Back in UB

It's been two weeks since I've returned to Mongolia and already it feels like a year. Despite the flaky skin, dusty shoes and UHT milk it's good to be back! The familiar roads, frowns and a fist full of tugrugs make me feel welcome. And most importantly it's good to be with my husband and son again.

Much has changed in Mongolia in the last few months and I feel like I'm struggling to catch up. The most exciting event so far has been the presidential election, which went smoothly and the results reassuring, but there's been more substantial changes taking place also. I've noticed many new roads, buildings and shops, as well as a general shift towards a much lovelier atmosphere. Maybe it's the weather and the impending Naadam festivals or my suspicions of an improving UB being proven right. All the same, I'm yet again convinced that the move back is the right decision.

The next few weeks will be a bit of a whirlwind I imagine, with a new job to settle into and an office to furnish, a new flat to redecorate and also furnish, and the big and all important event of sending Arvis to nursery full time. I've found a montessori that feels good and we plan to start next week. Exciting times ahead!

What I'm missing though, and look forward to again, is having a sense of being 'settled' in. The finality of moving back to UB was a bit strange at first but we all know that home is where you find yourself with the people you love and enjoy. So here's  re-discovering this old city of mine, calling it home again, and to re-making those connections.

In the meantime, happy to be with this little guy