People moved in and out of our room, and for seven years I believe I perfected how to be someone's roomie. I mastered how not to use their toothbrushes to clean the sink drain, how not to hang their clothes in the balcony during Signal No. 3s and how to control myself from eating their Toblerone and Chinese take-outs in the refrigerator. I think being a roomie is one of my best skills probably just third to intravenous access insertions and sleep talking.
Not until six months ago when I moved into this posh apartment that I was confronted by the same fear I had ten years ago.I admit that I did hesitate to be someone's roomie again especially that I had only started adjusting in this totally new country. I thought I perfected the skill of being a roomie but when I stepped into the apartment, it felt like I was back in my old sixteen year old self. Everything was new: work, culture, people and food; and dealing with a new person at my personal security zone was the least I could hoped for.
Honestly, I was thankful that being Farrah's roomie had helped me adjust in Mongolia better.I am fortunate that my first six months were spent with someone of the same culture and inclinations. As cheesy as it sounds, my six months with her made me enjoy that crucial transition period.
Because of her...
Saturdays in Tengis or Urgoo Cinema had made me enjoy: I am Number Four, Adjustment Bureau, Source Code, Rio, Kung Fu Panda, Captain America and Harry Potter 7 (Part 2) on a widescreen.
I enjoyed cooking in the kitchen since I knew she will never complain on whatever I came up with ( as long as there is rice).
I don't have to worry on a room mate in a ger
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| During VSO Mongolia Summer Conference 2011 |
or a seatmate in the bus during long trips.
I am grateful of meeting Khulan and Nyamka, her Sunday students.
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| With Khulan during our National Museum visit |
I realized that Fanta was the next best soda after Coke- and that we actually stopped our addiction for three weeks because of ulcer-like symptoms.
Bacon and eggs are best not only during breakfasts but most especially during the last weeks of the month (when there's no more allowance left).
I had someone to watch Mongolian or Russian dubbed television shows without looking so stupid.
Bacon and eggs are best not only during breakfasts but most especially during the last weeks of the month (when there's no more allowance left).
I had someone to watch Mongolian or Russian dubbed television shows without looking so stupid.
and finally, because of her, I had someone to talk to about my one million and one frustrations at work.
Last week, she went back to the Philippines after completing her year of placement here in Mongolia. The life of being Farrah's roomie was finished and now as I am nearing my half placement mark, I am excited to start my life as Liz's roomie ( a new VSO volunteer from England).
