Day One in Mongolia

[Updated 14 July 2019]

Ulan-Bator (UB) is a bustling city in a pause after strong expansion due to a faded mining boom. There are still hundreds of high rises under construction, but many are paused. It’s not a handsome or affluent city.

Modern buildings sprout in the central city, surrounded by aging relics of Soviet and Chinese dominance. The sight is familiar from visits to other countries: Baja Mexico in particular. Mongolia is carving out its modern character from ancient dominance over Asia, including modern China, Russia, Turkey and historic Holy Roman Empire and its more recent state under the ‘tutelage’ of China and Soviet Russia. It’s current size is just a fraction of the territory held by the mighty Ghengis (‘Chingess’) Khan.

The highlight of our first night here was the cultural show, a well presented variety of music, dance, and a contortionist. I found the music quite appealing, though the throat singing bass notes were a bit creepy sounding to my ears. It’s a rare skill that produces up to four simultaneous notes. I clearly heard a clear, bright whistle above the bass tone.

We also went to the history museum, filled with artifacts, some dating as far back as 800 BC. The museum was also modern and artifacts beautifully displayed. I liked the gorgeous clothing best.

We had a nice group dinner where we got to know our guides and the other members of our group. It’s a nice bunch, eclectic and well-traveled, a total of 12, including us. We then crashed after a very long day.

Tomorrow we head for wilder country where we’ll be housed in a series of ger camps. (Ger is the Mongolian word for the circular structures called yurts in other locales.).

Into the wild!