Happy Easter!

Easter time is here, although you wouldn’t know it! Life goes on as usual, except for the very small Christian community in the city. Most Mongolians have never heard of Easter, and so are quite intrigued when I tell them that this celebration is as important as Christmas. I’m currently gearing up for the upcoming Easter/Holy Week dates. It’s strange to be away from home at this time, as Easter is a big thing for my family. I’ll miss the Easter gathering, and the now annual treasure hunt! However, I’ve got some nice plans of my own, so it’s not too bad. I’ll be joining some of my Filipino friends on Sunday for a big meal and some games. The Filipinos are great fun, I’m very lucky to have been let in to their community!

Beautiful weather – what a difference a month makes. In February the temperatures were hitting -30C. A month later and we’ve managed to enjoy a day with +10C temperatures. It’s difficult to describe what this means to me! It’s now possible to leave the house without having to wear four layers of clothes. I can now do something as simple as answering my mobile phone outside, without my hands burning in pain from the cold. But all of this is nothing compared to the enjoyment I feel from just being able to walk around the city for pleasure! It’s been about 2 or 3 months since I could just comfortably walk around and explore the city – during the cold it was strictly a “get to your destination as quickly as possible” affair. Hooray, I survived the Mongolian winter!

Appearance on the UBS Music Channel – yep, Rob made the big time! On Wednesday I had my first appearance on one of Mongolia’s top-rated music channels, “UBS Music”. Once a week they run a programme in English which focuses on the international music chart. I was asked to appear on this programme as a co-presenter – they must have been desperate. Luckily for me, the programme is pre-recorded and without an audience, so it wasn’t too nerve-racking. By the end of the experience it was actually starting to be quite fun! It looks like I might be a regular feature on this programme, and so will be appearing fortnightly. I’m sure it won’t be long until people start pointing at me on the street (for positive reasons)…

Time for me to sign off, but before I do I just want to wish you and your families a very Happy Easter. Have lots of fun and look after yourselves. Best wishes and a big hug,

Robert

Phew! Over and done with...

The Network Meeting - In short, it was a success, but I’m glad it’s over! Those who attended seemed to have a good time, and all gained something from the two days. 43 people came in the end, which was a great turn-out. We all made the trek to the nearby national park of Terelj, and stayed in the local hotel “Ulaanbaatar 2”. Day one introduced the participants to two tools that we have been working on – a benchmarking tool and a volunteer operational manual. This was quite a heavy day, so in the evening everyone let their hair down (table-tennis was played, and was followed by a disco).

Day two was “my day”. I updated the participants on the 2008 plan for the Network. Next up was a discussion on what can be done to get more men volunteering (just as in the UK, the vast majority of volunteers are female). Then the best bit – some free time in the countryside! Some colleagues and I went for a horseride around the national park, and it was beautiful. Riding in the snow was a real experience. Why am I glad that this Network meeting is over and done with though? Well, the lead-up was quite stressful. Also, two days of non-stop Mongolian language was pretty challenging (and if I’m honest, a bit boring!). Now I’m back in Ulaanbaatar, and I’m glad to be able to relax a bit.

Fundraising for the Blood Donors Association – this week I was invited to the Blood Donors Association’s AGM, as a guest of honour. I was lucky enough to be sat at the front of the room, on the table with the panel of guests – pretty cool! However, I didn’t really deserve this honour, it should have been my sister Ania sitting at the table instead of me. Why? Well, Ania has done a great job of raising money for the Donors Association, giving them money to buy a new computer. The BDA is really lacking funds, despite the crucial role it has in Mongolian society. Could you imagine your own national blood donor service being run by two volunteers? Anyway, the new computer should be a step in the right direction. THANK YOU ANIA!

I'm off for a well deserved night of being lazy! Lots of love to you all,

Robert