Thai breakfast treats

Chumphon, Southern Thailand

Friday, December 31, 2010

The breakfast buffet at our hotel here on the beach is really making me happy. Besides the view, here are a few reasons why:

• Coconut pancakes
• Tiny Thai bananas
• Fun eggs

Paradise found

Chumphon, Southern Thailand
Friday, December 31, 2010

It took us a while to find, but I think we're there. Here's sunrise from the outdoor dining room...

Huge, wide beach and endless pool, too, surrounded by a lovely jungley-like surrounding. Nice kiddie pool, too. Good food at the restaurant and super friendly and helpful staff.

Great place for the kids...

Here's a link to their website: Chumphon Cabana

Trees with coats

Seoul, South Korea

Friday, December 17, 2010

We are in Korea for 48 hours on our way to sun and fruit in Thailand. I was fascinated to see that the trees here in Seoul appear to be wearing cummerbunds made of straw. But just enough to keep their midriffs warm.

And then I saw several trees with full body coverage. Still not quite sure what the theory is, but it is awfully cute and very lovingly done...

Mailing tape flexagons

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

This week it was time for one of my favorite math projects: hexa-hexa-flexagons. Constructed from paper mailing tape (remember when time was...), these wonderful math toys are easy to make and good for endless hours of fun. Finding the patterns is a great exercise in topology.

Until this year I thought there were only 15 patterns to be found, but this year three of my students found 18.

Photos: 1) flexagons in progress and 2) one student's work...

The return of Sinterklaas

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Sunday, December 4, 2010

Around the corner he came on his horse, right there in the middle of downtown Ulaanbaatar: Sinterklaas has returned! Reportly he took the train across Siberia and got a horse here at the train station in UB (instead of his usual arrival by boat and horse).

In any case, we were all happy to see him--especially the children!

Bat engines

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Saturday, December 4, 2010

A recently discovered that her Thomas toys will stick not only to each other but to the pipes that connect our heaters. Now we have a whole flock of bat engines lined up.

"best before Apr 2009"

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Friday, November 26, 2010

We celebrated Thanksgiving with colleagues tonight, and in preparation, I managed to get ahold of a can of pumpkin in order to make my first pumpkin pie in years. Only as I was spooning the pumpkin into the bowl did I notice that the bottom of the can read "best before Apr 2009." Oh well. In it went, and the pie came out just fine. You can't be too fussy when you live in Mongolia.

Thanks to colleagues for bringing the rest of a lovely Thanksgiving meal...

Light a fire

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tuesday, November 23, 2010

To be fair, it's only 5.0 °F (-15.0 °C) outside right now--though it felt colder when we walked home an hour ago. But just now I looked out the window and noticed two gentlemen under the hood of a car with what appeared to be an open flame. Further inspection revealed that they were most likely trying to warm the engine block enough to get the car started. But still, I am not sure that holding burning pieces of wood under the hood of one's car is such a good idea.

(A few minutes later they gave up and pushed the car across the parking lot -- what? to await spring?)

Thanksgiving fruit

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Sunday, November 21, 2010

An enormous pile of tiny mandarin oranges greeted me at the market today. More than anything, they remind me of Thanksgiving as a child. I'm sure it's just coincidence that made them mysteriously appear a few days before Thanksgiving, but it was a happy sight.

Five of them will fit in the palm of your hand.

Still blooming red

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Sunday, November 21, 2010

Five months after coming home from A's pre-school as a seedling, our petunia is still blooming. One flower regularly every week. Apparently this flower doesn't know (or care) that snow covers the ground outside and that the temperature is predicted to drop to -9° F (-23° C) later this week.

Wrong color apron

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Shopping in UB, as I have mentioned before, is all about pattern recognition. Lately, my favorite flour has not been anywhere to be found. Then, last week, I found some and snapped up a couple of bags. Only today when I opened one to bake some bread did I realize why I had a nervous feeling when I bought the flour: it was the wrong stuff. The package DID have the little Russian girl on it, but her apron is the wrong color.

Looks like I ended up with either whole wheat or rye flour. Can't quite tell.

Diwali comes to UB

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Saturday, November 6, 2010

Colleagues hosted a Diwali party this evening. It was a chance to learn more about Diwali, eat some wonderful food, and bask in the glow of lots of lovely light provided by candles and oil lamps of various kinds. Outside it was dark and 25 °F (-4.0 °C)-- which isn't bad for UB. But it may not be typical weather for a Diwali celebration.

Thanks, P & E!

Learn more about Diwali here...

The world is white, for a while

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Woke this morning to the first snowfall of the year. The mountains surrounding UB were covered in a lovely layer of white, and the courtyard below was pristine. Birds swooped around the courtyard, dark against the white. I commented to A that the birds might have a harder time finding breakfast this morning. She replied: "Well, they can eat the snow if they want to."

By late afternoon, worker bees had removed most of the snow into piles around the courtyard, and the parking lot was a sea of floating slush. Sadly, if the snow is allowed to "stick" around, it becomes an icy, icy hazard.

But it's always lovely, at least for a while.

Sewing a black border

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Our winter break ends today, and I am almost finished sewing together the tessellations that my students created last week.

Some of the students' color choices were not very "contrast-y" which makes it difficult to see the tessellation patterns clearly. Next year I will have to wield veto-power over their fabric combinations.

Still, overall, I am pleased with the results. And something to decorate my classroom with, too.

A sea of blue boxes

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Polish milk has returned to UB. You laugh. Hardly worth a blog posting, you think. Well, it comes in 0.5% and 1.5% and it does NOT taste like cream--or chalk--AND it's "long life" milk, which means it does not require refrigeration until you open it. And it tastes good. We haven't seen the stuff in UB since February.

I realize there is something supremely ironic about buying imported milk in a country with SO many cows, but Mongolian milk only comes in 3.2% and 3.6% and (in my opinion) has this really "cow-y" taste which I really don't care for.

Anyhow, this morning I spent $50 on the stuff.

Enough to last a while, anyhow.

Pink trains, orange pumpkins

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Friday, October 29, 2010

Tonight was A's first time to go trick-or-treating. The original plan was for her to dress up as Thomas the Tank Engine, but a last minute request to be a "girl engine" required a change in plans. One of the "secure" communities in UB sponsors a trick-or-treat evening, and I was only grateful that it wasn't too cold to be outside. This time last year I remember that it was much colder.

Yes, it was odd to be wandering around in Ulaanbaatar trick-or-treating. Houses were decorated with all manner of ghosts and ghouls and at least one werewolf answered the door when we knocked. A seemed to take much of it in stride.

A went home content with her 10 or 12 pieces candy. Three is a great age.

Thanks to a different A for her help in painting the costume.

Riding brown camels

South Gobi desert, Mongolia

Thursday, October 28, 2010

From the top of sand dune in the South Gobi, Frank managed to send me this text yesterday: "Just rode six hours on camels." From the elevation on the dunes, he had just enough reception to receive and send one text.

I spent this week in UB while Frank, B and R wandered the Gobi. Frank reports that the two highlights of trip were staying with Mongolian families in their gers and the camel adventure in the dunes.

PS: Yes, they are wearing their parkas in the desert. After all, it IS winter here!

Great pictures, R--

Gold and silver

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Sunday, October 24, 2010

It's a pretty touristy thing to do when you're in Mongolia, but since this is the week we're giving a tour of the place to family, Frank decided to give it a try: for about a dollar you can hold a golden eagle for a few minutes and have your picture taken.

Frank seems to be enjoying himself, no?

Next stop was the giant Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khan) statue.

The Rajah's Rice (and other mathematical tales)

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Friday, October 22, 2010

Lately I have been inspired to read to my math students a bit more often. I recently acquired a copy of The Rajah's Rice for A. It's a version of the "rice on the checkerboard" story, which is a perfect fit for a unit on exponential functions. Another favorite of mine is The Quilt Maker's Gift which I read recently to my class during our "shape" unit.

EVERYBODY seems to love being read to, whatever their age.

International games

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Thursday, October 21, 2010

Exuberant is the only word for it. From the next room I heard pounding--and when I came to investigate, I found the 12th graders engaged in a hearty round of game from Korea which they had just learned as part of International Day. In the morning we had a Parade of Nations where all the kids dressed up in their national costumes (Americans tend to get stuck wearing the flag or cowboy boots), but the highlight of the day seemed to be the games they got to learn. Don't know the name of this game or how to play it, but the students were surely having a GREAT time.

Welcome, hearty travellers!

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Uncle R and Aunt B arrived last night for a 2 week visit--yay!

They came bearing apples (honey crisps!) from Yakima and a wagon-load of other food -- and new books for A. But mostly, they bring their good company and a sense of home.

Now, we must try to keep them entertained, warm, and fed for the next two weeks.

Welcome to Mongolia!

"It's like Costco, but without the food"

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Thursday, October 14, 2010

On our way home from work today, Frank and I stopped at the new store in our apartment complex. My colleagues were all a-buzz about the opening of this new store, and we thought we'd better check it out. You never know what you might find there...

Mostly, it seems, someone emptied out part of a Costco store in the States and shipped it over to Mongolia--vitamins, dried fruit, bottled drinks of various kinds, pencils, party napkins...

We managed to buy two items, and as we exited the store, Frank famously remarked that "it was like Costco, but without the food."

Alas, there was not a single item in that store that could form the basis of a meal.

Tessellate!

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Today was the end of our "shape" unit and the majority of my students have finished their tessellation projects. They got to choose between sewing, cutting fabric shapes, or multi-media.

Pictured is one of the finished projects.

Nice job, R!

Mongolian circus!

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Sunday, October 10, 2010

We attended a Mongolian circus show tonight, and it was wonderful. Somehow I think I was expecting acrobats and contortionists, but thought there might be a few clowns or whatever. The thinking was that it was something that A might enjoy.

The show was dazzling! Women dangling from hoops from the ceiling, flying about on trapeze swings, and descending from voluminous scarves that hung from the rafters, and men tossing each other into the air. It's difficult to describe, but it was a spectacular performance.

Wow.

Sakura bakery

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Just north of the Circus lies a lovely little Japanese bakery called Sakura. Fine cakes, cream puffs, and fruit & nut tarts are to be found in the bakery case. But, best of all, is the savory bowl of udon noodles on the short luncheon menu.

Don't miss it.

UB farmers' market

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Saturday, October 9, 2010

I don't think it will be around much longer this fall, but today I found a farmers' market here in UB. Mostly potatoes, carrots, beets and more of the same, but there were also lovely splashes of color.

Next year, I'll get here earlier in the season!

Pictured here: seabuckthorn, lingon berries(?), blue berries, rose hips, and black currants(?).

UB shapes

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Saturday, October 9, 2010

I am teaching a unit on "shape" in 10th grade right now, which has caused me to be almost hyper-sensitive to the geometry around me. Suddenly, the sidewalks are all tessellating, and oddly-shaped buildings are leaping out at me. Saw this nice gas cap today, too.

Team Origami

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The omens for our origami field trip did not look very good this morning. UB's traffic was so bad this morning that more than 50% of our students had not arrived by the starting bell. I tried to keep up hope that our trip would not be cancelled due to the traffic nightmare that has lately ensnarled UB.

An hour later, things looked much better and off we went. My 10th graders did wonderfully with the younger children, and (I think!) a good time was had by all.

I love unit origami.

Sunday scones

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Sunday, October 3, 2010

In preparation for an origami party at a friend's house today, A and I set to work baking some scones. When I found her hiding the measuring spoons in the flour tin, she said " I am making cupcakes because a lot of children like cupcakes."

It's a great scone recipe:

Oatmeal Scones with Raisins or Dates
(or dried cranberries or whatever dried fruit you have)

Baked at 450 F (or hot oven)

Whisk together in bowl:

1 ½ cups all purpose flour (or whole wheat works well too)
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Stir in, using your fingers if necessary to separate the fruit:

1 ¼ cups old fashioned rolled oats
½ cup dried fruit

Whisk together then add all at once:

1 large egg
10 tablespoons (1 ¼ stick) warm melted butter – I usually use just 1 stick (8 TBL)
1/3 cup milk

Mix with a rubber spatula, wooden spoon, or fork just until the dry ingredients are moistened. The batter will be sticky. Transfer to floured surface (or just do directly on cookie sheet – this works fine with the less butter version). Pat into an 8 inch round about ¾ inch thick, cut into 8 or 12 wedges.

Bake until lightly browned (10 -12 minutes).

Serve warm & enjoy! (Thanks for the recipe, C!)

Winter is a-comin'

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Yesterday morning it snowed. They were big flaky snowflakes, and they didn't stick around long, but it was definitely snow. On the way to work, the hills surrounding UB were also covered in white.

Today's visit to the Naran Tuul (the Black Market) revealed stacks of long underwear, hats, and boots of all kinds on display.

Yep, winter is a-comin'.

Welcome, Baby B!

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Friday, October 1, 2010

Colleagues gathered this afternoon after a long week of work to celebrate a coming baby. Out came the fabric, and we decorated "the world" with landmarks and/or special features of our home countries. Later, I'll finish it with a border and a backing.

Welcome, Baby B!

(Nice job, A, on laying out the continents for us!)

A morning at the orphanage

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Each week, a group of teachers and students from our school goes to a local orphanage to hold babies and/or play with toddlers. This morning was my first chance to join the group on their weekly visit. Despite the warm and welcoming environment, I was surprised at how emotional it was for me to walk into the place.

Some of the kids have challenges that are quite apparent while others appear to be quite "normal" in their physical and social development.

I was glad for the chance to go. It helps to keep one focussed on the important stuff.

Recipe for an evening

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Friday, September 24, 2010

• 6 women from around the world
• 6 dishes from around the world
• 2 pretty okay bottles of wine
• some chocolate
• no husbands, partners or children

Mix well.

Guaranteed: a good meal, great stories, and laughing 'til it hurts...

UB Children's Park!

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Under the blazing mid-morning sun, we ventured out to the very newly re-opened Children's Park here in UB. Apparently the park's remake has been more than three years in the making. Good thing they got it (mostly) done now because winter will be a-comin' before long. But today was blazing hot, and gorgeous--in the shade. We enjoyed a few rides and the pretty open spaces--and then retreated to the relative cool of our apartment.

"turning Henry"

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Saturday, September 4, 2010

This week was A's birthday and for weeks she has been talking about wanting a "Henry cake." Why, Henry, you ask and NOT a Thomas cake? (After all, Thomas is her true hero.) Pook logic goes like this: A is turning 3, and Henry is Engine #3.

Therefore, she wanted a Henry cake.

Well, anyhow, here it is: one engine, two coaches.

Capture the flag

Terelj National Park, Mongolia

Friday, September 3, 2010

I just finished spending three days at ger camp with my students. The big hit this year with the kids was "capture the flag," which they played amongst the scrub and rolling terrain of this lovely place. My job was to serve as some kind of border guard between the territories. However, I'm afraid I wasn't clear enough on the rules to be of much use to either team...

This year's weather was a spectacular improvement over the rain and snow we had last year at camp.

Pictured here: one team's jail house.

Back to school

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Day 3 of the new school year and things are mostly in place for the new year. Found these boxes in the hall downstairs this morning. Can you decode the English?

It's good to be back!

Read: white board

Après le deluge

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Thursday, August 12, 2010

August is the rainy season in Mongolia, and last night we had a tremendous lightening and thunder to accompany the rain. It doesn't take much rain to flood Ulaanbaatar's streets (poor drainage system I guess?), and this morning was no exception.

Walking through the city this morning the streets were filled with the sound of cars driving through water. Kind of like the cars fording a river...

Big huge dirty rooster tails everywhere--watch out!

Smultron

Arkhangai Province, Mongolia

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Our first day at the hot springs resort here in Arkhangai Province, and we have made a wonderful discovery: wild strawberries. A was very excited by the news, and we spent a good hour this afternoon combing the steep hillside for the tiny fruit. Many of the berries were barely red, but their taste was divine.

The Swedes don't called them "wild strawberries" but instead have given them a name of their own: smultron.

Faded glory

Kharkhorin, Mongolia

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

All that remains of the ancient glory of Kharkhorin is Erdene Zuu Monastery. We stopped and admired the place before setting out on the final rough stretch of road toward Tsetserleg.

Erdene Zuu dates from the late 1500's. My favorite part was the stupas which adorn the wall which surrounds the place. The grounds themselves are mostly empty due to the destruction of the Stalinist Era.

"Good luck for our trip"

West of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

We stopped on our way just past the camels to "bless" our trip. Proper ovoo etiquette requires that one circle the ovoo three times and place a rock on each go-around. Our friend and driver says that this will make "good luck for our trip."

Alternately, if one chooses not to stop at an ovoo, one can honk three times as one speeds past.

A inspects the ovoo

Hi ho, Silver

280? km west of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

After breakfast this morning, we stopped just west of the ger camp to give camel riding a try--and briefly explore the sand dunes. I've heard this area fancifully described as a "lost section" of the Gobi desert, although that doesn't quite make sense geographically.

Mom seemed to particularly enjoy the experience...