MRCS Wrap-Up

7/8/2010

Today I put together some articles and websites regarding disaster risk reduction and climate change for MRCS reference. I showed them all to Zoloo, along with my ideas for communications materials. We discussed what still needs to be done for the PfCC and the proposal.

Yesterday I got an email from Ashley at IRI to help work on a dzud case study for the new climate and society publication, possible be a co-author. So I also worked on gathering some info for her.

I had lunch today with Tim. He is from the Federation working on the dzud relief project. He is an American, went to Columbia, and served in the Peace Corp so we had plenty to talk about.

7/9/2010

Zoloo took me to the Gobi factory shop to get some cashmere. I have to admit, I went a bit overboard with the cashmere. But it is all locally made and such amazing quality. I figure I won't buy so much in China because it will be a lot of lower quality items. And I like to buy gifts! On the way back the driver got a ticket for driving the wrong way down a one way. I thought it was hilarious because really, how do you decide who to give a ticket to the way everyone drives here?

Then I had a delightful lunch at one of the nicest restaurants in UB. It was Zoloo, Dashka, the under secretary general, and two of the new staff on the ECHO hay project. The restaurant is called Veranda and it is this really good Italian place. There is a lot of western restaurants here, but they are mediocre. But Veranda is excellent. The under secretary general offered a toast to me, and gave me many thanks for the work I have done. I think I could do two hour leisurely lunches every day :)

Last day at MRCS. It was a bit sad, but I had a good feeling too. I felt like a was able to get something started here. I have done so much and learned so much in such a short time.I said my goodbyes with lots of hugs and well wishes. Many see you laters and when are you coming back? MRCS will always have a special place in my heart.

And I am stoked because I definitely have a ticket for the Opening Ceremony of Naadam on Sunday!