It’s been 4 months since my last post. Many things have happened and rather than back date a whole series of events, I’ve decided to tell you about the one thing that’s been consistent these last 4 months. Winter.
Winter. I love it. Truly it is my favorite season. I like bundling up. I like knitting warm things to be worn in winter. I love the crunchy sound snow makes as you walk on it. I like white and the way the sun makes everything sparkle.
Winter in Mongolia is different. My body has reached new depths of cold that I didn’t think were possible. And I have found my threshold temperature at where I no longer like winter. Forecast: -35F, *feels like -48F. This is a temperature where tights, thermals, and jeans are not enough to keep your legs warm on a 20 minute walk to work. This is a temperature that sucks. But thankfully it has only been that cold a handful of times.
Tsaagaan sar starts on Feb. 22nd. This is the Mongolian celebration that marks the beginning of Spring. Families make 100’s of buuz to be eaten by all the visiting relatives and friends. Some families make over 1000 of the little meaty dumplings. It’s the biggest holiday of the year and lasts for anywhere from 3-7 days depending on where you are in the country. I’ve been told by at least 3 Mongolians that the weather will be significantly warmer as soon as tsaagaan sar is over. It’s like a magical holiday after which “Presto!”, it’s Spring and no longer cold. I have my doubts.
The Other Side of the World 
