Ulaanbaatar the land of the Stars

So we've been in Ulaanbaatar aka UB for 24 hours almost and its an energetic place. The city is a dust bowl with an army of sweepers battling on the pavements to keep them clean. Also a point of note is that the traffic jam's of UB make London's roads look like free flowing motorways.
On the cultural side of things we went to see the Black Market in the south-east corner of UB. This place can supply you with everything you could want or imagine from food to cloths and water to leather hide's, treated in front of your very own eyes, only 50 Togrog to get in (= 2p). Think of it as your Costco membership charge. On a more high cultured note we went to see the most fantastic Throat singing, contortionists and traditional musicians. I have to say that they are worth coming to Mongolia for on there own, a very moving experience. One can know understand how the Mongol hordes where entertained during there time of rest and recuperation when not conquering the world.
We will be going on a 16 day tour of the country tomorrow and that shall bring some excellent photo's to the blog courtesy of the G9 (Aka Rob's camera). Otherwise the obligatory walk around town was pleasant and fun with our fellow traveller Mark of Kidderminster joining us.

Mohsin (Genghis) Kani

Pictures start leaving Ulan Ude on Thursday morning. We were the last carriage on the train at one point so we were able to take advantage of the view out back. Justin weilds all his Togrogs, the Mongolian currency, and what he holds is worth only 180 pounds but he has about 40 notes. There were some lovely views over the Mongolian hills the next day as we approached UB, and we had a warm reception (someone even knew my name!) when we arrived at the station. The one holding the sign with my name on it is Camber, and he has taken on the Sherpa badge of honour. Mark is the musician on the far right of that picture, who may be joining us for part of our tour into the country.