I came into school for my 5th grade practice
class to be confronted by teachers asking me for 5000 tugrugs. Nobody in the
room spoke any English and I couldn’t read the notice on the board, so I gave
them my best deer-in-the-headlights stare and left the room to go to class.
When I got back later, I got the announcement that a school from
Erdenet was coming to visit us for a volleyball tournament and a party. I may
not care about volleyball at all, but I’m all about the party. I only had 2000
tugs on me so I got a pass from the money obligation and an invite to the
party.
I arrived just late enough that the men’s game started as I
arrived. I’ve sat in on a fair share of volleyball games and this was
definitely the most fun it’s been. There’s something about having a clear team
to cheer for that ups the energy in the room. The men were intense while
playing (we have six young male teachers and they were really into it) and the
cheering squad was great. I wish I understood what the cheers were, but I do
know that they were loud, slightly taunting, and got a laugh from everyone in
the gym. Unfortunately for the other school, their cheering section was limited
to six people and we had all of our teachers plus at least 20 students so it
wasn’t a fair contest for the spectators, but the people playing seemed to have
a good time. I keep suggesting that we play a different sport that won’t shock
my shoulders out of their sockets, but so far nobody’s gone for it. Soccer,
kick ball, dodge ball, and even tag have all been shot down. One day I’ll win.
Hopefully.
After being mercilessly mocked because I covered my head and
ducked every time the ball came towards me, it was time to party! In true
Mongolian fashion, it started about an hour after everyone planned, but it was
fun. We all introduced ourselves (mine was, “Hi, my names’s Ashley. I’m a Peace
Corps Volunteer. Please talk slowly to me.”) and I learned that this school has
a PCV who neglected to come with them. We ate, we drank enormous vodka shots
(the foreigner can refuse after three, but even that doesn’t always work), and
we danced. I tried to peer pressure the other young teachers into actually
hanging out with me sometime, we’ll see how that works out. When talking to the
English teacher that came from Erdenet, I told her that Mandakh
always claims that we’re friends, but he never calls or texts or stops by. Then
I pout and he insists that we really are friends. I’ll break him eventually,
then the others will come.
It was a good way to spend a Friday night, especially since
they were so insistent that I come despite having no money. I think I’m finally
growing on people. Helps that I can understand them more often and they
understand my broken and error-filled Mongolian better.
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