Before I start on Tsagaan Sar, I thought you might like to see the following photo.  This is the moment when my camera froze at the ‘World’s Coldest Picnic’.

Always, beautiful blue skies and sunshine.

Think of what I have had to say on planning ahead in Mongolia.  A contradiction in terms?  Well to make matters worse, the pundits can’t agree about which day is the actual Tsagaan Sar(White Moon.)  So we have two days to choose from.   The ‘purists’, mainly older people are opting for the 7th February rather than the official New Year’s Day on the 8th.  

So the year of the mouse/rat begins on either Thursday or Friday, depending on which astrologer you favour.  I’m still recovering from finding out that I am a ’snake’ - born in the year of….. that is.  Meanwhile, the pig still rules! 

Since the main thrust of this Festival is about respect for older people, and I mean anyone who is older than you.  e.g. your older sister, brother, parents, grandparents etc.  Anyone older counts and commands respect.

Of course, since I am, practically, the oldest person in Mongolia, there are few people to whom I can show my respect.  Oh yes, there are rituals and greetings and gifts, for example a blue Buddhist scarf which is draped over the wrists of the visitor and transferred to the host during the greeting.    Young people rise with the sun and greet their elders, “Amar bainauu?”  “Are you well?”  Outstretched arms, palms upwards, and a bow towards the elder. 

I shall visit the homes of both Directors, Zulaa’s parents and I have decided only to visit one teacher, Darijaw, since she invited me weeks ago.  (Is this a record for Mongolia?)  Remember the boy who ran away to UB? This is his teacher.  There is no way I can visit all the teachers, so I shall visit no-one else.  A person could be killed with kindness, very easily, here.  Think of the food!  

 However, the toasts will not be made with vodka, as is the custom, since, that spirit is still banned in Choibalsan due to the untimely death and serious illness of many people from poisoned vodka.  Of course, some people have acquired or have reserve supplies, so who knows what we shall be drinking. 

Schools are barely operating and many pupils and staff have already disappeared to the countryside to be with their families.  At the moment, Zulaa and I are working mornings only, so life is fairly easy – but only for foreigners.  Locals, are feverishly intent on making their home absolutely as perfect as can be.  In my building alone, the noise of electric machinery, new furniture arriving and old, departing, fill the day and NIGHT!

Can I survive Tsagaan Sar?  And will I manage to meet anyone who is actually older than I am?

Oh..oh! 

Look what arrived back on the shelves today – just in time for Tsagaan Sar………………….

Here is some of my stash for visitors.  Note the special blue, Buddhist scarf which is a traditional gift for the host.

Cheers, Willie!  Happy Big 50!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like my first three guests have just parked their car!