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Another blog... as I am now in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia!!
So... I mentioned in the last blog that the Chinese made me leave the country - and I was forced to wait for Claire and Mum in Mongolia - even though I have paid for the 4 days I am missing in Beijing - and the train ride to Mongolia... but hey ho!! I quickly realised there was no way that I could extend my visa (after 3 trips to the visa office.. where they just said Mei Yo Banfa - meaning, no way! - its impossible) and I quickly embraced the fact that I would have 5 days on my own in Mongolia to travel and look around!!
So I said my sad goodbyes to friends in Beijing, and said bye to Sheriic - who will be joining me in England if all things go to plan in October.. and set off for UB. I arrived at 4:00 in the morning, and was happy to see my name on a peice of paper at the airport meaning that my youth hostel had received my late e-mail confirming that I wanted a pick-up.
I was arriving during peak time in Ulaanbaatar as it is the huge annual Naadam Festival (a manly sports festival of wrestling, archery etc..) !! I quickly acquainted myself with this small city.. Mongolia is huge but only has 3 million inhabitants. The capital city has a small town feel, so its very quaint. There is alot of old soviet style buildings, which are in rubble - so its making for some great photos!!
The first day I simply wandered around and checked out the museum about the famous Mongol Genghis Khan, who they call Chinngis. He is definitely a local hero around here with huge statues, and the beer is even named Chinngis after him. I then found a derelict Buddhist temple amongst some old soviet sky rises - which made for some interesting pictures!
I then wandered back to my hostel where I met my dorm buddies - and we all went out for some Mongolian BBQ food - which was lush!
Today was the big start to Naadam Festival. No-one seemed to know anything about it yesterday, and we couldn't find tickets for hell or high water... but someone told us to arrive on the day and get cheap tickets from scalpers at the gate. So that is what we did this morning, and paid 20 pounds for our seats. We watched the opening ceremony (the Mongolian equivalent to the Olympic ceremony opening) complete with many in national dress, and singing. There was even a performance from the Mongolian equivalent of Justin Beiber. I really got into his singing. ha.
I then wandered around the events. They had Mongolian wrestling - with the men in tini blue shorts, and archery - where they shoot arrows at beer bottles.. and a unique game of Sheep ankle throwing - which is exactly what it says on the tin. They have sheep ankle bones, the size of dominoes and they throw them at a small target. All very interesting.
The best thing about Mongolia is looking at the people, who are much more beautiful than the Chinese.. I love their national dresses. Unfortunately their language is NOTHING like Mandarin, it is very similar to Russian in sound.
I will hopefully keep you more updated as I travel around and wait for Mother and Claire, before we jump on the Trans Siberian and tackle a 5 day train ride from UB to Moscow!! Wahoo.. can't wait!!
Lots of Love
Emma. x
- comments
Margaret Davies Great to hear from you, and read about yor travels, cant wait to hear more. We have Canadians coming over 2nd August, they are house sitting in Horfield, They are family we and your Mum traced and we are to meet up when they arrive at Bristol bus station on Grampy`s 80th birthday. No time to celebrate that day, they are going to be exhausted. We have been to see the house this evening. You must come and meet them, who knows , this could be an intraduction to another country and adventure. Must close keep uus informed of your travels, looking forward to seeing you, love to Mum & Claire. Lots of love Gran & Grampy xxx
Kathy I can't wait for you to be HOME!!! Thank god you are returning to us, at least for a while :) We have missed our Emma! And you will have ALL of the stories to tell us. Hurrah! Enjoy the transiberian railway, I am DEAD JEALOUS and can't wait to hear about it. Don't forget to be awesome! Kathy xxx