Mongolia Blog 2

I was greeted back to Ulaanbaatar by a cold wind, a reminder that winter was not far away. Mongolia has some of the coldest winters on the planet, reaching to below -30°c. Fortunately for me, the temperature is still above 10°. On the way back to the hotel, I stopped off at the eminent Genghis Khan Statue Complex. After my time in the country, the crowds and tourists proved more annoying than I like to admit (then again, I am one of them). Either way, it was a very impressive statue, well suiting its monarch. Genghis Khan (also known as Chinggis Khan) was a Mongolian Emperor in approximately 1200 AD. He brought together all the Mongolian tribes of the time under his militaristic rule. He is said to have killed up to 40 million people, mainly tribes from neighbouring countries. I’m just glad he is only a statue now! Even so, Khan was an important historical figure and heavily influenced Mongolia toady. This was a very interesting and informative experience for me.

My next few days went in a blur. I would wake every morning to the Ulaanbaatar skyline, full of tall buildings and bustling streets with mountains lining the background. The contrast it not something I’ve seen before, of dusty structures against desert background, dead and empty. I still sit amazed at the feel of remoteness even in such a capital.

It all came as quite a contrast to the outback that I was previously in. Of the approximate 2 million people in Mongolia, nearly half reside here in Ulaanbaatar. That being said, it is quite a busy place. Even though I am trying to learn about the local culture and not just be a ‘tourist’, it is hard not to be on edge. Previously, the easy going Nomads showed very little interest in modern societal life. Here, one has to be very careful about pick pocketing and other petty crimes, even being followed (especially for a female). Already I have had a set of bracelets that were in my back pocket go missing. Nevertheless, even with this at the back of my mind, I strove to enjoy the atmosphere and attractions of Ulaanbaatar that I could, while I was here.

The food in the city is quite cheap, and although it is apparent that no one travels to Mongolia for its cuisine. There is a range of Asian and Western options, so I have not been particularly adventurous. I had my exploration of local cookery in the nature reserve in the first part of my trip, so I am treating myself to more familiar cuisine.

All good things must come to an end, and far too soon. I leave Mongolia tomorrow, heading homeward. My time here has been eye opening, and I do recommend a visit for and travellers. I didn’t fully realize how different two places could be, and this journey will stay with me.