Living through milestones in history

My life has sunk into usual routine of fun and practicality over last two months or so in London. Absolutely this era - autumn of 2008 – is magnified with smashing events recorded in historic milestones.

Strated from the spring 2008, the financial crisis hit economies of world, stretching from the U.S., then UK and to the world shaking up bank interests, bringing bankruptcy for financial giants and raising commodity prices fiercely showing up numbers in equal to great depression period a half centuries back. Daily newspapers are all over economic issues such as months of daunting pessimist complains of UK economic recession. Simply it is a hole in financial markets that we have created our values for living. However, I feel not much difference in my person life probably because I am not heavily involved in finance despite my basic necessities which have gone a bit in prices that I can subsequently afford right.

The biggest sensation is taking upon America’s decision to choose the first black, mixed actually, President - Barack Obama. He and his family pictures have filled the front pages of news even before his victory in due to everyone, all Americans and people around the world, wants him be the one to change the U.S and the world. I have supported him from democratic run-off not only because of his individual success but also his campaign! I really like Obama girl who is an youtube star for her outrageous funny video for Obama. My hope goes to Obama for changing this world with all problems sorted with peace and global cooperation, please!

Cold Coal

My thoughts on coal has never been so enthusiastic untill I read a book, Coal: A Human History by Barbara Freese. She opened my eye and affirmed how human history has evolved and accelerated based upon coal. Indeed she confessed it is all sad, dirty truth. Like she wrote, a few nations like Britain in the world is trying to move to clean energy development which will be free of coal and its dirty impacts on the environment and human, but the world still runs on coal for cheap and rather easier technology.

Further I wanted to take a chance of dirty city of USA, Pittsburgh for discovering what the coal is for our life. A Tour-Ed Mine is a great place to learn about coal mining. It functions as an educational place, but it truly introduces me the coal mining. Their website can tell all about 200 years old coal mine and its history inside it. With their life experience, Bob and Rich explained a decent brief about coal history and its use in USA, and technological development with health, safety, human right, labour, money and mechanical issues.

While taking the tour through tiny corridors under the earth, I really felt coldness, darkness and danger into my bones down there. How long shall we burn this fuel for warth and illumination?

Green Creation

Colourful plants of tropics, butterflies, sound of air and water, these all are created wonderfully at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh. Colour glass pieces of art indeed adds awe to the garden.

Whole building itself is splendour, running entirely renewables with computer controlled. Air and water are designed to circulated well and beautifully on all parts of garden.

I appreciate their purpose to let people understand and love the parts of whole world and a variety of species. All sorts of tropical plants really remind of Hawai'i, in fact they are conservatory display of Thailand, so this garden makes me to visit Thailand soon:) Visit their website, there all information is available for education purposes about botany and conservation.

Among all, my favourite flower is Busy Liziie, impatiens which features light pink with white, looking like a tiny roses.

A bit or art

Art makes me think and that is good feeling as my brain works for something. Recently I got a chance to taste a bit of interesting arts in US.

Akron art museum in Ohio is a small local museum, though it brings a great a deal of sense to me. A display of American arts interests me. In general, I felt American artists are self-critical and creative. You will be fascinated by their work. just take a moment at their web. AkronArtMuseum

A small exhibition of history creates a link in modern life - the rubber. All our technology and life hugely depend on this product, but the GoodYear company has achieved way more than a profit, they actually changed our life over the past century. I appreciated a room full of rubber achievement at the Good Year company in Akron, Ohio. Then I think it is a part of art really. See more of rubber and good year company at the Good Year! As now, I am happy a lots of GoodYear tyre roll supporting Mongolian economy in a corner of the earth.

Artists from all over the world are presenting awe of creativity on the context of "Life on Mars" and many show looks of our lives from a perspective of outsiders at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh. All amaze me breathtakingly creativity of their expressions and angles of perspectives on how we are living today. I loved a common but distinguished ideas of German contemporary art. Selectively, I truly admired a work of Indian artist Ranjani Shettar and his Just a Bit More - beautiful arrangement of net with uncertain - indeed absorbed colours. More about this event, please go this site.

And, more to be continued...

Energy Saving Trust

While hunting jobs, much interesting news unfolded for my inspiration of energy saving.

An advertised role at Energy Saving Trust seemed very suitable for me. I generated my CV and wrote my covering letter, then I sent them silently wishing my luck. Fortunately I was invited for stages of interviews. First I made presentation and questioned. Success shined on me so that I was invited for the second interview for which I produced a report.

Utmost I came to know more about Energy Saving Trust, UK non=profit for reducing carbons in UK. Their activities are all simply designed to help communities and people to reduce their carbons. Loads of useful information and advice are posted online. Even their help-lines are staffed with enthusiastic experts.

This website becomes my favourite online stop for practical advice.

London crime

Ever since I moved in London, daily news reports a series of crime in London. Stabbing lead the headlines and gun shot followed.

I thought it was not that scary to think about crime because it happens in every city. Lately London situation scares me.

Around 9pm on 6th of August, I was at home with my new mate and we heard a sounds of shooting. Opposite the road, in front of Costcutters, people look panic and scream for help. It was so shocking to see the panic people, but the moment felt frozen.

An innocent teenage boy was killed by gang members as policy suspects such.

Now my street looks dangerous and some appear more suspicious to me. Winning over my fears, my motivation for adventure and challenge makes me remain in London for a certain time.

News reporting during Ulaanbaatar riot after election

July 01 riot in Ulaanbaatar remains me forever. I followed up with news over two days. I was panic and worried. Every minute news updates with dark marks: violence, fire, deaths... Although I knew it happened in a small area of Ulaanbaatar, I called home if they were safe. The event made me thoughts for days. I constantly checked news and discussed this situation with friends. Of course, you can get full coverages about this event from internet.

I noticed an interesting fight over news agencies during the time of such event. News in Mongolia seem so polarized into one side. Many of them lack ability to report unbiased information to the public.

I got much of news from www.news.mn, but they are very poor in quality. Sometimes just a two sentence of news were posted. It just looked wrong without proper editing:) And, they were so muuch in support of Democratic party, defending them and turning down MPRP. Good is that they updated constantly even by a minute for the evening of July 01. Same with olloo.mn

Other important news were posted on www.mongolnews.mn. I must accept the superior quality of reporting there. Instead, they are very in favor of MPRP:)

A day later, there came endless flow of good news, analysis and videos:) I now appreciate Mongolian news agency its: www.montsame.mn, googlenews:) - yeah it is grea t coverages from Associated Press. For videos, Google rules - I saw real news of that riot only at youtube in time.

Graduation

It all came to celebrate the achievement of completing education requirements. I am very happy that I did it:)I am a Master of Science now. Loads of wine tasting, happy chats with friends – these activities became a daily routine for my graduation week. Out of all, two events were magnificent. A dinner with Soros and graduation ceremony.

A dinner was scheduled to thank for George Soros, a founder of CEU and all CEU graduates and alumni. Besides all formalities and speeches, I liked the old train ride! Unlike any other train, all my classmates from around the world were sitting together and doing endless fun in the train. During eating part of dinner, I enjoyed my conversation with CEU alumni. They are my friends. Because their degree was one year, they stepped in real life a year before me. Great did they come for this dinner too. We talked very interesting subjects: purchasing their first car, renting a home, commuting to work and complaining about boss. Such stories made me hurry to real life, yes I am ready for it.
More about this dinner, click here
Graduation ceremony was unforgettable indeed!. How great everyone looked with gowns! I wore it all day, in restaurants and on street, until I returned. I loved the feeling that I am inside gown and graduated master’s degree. At the ceremony, all speeches and congratulations follow each after. The utmost movement was every word of Kofi A Anne,7th Secretary General of UN, who spoke about peace and prosperity! I am lucky to feel his words in my ear at my happy day! Read all about my graduation ceremony here.

Now it means less nerve for exams and more chases for job hunting!

Perfume spraying

After observing her girlfriend for a while, Bekh says, “Girls have special places to spray their perfume. They put in palms of their hands. When they slap you, it all smells Chanel ”. Haha, that was a very good joke.

Anais organized a barbeque at her dad’s house. After swimming and all good barbecues, I was lying in a bed, watching TV. There were many coaches and you barely notice that I was there. A small column separates coaches from an entrance.

One of her guest, an Italian guy suddenly appeared front of me. He didn’t notice me and was only checking if people saw him. He pull out his perfume from his bag. He sprayed under his arms, then he sprays bit towards his underwear. Wow. I couldn’t hold me breath, about to laugh, but I fixed my voice. He was a bit panic and run away. Why does he spray down-part?

LOL.

A party in RINO, budapest

Budapest is my favorite place for cheap wine, beer and gorgeous party goers. Out of many, I had an interesting one. In my first party for this year with Bekh, there came a boy from Mongolia. He was cool an had great aspiration to socialize though his English always requires him to repeat. Sometime later in our party, he seemed to be confused among two beautiful girls, a Russian and a Belgian. He continued over drinking beyond his limits. He couldn’t walk properly, hitting walls and columns on his way. When we were about to leave, he disappeared. I was suspicious of him. Crowd of people gathered in the middle of RINO bar, I knew he was in trouble. Right. He punched a Hungarian guy, and Bekh jumped in between the two to stop it. Finally, Bekh and I dragged him out of bar and out of trouble. He was very funny trying to confess he was not drunk and how he could show a real man side of him. It was my first and strangest go-out moment. A similar scene occurred in Oahu, Hawai’I for my friends, Brian and Chris two years back, though they never start physical touching.
During the party,I danced often with Haluik, Bekh’s girlfriend. She was so attractive that many guys around kept watching at her. It was rather strange for me to dance along with her. It was exotic that we two are only Asians and she is as tall as 180cm. Besides, Bekh doesn’t like dancing. Then I felt I should stay in a dancefloor to safeguard her. Suddenly a Kahzakh guy came, he told me something in strange language that I assumed Khazakh language. Then he spoke in Russian, explaining that he came from Almaty and thought me and Haliuk were Khazakh. He wanted to speak to Haliuk , but she did’t respond to him. She told me she didn’t speak Russian and he rather looked too strange to chat in a dacefloor.

A note on Budapest

My days in Budapest are filled with fun and adventure. I think that the city makes it all meaningful. What I call Budapest contains a number of sides of this city.

Transport
Comminuting is cheaper and flexible in here. I mostly use metros. They are fast and straightforward. For certain distances, I must take a couple of buses. There are even night buses that run in the evenings. But, I found it bit complicated to figure out their directions unless I know Hungarian or met friendly street mates who speak English.

Streets
I call ‘street’ including buildings, parks, and bridges. In central areas of Budapest is stunningly beautiful. I like the River Danube and its surroundings – Castle, Bassilica, and real European style buildings. Like any other cities, you surely discover cool shops and cafes.
More like suburban areas have bloc apartments. Then bit further comes with nice house lands, I wonder some parts are out of Budapest zone perhaps. When they combine with Hungarian words, it looks more interesting.

Night-outs
For reasons of cheap cost of alcohols and cool friends, I adventure at bars and clubs often in Budapest. Sure, most clubs play world hits – rather English language music – that I like:) Plus, Hungarian beer taste just great.

People
Hungarians look very mixed in terms of race. Common feature includes dressing, language and communication. However, I found many Hungarians look bit distant to approach, but they are really helpful when you open up friendly inquiries.

Well, this is a brief note for now. I have more stories to come. Igen(yes in Hunagrian)

3-year old friends

I have many good friends. Recently I made more friends with 3-year olds. Actually, I had friend who taught me English first in my speaking experience, Drew was three years old. Then, my honest friend, Niki who speaks magical a language - a mix of Russian, English and Mongolian.

Now I made two three-year old girl friends, both Mongolian. Solongo only speaks English, but she also says she understands French. For playing with French speaking Swiss kids, she proved it right. Undraa speaks French. She also speaks some and understands fully Mongolian.

I made two of my new friends meet together. I was curious how they interact although they don't speak same language. Interestingly, younger people take it so easy. Solongo was very active, she gave Undraa her toys and hold her hands to show around her playgrounds. They both seem to know what to do with such toys and start playing as if they know each other for years. Suddenly, they went crazy. They scream and laughed out loud. They run around and had fun.

It was so easy for kids to make friends. I thought of myself. It took me while to make a good friend with someone unless I live together or share common interests. Those are efforts to make. Soemtimes, I find it hard to keep up my friends. Perhaps I just take an initiative offering games to other whom I would like to be friend. Or friends just come along my life.

Bern - bear city

After days of raining, it was exceptionally sunny, beautiful a day. I thanked nature for being so polite to me:)
So I departed from Geneva to Bern to see and visit my friend. The train came on time and left on time. For early panicker myself afraid of being late at first. :o)

Train route travels along the lake, so do look marvelous the views of mountain and water together. I enjoyed two hours of wonder Switzerland. That I saw many houses, cows, horses and farm lands. Green, blue and white are colours to describe it.

Their train station is right in the centre. So, it was easy for me to wander off around. Location on bank of river made the design of Bern more beautiful as you can see whole streamling river around mountains.

I walked down to the old city centre with my friend, Bela. Bela explained why shopping streets were constructed under arcs and how the Confederation of Switzerland - Confoederatio Helvetica - CH was created etc many more.

I was amazed seeing The Zytglogge tower . It reminded me of my trip to Prague where Atronomical clock exists. Such inventions back to 800 years! Wow, that is really mystery of human talent and innovation. The only difference between the two clock is the dolls- as I call, They make more movements in Prague tower than Bern one.

This is the biggest one. There are many clocks around Bern, almost every old houses have clocks on top of them, so it was clear that people would rarely miss their appointments.

Second, probably the most popular feature was bear - animal. It is everywhere. Bear statue, bear flag, bear dolls, bears on rivers!, and REAL bears living in the centre of city. I must admit that these two real bears look bit sad, I think they are always happy as long as they do their own living in mountains no matter how people like them to keep in a cage. Sorry, poor bears.

Just next to Bear cage, there is a shop and restaurant. After having drinks there, we saw a small movie about Bern. It was a small theatre where modern movie is shown with puppet dolls and computer graphical images and a small city model.

I enjoyed watching beautiful horses in horsing ring. They have nice coolour mixing with black and white. Good equipments suit them nicely. Indeed, they looked gorgeous.

After interesting day, I visited my friend's home, his mom cooked us Raclette. Yummy, I loved all types fo cheeses there:o) Plus, potatoes are my life long fav dishe!

On the way back to Geneva, I chatted a Swiss girl who stressed that negotiation is the Swiss skill!!!

I absolutely loved my Swiss day.

Oh, last - All humans such as Swiss like messing their garbages in train:=)

Sun-Snow-Rain: Spring Weather Geneva 2008

Spring weather in Geneva is similar to Mongolian spring. What that means is a sequence of sun, snow and rain.

Sun was up and sky was clear. Everything start new new. Such a green spring, but timing was a bit early. February is end of winter. 2008 already welcomed spring in Feb.

It didn't last long. By mid March, it all became unpredictable. Sunny in the morning, bit windy afternoon, but chilly cold in the evening. I gave up trusting for morning these days. Anyway weather changes later in afternoon.

Snow fell in April. Just like my snow digging and finger freezing stroy in May 2006, but it was in Mongolia. Today, I am wearing my cloths from winter and I am in Geneva. Few and far between snows came down. Then they all became rain or water. So, earth is not that cold as sky thought it would be.

Weather does not seem to be changing for better soon. I will see how it would go in May. Snow again?

Numbers

Numbers

Numbers seem to be an essential part of my life. It is strange that I always find a job that works with numbers. Perhaps, it is my destiny:o) or I won’t be surprised to find a permanent job that deals heavily with numbers.

My first number job

As an assistant at ADRA, I was required to produce reports evaluating participant questionnaire, I had no idea at first. nor was there a single person to tell me what to do. I read past evaluation. Reading a manual, I figured out how to run SPSS calculations. I exchanged a few emails with professir Neil who actually created that evaluation. It was fun. I was fascinated with statistics when I made all reports. I liked them all:o) Says Zolo -coworker, "You will settle in a tabel of a statistical office". However, I left my job and forgot about it.

I thought I would pursue a job in world of words:o) My decision to study environment was very good. I read science, policy and management. All interesting, but there was limited time and requirements asking to crunch some numbers. Nor I spare to do so.

Here my internship comes. At statistical divisions of whole world. It was unexpected offer. But, I accepted it because I knew I would learn more about numbers. Yes, I do now. Indeed, it is very light at the moment. We all need to communicate with numbers to convience you on something.

On 6 April 2008, I went to CERN with my friends. I am thankful for Clemence who drove us all the way down there. In a few words, CERN is a huge physical place. They try to understand how the earth has formed and what it is made of. Referring to the workers there, it is true that CERN has not found anything major breakthrough for physics yet, though they created internet, yeahoo.

The most interesting fact was that statistics is the major tool to calculate all the important components of models and formulae at CERN. See, the number is back in bone so science :o)

Before it comes to real hard work, I will learn science of numbers in organized way for sure. In some extend, I am waiting for my number job:o)

Friend: just do it, don't ask

Where is my cup? I lost my important part of my day, even starter! How could I start working without my orange cup. I put it right back front of me on my table, but I could not find it! I am puzzled. Then, ease myself thinking the clear guy put it away. Strange, he would not do it without asking me.

I am in endless search with my hand and deep inside of think.

Dinara handed me something, a brand new cup, I said myself "it is not mine". So different, inside, it is totally white now and glistering with shine of just washed look. Yes, it is my cup. She took it home and cleaned it. NOw, I have a brand new cup.

I left it without well cleaning for a month. I do rinse, but stain of tea is there:( yeaw! She reminded me a few days ago. "You should wash it, do not leave it like that, bad for your health" Dinara said. After days, she just did it without asking me.

I am super happy now. I shine when I see my cup. Thank you Dinara for doing it for me . I know you just did it. I simply love you my friend.

Job at UN

As a part of intern, it is amazing to meet other people associated with UN and we share some interesting tips about UN.

Vick and Viviana happily hosted a volunteer session on about getting a job at UN. So, i am sharing what I heard from the two wonderful staff about getting a job at UN.

C.V.
If you are thinking about UN job, CV is not a document you have to submit. They have their own forms an formats that they only process it through! So have the forms such as PHP to download from UN recruitment website!.

Recruitment process at UN
There are three main ways that you can get a job at UN.
1. First and most formal one is the official process. Go to online Galaxy site. It is only way:-) here the link is http://jobs.un.org/Galaxy/Release3/vacancy/vacancy.aspx?lang=1200
Before applying, you have to pass an exam - that is only available if your country is calling for applicants! have a look at their web. it is http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/examin/exam.htm
So, you can apply for jobs if you have passed the test!
2. Next way of getting UN job is some program that your government sponsors! They pay for your wage, not covered by UN. Check out with your foreign ministry office about it:-)
3. A third way of getting a job is by a consultancy jobs. They are mostly short term vacancies. Check out specific UN agencies and programs for this type of jobs:-) Plus, UN volunteer is a good option to get into UN bodies, UN covers most of your expenses!

Well, that is it. Good luck with your career!

Good Swiss Sunday

Sun touches my face warm and slow. Clear blue sky. A few white clouds drifting in the infinite blue.

12PM in Geneva. My friend Patricio drove me to Mountains. We passed by some farm lands and cultivation areas. Driving up Le Jura- a mountain was very nice. Pine trees and some evergreen. Melting snow flows as small springs and forms areas of ice here and there.

Smell of trees hits my nose with pleasing aroma. Warm, slow wind chilled with white snows under trees. It all remind of my times in Mongolia just like any area 20km from UB.

It seem all Genevians head up mountains on weekend for walk and ski, but today was exceptionally beautiful - that I must confess.

Towards a top of Le Jura, whole area of Geneva and Les Alpes on back gradually emerge showing such a beauty. So, we arrived Givrine - where you could come by train as well. Sipping the good Italian coffee in a French cafe where whole natural scene looks perfectly is the best moment to have.

In Just a few days all trees will open up green leaves and flowers will blossom. Inpatiently imagine that scene.

Energy Efficiency Projects and Funding

Not only CDM, International banks are very keen to invest in projects that aim to reduce energy intensity and improve energy efficiency. UNECE brought both investors and receiving projects together under a conference. It named under Seminar on Financing Energy Efficiency Investments and the European Clean Energy Fund.
Many projects take place in various countries. Main categories of their business include Company, NGO, ESCO. More definite information is their web site. Here I present the main funding organizations. Check their web-site to have specific information.

SwissRe Clean Energy and Climate Change Mitigation Investment Funds
The European Clean Energy Fund
Renaissance Finance International
the European Bank
UNEP Finance Initiative

Unsettled beyond borders

We met on that day. You were sitting in front of me. You smiled like an angel. You started the first sentence. I was in panic to answer your simple question. I forgot where I came from. We all laughed. Friends noticed and made humorous connection.

Already four years are gone. But, it seems just like a second ago…

I am nothing without you. I am hungry and am tired. My life has no purpose. Our plan to spend a holiday in Paris is cancelled. I lost you.

You left home just as usual. I was as usual complaining about weather and the food – indeed I only can eat your dish. I realized that you are gone just a minute when your phone is switched off. But, I waited and waited, hoping you would come and smile.

Time without you kills me. Everything seems wrong and people look as if they hate me. Everything goes wrong. I cannot do anything. No food, no comfort in bed although fridge is full and all furniture remains same. Only alcohol brings me hope. I know. I was wrong.

I can not go out. Why? There is no-one whom I bring food and hug.

This is a story of a man. Sorrow and drunk. His loved woman has gone. She did not cheat or deceive. She is truly in love with him, but she has been caught. She is in a jail, waiting for her day to deport her home. They are illegal immigrants!

Interesting people in Geneve

An Italian. Speaking French really suits with the rich life of this person – culture, way of living and perspective. House is full of delicate furniture and folk tunes flow across rooms. All make unique style. Self-confident and strong, but no intention for profit making.

Great talker!. British accent with easily acceptable diversion. But, this person has not found a niche to live. Travels always and struggles with plans. Culturally over Sweden, lives in Switzerland and heritance of Great Britain.

Organized German. Only pays every single moment for what it is designed for. Straight forward and highly civilized. This person knows everything and does exactly in a way. Only bit lacks sense of fashion -perhaps that is good.

Besides, I met many other interesting individuals from Austria, Korea, Russia, Moldova, Japan, Italia, France and America.

All about networking

Drifting Clouds by Aki Kaurlsmaki simply makes it all clear that networking saves your living. I love this movie for the fact it combines both way of Finnish life and way of solving the problem - this applies to all.
I was invited to a dinner with a mysterious family by email from my friend Onon -whom I made friend through her husband Sergey and my best friend Buyana. I exchanged a few emails about how to meet the family. I was right. Mira, wife of the family was incredible nice a women. I was wrong for assuming their job be in educational or sector of international organization. They were absolutely business people. I am glad I had chance to share and experience this.
Besides nice dinner and casual chat, Simon - a husband of Mira asked me what I specifically want to do in my career. I felt bit uneasy to answer as I found myself in middle of no-where for my career plan. Indeed I am facinated by Simon's perspective. He assures a job in social and economic issue is all about understanding and solving complexities for the purpose of business. So, key is networking! People always help you solve the problem.

I think my old flatmate - Jeff is the best model for making great networks. It is true that a route of networking differs individually because my decision of choosing my path in life . Wow, I am going a bit philosophycal here:o)

Well, carry on networking - will save the life when it seems all down.

By the way, I am amazed at the location of their house which allows me overview whole Geneve with entire beeuty - lake and Mont Blanc.

UN intern ^ day one

My first day at UN passed with satisfaction and excitement. I have made my decision to come to UN as an intern although the organization pays me nothing just gives an experience to work with them. I would call it a volunteer. So, I have to make my experience learning one. Finding my way to UN building was far confusing than what I expected out of a map provided. Many routes and different gates.
Police or securities in front of the building are the first impressions of this organization. Those guys were funny and polite, making jokes for that all of us laugh.
The intern coordinator at UNECE – Vicki, a Chinese American welcomed me with a big smile and friendly talk. She handed my package and took me to my room where I will work for next three months. The rooms are different because there are at least two rooms with same number. They are only differentiated by an indicating letter. For example, my room is C 437 whereas another 437 with a letter – A.
I am sharing a room with two other interns. Alex is my Russian buddy. Linda from Germany is working under the same supervisor as me. Linda and I spend most of morning to meet other people working at UNECE. They are from all over the world; Australia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Germany, Finland, UK, USA, Italy, Spain as I remember and more.
People look happy and smiley. Strange that many dressed very fashionably official, it is perhaps an influence of Geneva, particularly French culture.
After lunch, we are asked to sit at a meeting. Many issues are discussed. It is more like my seminar at University where my class-mates from all over the world sit together and discuss. Some point, it is worse than I expected.

Genevè

Sunny, refreshing chilly, and colors of beauty, that is Geneva. Ice caps on top of the Alps surround Geneva city and a lake, Rade de Geneve, at the center of city specters all colors you would imagine. Various species of birds such as swam swim to me to greet and self-conscious people run with confidence and smile of politeness.

I strolled Quai Gustave street towards downtown around 11AM. All things I passed give me a brief taste of this city.

Structure

Build environments of Geneva looks interesting to me. Besides European style buildings with French artistic patter, Geneva’s structure qualifies the city as the most beautiful I have seen. Permanent rainbow decorates a sky reflecting lake at the centre. A water fountain, Jet d’eau flushes so strong that the rainbow of color reflection reaches far high level to the sky. Trees planted along the lake and roads. Huge flower clock runs on the park over grasses and flowers. Nice pleasure seeing it and appreciation of citizens of Geneva – who do not seem to attempt vandalize public property:o)
All modes of transportation routes are set to allow movements of pedestrians and vehicles alike.

People
It is a bit early to express, but my first impression of communication was very nice. Indeed multicultural citizens. I have talked three different nationalities in an hour. Most signs and operations in French, of course they will answer me in English if I start such.

Public Transport
Public transport supports very good deal for junior citizens under age of 25, giving much discount for any-routes. And, great parts of city connected with either buses or trams or trail.

Things are working well. But, I still think I need to learn basic French in order to commute and communicate around the city.

Flat-mates

A semester in Manchester was such an experience with sharing a house with multinational flatmates. Everyone has own personality and culture to learn.

Liming, a true Beijin born Chinese. She cooks the best Chinese dish in the world. After sharing her food, I prefer the real Chinese food from a Chinese. She owns her space with discreet moments.

Neela, a strong Indian woman. Besides exceeding spicy taste, I like her vegetarian food. Without a pinch of meat addition, she makes vegetables taste like filling. Obvious attempt of her cultural divergence was most notable experience to me. She was the only one in house to express her tensions just like my oldest sister.

Rohit, a man of house. He knows how-to of everything, from internet setting to setting heat readings to fixing broken water network. He preserves strong tradition of Indian culture and art of traditional cooking to himself only. I will miss my big brother.

I think I was the boy-next door. All like me as if I was a liaison to a negotiation table. My cooking was not as superior as my flatmates, but I always enjoy my cooking. I represented too little of Mongolian culture, I am afraid.

Exams

Happy and satisfied - yes it is how my exams went. I like my revision more than my lectures this time - strange.

Learning.
I have learned important concepts for life from my revision. The physics and chemistry behind environmental data, basic biological principles for all sorts of pollution, and economic models for environmental problems. I now know them for deeper than what I would do without my lectures at University of Manchester.

Exam handing.
Panic and reading for hours are not my strategy. I enjoyed my music and read when I am fresh and tried to revise again and again. Then, I jumped to a main points and core - likely- exam questions. I managed my time in exact probation so not late nor early.

A tricky moment
There was a time. I almost turned to fanatic religious, but interpersonal communication corrected my mind for reality:o) Thanks a million for a clearer in Stopford building for a right direction! I am glad for myself for being relaxed in mind!

I will miss my exams and papers.

Visa - a face of international relation

I experienced a core of international relations. Three embassies I visited for visa purposes, all in London. They all have different ways to deal with me.

Hungarian Embassy - nice but confused service. The top experience is that they made me wait for two days to get an application just because the consular could not locate it in her desktop. They also did not know how long(est) visa would take. What a civil servant would call an applicant for a 'bad client' just for asking the duration of my visa issue date!!!

Mongolian Embassy - nice and too welcoming. They let me wait in ambassador's room for a meeting with a officer! In visa section, the consular is the nicest and most laid back guy I ever met. I love it, but not my pace of service.

Swiss Embassy - the most efficient and right embassy ever! Correct information. Exact timing for 24 service of issuing visa! Nice service with a great customer care. Incredible environment of office, of course, they are rich:o) I wish all embassies would work in this way.

All different, but I am glad to experience all in London for my business.

New Year and London

2008 looks like a good prospect. 2 is equal number and 0 is nothing:) 8 stands for warmth and calm for my interpretation. All means coming year will be warm and calm for my personal and professional life. I hope so.

On New Year's eve, I visited a Mongolian family in Manchester. Full of Mongolian food and nostalgic talking about Mongolia. Oyun sister cooked such a Mongolian way that I expected. I was glad for two Mugi for their company even when I lost my directions.

But, new day of new year started with long walk. No bus. We three walked 5 miles. It was good exercise. And, of course hours of talking. I got pump in my foot after that.

The first step I made for my 2008 was London trip. I applied my visa to Hungary and stayed a whole night for checking out London clubs. I was worth. Good music and mosaic of all different people. Dodgy Canadian, whiny Italian and happy Londen teens are of memorable experience.

I must assure I like London expect the cost of it.