First few days, and flights here

Flying half way around the world is no quick task. My short flight to Chicago was fairly quick and left me very optimistic. A pilot sat in the seat next to me, and he used up my entire pre-planned nap time with his great stories of when he traveled the world. Keith, the pilot, was gracious enough to point out all of the mistakes the new pilot was making on our flight. The rookie redeemed himself by making a very smooth landing. The flight from Chicago to Hong Kong was no where near as short. The 15 hour flight did seem to go rather quickly, due to me sleeping for 10 of it. Once I was in Hong Kong, I didn't have enough money to spring for a hotel or even sit in a lounge, so I explored the airport. It seemed more like a shopping mall than an airport. Luckily, there was a 7-11 open all night. I was able to get a few familiar snacks. Later in the night after a bag of M&Ms and an energy drink, I got a little more courageous with my snack choices. My flight from Hong Kong to Ulaanbaatar was only 4 hours, but after an all-nighter in Hong Kong, I was more than ready to sleep for the 4 hours.

Once we got to the airport, I met up with a few of the other teachers in the school. We took a small dirt road back from the airport into the city. Driving seemed to be controlled chaos. Drivers use their horns all the time, and what appears to be a 2 lane road, is scarily made into a four lane. Upon arriving at the school, I got my apartment. Small but perfect sized for one person. Some of the veteran teachers took us new teachers out for dinner and a couple drinks. The second day was more of an adventure. We again went out as a group, adding a few to our ranks. We visited various shops and stores. We were hooked up with cell phones. After awhile, a few of us split from the main group. This was a great choice as it allowed us to move at a quicker pace, and see a few places. The smaller group also allowed us to visit some of the local places and have our own adventure. Sunday comprised of wandering around town, looking at all of the shops and stores we hadn't visited the day before. After dinner at a small Korean place, the two of us walked 5 km back to the school.

Today was my first day in the school. Just like in the states, the first week is filled with orientation, meetings, and prepping your room. There are a few differences. They are taking a group into the city to go shopping. Another guy and I opted out and instead are going on our own. It saves on waiting for 10-20 people to go through all of the stores we've already looked through. It is very interesting getting back and forth between the school and downtown. There aren't too many real taxi's in UB. Instead you stand on the street and hold your arm out and someone will just pull over and give you a ride. It's hitch hiking at its finest. It's all very unique and interesting at first. I'm sure with time, I will get more accustomed to the differences. For now, I'm just enjoying the sun while it lasts.