but no pressure involved. I love dancing the Mongolian waltz! I danced with several people, who were kind enough to teach me as we went. Justin and I learned how to Mongolian Waltz this summer, but I have since forgotten. It was so easy to just let your partner twirl you around in all of those circles and glide along the floor. I had so much fun. I don't think I've laughed so much without Americans present. It was a good thing.

We had the party in the school gym. My teachers let me know that normally you would have a Shin Jil party at a restaurant (fancier), but we have so many teachers that it was less expensive to host it ourselves. We had a tasty spread of food: apples, oranges, tomatoes, candy, dried fruit, juices, sausage, etc. Then our main course came out: CHICKEN! (another thing I was dreading was having to eat mutton-- as is normal at Mongolian gatherings). Then out came the dessert of ice cream and red berries. It was delicious. The tag on the outside says 'Merry Christmas 2011' but inside it says Happy New Year in Mongolian (one in the same).


We toasted the new year, and fireworks were set off inside, and then the dance began!
I took a picture of a teacher (who was the designated drink pourer)giving drinks to everyone. Notice how he touches his elbow while he gives the drink--a Mongolian tradition to show respect when you are giving (and receiving) a gift.





This is a picture of me and my hashaa mom (my neighbor). She is also my training manager at school. Her name is Oyuna.


I really had a great time and am so happy that I went. I feel like I got to know a lot of the teachers better and it was important for them to see that I am having a great time with them (I was!). I wish I could be Mongolian waltzing right now--spinning around on my ger floor. :) Happy New Year!

What is American Traditional Clothing?

Tonight one of my students came over to my ger to talk. She wanted to practice her speaking skills because soon she will have a speaking exam. I asked her basic questions, 'What's your name, How old are you, What is your favorite subject', etc. Then we just got to talking about other things. She asked me if I owned Mongolian traditional clothing (a dell) and I said yes. Then she asked what American traditional clothing looked like. I was stumped. Then Justin (who was making dinner in the background) yelled 'blue jeans!'. It is true. We've been wearing those comfy second layer of skin for a long time. Then she asked about American traditional food. Hot dogs? Hamburgers? Meetgui (I don't know).

The countdown for Christmas is here. Mandalgovi will have a humble get together at the Newberry Ger. 2 out of 5 of us are missing (1 of our sitemates is in UB working--bummer-- and the other is in the States on Medical leave--also bummer). I am excited to roast some chicken, mash some potatoes and bake a pie!



Now, there are actually 2 countdowns going on. One is to the best Holiday ever (Christmas-- only 5 more days) and the other is for a day I am dreading. Shin Jil (6 more days). I know I probably offended a great deal of people but I am just not looking forward to this party. Shin Jil (meaning New Year) is just what you think it is, except in Mongolia they decorate New Year's with Christmas decorations-- even Santa has an appearance (but it's nothing at all like Christmas, so it's kinda just there to mock you). Each organization puts on a huge Shin Jil party and I've heard they can last up until 6am the next morning. It is drinking vodka, dancing, drinking more vodka and dancing some more. Now, to some this sounds like a dream come true, but there are two things you need to know about me: I don't drink AND I don't dance. I'm lame. I know. So why am I even going to this party? 1)I do want to go. I want to experience new things and live a little, I can't stay shut up in my ger all the time. 2) There are 3 major holidays in Mongolia and this is one of them. If I didn't participate it would be disrespectful-- and like #1 said, I do want to go. 3) This goes along with #1, but I can't say I've experienced Mongolia and lived like the locals if I don't celebrate Shin Jil with them. And 4) I am in total obligation.

This Shin Jil party that I am going to is put on by my school. Spouses/family aren't invited to organization parties like they are in the states. Therefore, Justin cannot go with me. If you know me, you know I'm a very shy person without my hubby. But I'll survive. This party is on December 26th. Expect an update by December 27th.

For now, I am keeping it out of my mind and focusing on Christmas! I will be watching A Muppet's Christmas Carol and wishing I was singing the songs along with my family at home (one of our crazy traditions).