With one month left here in UB, I am trying to wrap my head around my experiences here. I wish it was easier to put such experiences into words but instead of words, I have feelings and memories that are floating around in my mind and sometimes they will suddenly tap into my consciousness and remind me of certain moments, conversations or sights that brought me happiness or interest. But something I can do is begin to describe this city and the characteristics that set it apart from the world we are so accustomed to in California. One of the funniest and strangest things about this city is traffic and the behavior of Mongolian drivers. When crossing the street, you must become hyper-aware or else you could be roadkill. Pedestrians have learned to be aggressive and quick because laws protecting us do not exist here. Within a few days of living here I realized the game I have to play to get where I need to go and do it safely. Mostly, I am dodging cars, darting across streets and ignoring crosswalks because they mean nothing. The funniest part of this, I imagine, will be my behavior once in California. My friend Camille and I were laughing about the reactions of our friends when we get home and act like fools in the streets. Here, a car will barely stop for you in the street but at home, a car will screech to a stop if you step one foot into the street.
This trait of UB is just one of many that set it apart from the world we know and understand in the states.
