Highlights of Ulaanbaatar

Today is our last full day and night in Ulaan Baatar, and we are thinking about some of the little things we want to share while they're fresh. The Manzushir Temple was a high point, literally, near the peak of the Bogd Khan Mountain. Nestled in a Switzerland-esque valley, the mountain stream was so fresh we actually could drink the water. And it tasted GREAT! On the hour-plus drive, we taught each other words from our languages. Zolba, Zolzaya's older brother, pointed out a white cow and said "white co" in English....to show him the accurate pronunciation of "cow", David pinched himself and said "OW!" It got huge laughs, and now Zolba knows how to say "cow."

On the topic of food and drink, we have been drinking Mongolian tea. It is not actually tea, but mutton broth and milk. Sometimes you even get a dollop of Mutton fat in it for extra flavor! It took some getting used to, but it actually leaves you feeling very energized. Molly got to help Khajidmaa (Z's mom, sounds like Hatchetma) make Mongolia buuz (sounds like bootz). These are steamed mutton dumplings, made with a pizza-like dough filled with mutton and onions. Apparently, Molly did a pretty great job of crimping the dumplings, much to her and everyone's surprise! We all agreed they were "sachen" (good) buuz.

The news from the horse race was that two riders and horses were struck by lightning, but the riders survived. One of the riders actually continued running on foot after his horse gave way, just so he could finish the race. Remember, these are little boys. Can you imagine a 6 year-old running the better part of 30 miles? These are hearty people for sure. Speaking of exercise, Molly has been able to keep up her triathlon training, somewhat. She has had 2 runs in Mongolia, and with the altitude and diesel fumes this was an accomplishment.

Yesterday we finished our shopping. We both now have traditional Mongolian jackets that are worn for special occasions. Suede with leather trim and silver buttons, Molly's is cranberry-colored and David's is tan. We also went to the national art museum which featured both religious (Buddhist) and historical collections: knives, costumes, paintings and sculpture. It was spectacular. In the olden days, they would make horns out of female human shin bones...no, they didn't sacrifice the woman we are told.

Today we will visit more museums and pack up for our return flight (not another 30 hour train ride for us!) to Beijing tomorrow. We have secured our permits and tour to Tibet and after one night in Beijing, we will head out for 5 days in Tibet.