It's a grey evening here. The wind is driving rain against the east face of our building. We're living at the end of a street that runs halfway up south mountain. It's a largely Tibetan compound and some folks gather each evening to dance in the courtyard- but I doubt they'll be out tonight. Along the street that climbs up to our apartment complex there are motor-tricycles loaded down with all sorts of fresh vegetables and fruits. The gate keeper is a little old Muslim man with a long wispy beard and the typical white hat. He seems very happy to see us each time we pass by. Everyone tries to speak Chinese to Shinay and they seem quite skeptical when she insists that she doesn't speak.
Things have been busy. Besides settling in and getting registered, we've been testing the bear fencing, getting the snow leopard camera traps ready, working on a proposal and design for a research and extension center, and setting details in order for a project in Mongolia. In between we've managed to make a bunch of new friends and catch up with old ones. Next Monday we'll be starting classes at the university.
