Saying Good Bye

I really wanted to name this blog horsing around, but really what is on my mind is saying good bye.  Well I have had a ton of fun and I went horseback riding a few weeks ago, but now I am finishing packing to go.  I went to the countryside with my friend Kay and we say a few things I have not seen.  We ate a new Mongolian dish, hung in a ger, went horseback riding and took tons of photos.  It was a good week to do plenty of touristy things right before having to come back to the US. 

I would also say that horseback riding is no joking matter too.  It was fun, but so painful!!!!  Let’s say I was fearful of my future offspring.   Here is a video from the experience.  

Here are pictures of horseback riding and the past few weeks. 

My Horse and the End of Me!

Pam, Kay, and I at Turtle Rock

Zaisan Monument

Part of saying good bye was the graduation ceremony that my school had.  It was really interesting.  I really enjoyed myself during it, but it made me realize how much I am going to miss my students.  The ceremony not only honored the students graduating from 9^th grade and going to high school, but they also recognized me.  I felt very honored.  A student sang a song to me and made a small poster for me.  I wish I would have been able to keep the poster, but I got a photo.

The ceremony had a few performances and a certificate giving time.  It was very interesting.  I took a lot of video and here is some short sections from the ceremony.  I have edited some of the music and other things so you are not seeing all the original things, but it much shorter now and much better.

Here is that video.

 I have been packing things up the past few days and saying my good byes.  I am going to miss a ton of people here, like my students, teachers and staff, my Mongolian friends, and my fellow English teachers.  I have been blessed with a ton adventures here in Mongolia.  I have been blessed with my great memories.  These past few months have been unforgettable for me.  

Chiggis Khan

Turtle Rock and Random Pole