Alert From Mongolia

Message from Konchog:

"Hello everyone,

"I'm writing to all my friends who are in some way connected to Mongolia. As I'm sure you're aware, the Mongolian herders and animals are suffering through an unusually terrible dzud this year. Today, Shambhala Sun was kind enough to publish a guest post of mine on the subject and feature it on their front page. I hope you might take a moment to read it, and help spread the word to those who care about our friends in the countryside who are really struggling now. I've been soliciting funds for the Cambridge Mongolian Development Appeal (CAMDA), who are on the ground in Mongolia providing direct relief right now, but you may have another organization you support. In any case, it's urgent, so thank you for listening and telling your friends. There are some more details at my blog (link below) and that's where I'll post CAMDA updates.

"All the best to you,

"Konchog

"Blog: Bitterroot Badger"

Dolma Ling Convent fire

"Hi guys,

"Just seeing news that the Dolma Ling nunnery in Ulaanbaatar suffered a major fire. I'm just telling everyone I know who's been there or might have some particular sympathy, so maybe we can get some donations flowing their way to rebuild next year. So heartbreaking.

"Yours in the Dharma,

"Konchog"

http://jim-wandering.blogspot.com/2009/12/nunnery-destroyed-by-fire.html

"Friday morning, about 4AM, fire destroyed the main building of the Dolma Ling Nunnery that housed the kitchen, dinning room and was also home for several of the eldest nuns. Fire officials are still determining whether the fire was due to shoddy electrical wiring (a problem in developing countries due to poor construction standards) or the real possibility that it was deliberately set. It is a miracle that no one was hurt, especially due to the fact that the eldest nun, over 95 years old, had to escape by climbing through a window that fortunately had no bars (most first-floor windows in Ulaanbaatar are barred). The building is a total loss but it might have been partially saved except the night watchman was no where to be found and he had the gate key that the fire department needed to get into the property (the fire trucks arrived within three minutes after getting the call about the fire). All this with night-time temperatures reaching -30F."

Snowy UB, Tibet

A more recent photo: last week's snow, from Konchog.

Konchog is also posting items relevant to the current events in Tibet.

Konchog, Floki

I can't believe I've never mentioned Konchog. He's this big American Buddhist monk. He cuts one of the most distinctive figures in UB, running around the city in his orange and red robes. I caught him last year in the Turkish restaurant across the street. Turns out he is living pretty much next door to me, on the other side of Centrepoint. Very nice guy. I see him every once in a while. Last December, we chatted near the State Department Store amidst the Santa Claus decorations, and I couldn't resist tossing him a cheeky "Merry Christmas." His response was "Yeah, thanks," which is nearly how I respond to the phrase. Anyway, he's looking for a home for his young St. Bernard, Floki, so if you know anyone in the Mongolian countryside who could take care of a big dog, let him know: Dreaming of Danzan Ravjaa - Konchog is a formidable blogger.