Arriving in Mongolia yesterday was a bit of a shock. Flying in we could see the unpaved dirt roads leading out from the city. Ulaanbaatar itself is an interesting place, with is gers surrounding the outskirts of the city and the rough roads and potholes and crazy traffic (we got in around rush hour and our bus driver navigated his way through the city by creating his own lanes between to formal ones and cutting other drivers off left and right). The hot water comes and goes so I jumped in the shower this morning, not knowing when "the water will be up" again. Despite my own naivety at never having travelled in a less developed country before, I am so taken with the wilderness surrounding the bug city that whatever mishaps might occur, I feel certain I'll enjoy the countryside a great deal. For now though, pick-pockets are the greatest threat to our comfort and the 30,000 children living in the streets are heartbreaking to be near and create a sharp contrast to our huge, mostly white, wealthy traveling pod. I haven't tried any mutton stew yet but surely that will happen before we take off for the Gobi. I hope all is well at home, feel free to shoot me a line and say 'hello.' More soon from these parts.
Photos: The countryside surrounding the city, the walk back from class into downtown UB.
4 comments:
Hello dear heart. Lovely to hear from you. What an adventure you are on. All is well here in Minnesota. The RNC is not noticeable yet except for a few closed streets downtown and tons of elephant pics around. It is quiet at home with you two noisy ones gone. We went to the State Fair and it was so crowded we could hardly move forward. Thought of you negotiating crowds. When do you head for the Gobi? Is it cold there yet? Thinking of you often with much love,
Hi Anna! Great to read your posts and talk with you last night. For some reason, a great story in the movie Charlie Parker's War, which we saw last night, comes to mind: A boy in a village received a pony as a gift, and everyone said, "How wonderful for him!" The Zen priest said, "We'll see." Then the pony threw the boy and he broke his leg. Everyone said, "What a shame!" "We'll see," the master said. Then a war started, and all boys went to fight except the one with the bad leg. "How fortunate he is!" all said. The Zen master said again, "We'll see."...
Wishing you all the best! Love, Pa
wow! Pickpockets, inequity, race tension, crazy driving--what more could a blog-reader want!? It sounds a little wild, but you've got all my confidence as for being able to deal. It's good to hear about the trip so far. Go team!
Charlie
Hello sweet traveler. Your auntie Nan here. I know you will keep your eyes open and drink in this amazing experience. Have some kimchee (sp?) for me. I had a gyro and malt for you at the state fair. Actually saw your folks there among the millions. My hens on caffeine pic was famously posted for folks to see by the Peace coffee display in the Eco Experience building. Buk buk buk!
Cheers, chickens and knowing you belong wherever you are.
xoxo A.Nan
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