Graduating

Graduation was last week. I was happy to join in celebrating the graduates for a day (although none of them were my students.) -Here, graduation is celebrated before final exams are given. That way, even the students who will ultimately fail get a party.-

Earlier in the morning, small groups of students met in classrooms with their teachers to talk, take photos and reminisce. It was a lovely surprise to see them all; the girls especially went all-out, they'd had new dresses made and their hair and makeup was perfect. Then everyone got into their gowns and caps and it was off to the ceremony. For the most part, it felt familiar, although I didn't understand much of either the Korean or Mongolian speechmaking. There was a traditional Mongolian musical group playing the entire time that students were walking across the stage to recieve their diplomas.

Oh. and after 17 days without hot water, I'm really looking forward to a shower at my own place tonight!