Just another day at the office

After the very busy day yesterday, I did not want to get out of bed this morning. So I got up a bit later than I wanted to. And when I got to breakfast at 8:10, I think they were worried I wasn't coming since I'm a solid 8 o'clock-er. Since was the only one at breakfast and have been the only one for a few days, they were obviously waiting for me. Oh and FYI sausage=hot dog.

I was not late for work (of course not!) but everyone else was. I was able to get in the building but not to where my desk is. Boo. Still doing lots of background reading. Its frustrating not being able to read everything that I need/want to because it is in Mongolian. But I do enjoy reading things that have been translated into English. Its like a game, how many errors are on this page?

Today I met with the climate change program officer of UNDP Munkhjargal Ts. UNDP is currently working on a project called "Strengthening the Disaster Mitigation and Management System in Mongolia." Right now, the project is in the first phase, which involved the development of a strategy for the National government, a top-down approach. Once their strategy gets passed through Parliament, they will be able to work on the community awareness and preparedness approach. This meeting was much better than the one with the meteorology service. She spoke English, and were were more on the same page.

After the meeting Zoloo and I went to this Mongolian fast food place. She actually suggested it to me before saying it was safe to eat there. Well I beg to differ. I ordered chicken. After I did so I immediately regretted it. The chicken was sitting on the counter right next to the register. Everything else was in these large tables that had warming units built in. I was quite afraid, but it was too late. So the girl was getting my order ready, and she popped it in the microwave. Phew! Even if it was gross (which it was) she killed any germs in the microwave. It was a very odd menu too, they had spaghetti. So strange.

As I was packing up to leave for the day, I discovered it was Solongo T.'s birthday. So many of the MRCS people went up to the Federation office for cake and champagne. First office party wooo! But then somehow the conversation turned to me. Everyone is curious about me, even though I already met everyone. Of course they asked, "Are you married?" And I had to give my whole, "I'm Amy from Columbia University and this is why I'm here." It was very awkward. At least there was cake.