Greetings from Mongolia!

Two hours ago we arrived in Ulaan Baatar, the capital of Mongolia, after a 30+ hour train ride from Beijing. We shared a four-bunk sleeper car with Zoogii's cousin, who was joined by friends from other cars during the trip. The train ride took us through the mountains west of Beijing, past the Great Wall of China, past endless farmlands and prairie.

Beginning at 10:30 last night, we were "treated" to the officiousness of both Chinese and Mongolian officials at the borders. Endless paperwork, and every time we thought we were done and could go back to sleep there was someone else turning on the lights, saying something unintelligible and going through our bags. Once the train was refit for the Mongolian rails, we were back on our way-- at about 2:30 AM. We awoke this morning to the sands of the Gobi desert and were soon in the grasslands of Mongolia.

At the rail station in Ulaan Baatar we were met by Zoogii and his family. They are wonderful people who have welcomed us with open arms. We have already shared a delicious meal (mutton, peppers, rice and Mongolian tea) and many laughs. The landscape here reminds of Colorado because of the high altitude, blue sky, mountains and wide open spaces. Otherwise it is completely different.

Zoogii is sitting next to us in the internet cafe and says hi!