Mongolia

Hello one and all. I am currently in Mongolia in a place called Ulaanbaatar, I was expecting the town to be a bit of a shanty town but it is actually really built up which was not what I expected. The roads are really dangerous and there doesn't really seem to be any traffic enforcement and the roads all covered in potholes so drives constantly swerve.
We left Moscow a nearly a week ago where we had a 4 day journey across Russia it was a real experience and one that I would recommend to anyone who can do it. I would also recommend you take something to entertain you drink is good (vodka cheap and readily available) cards and books finished 2 on the train which is above norm for me (not where's Wally books). The views on the train are pretty amazing although they become very similar after a while. The stops at each station give you chance to buy local food and goodies which was to risky for me as had stocked up but worth a try. The room is quite small but even smaller in the open carriages so happy to be in a 4 berth carriage. On Wednesday the 30th January we went to Irkusk also in Russia and onto Lake Bakei on Thursday, the lake is amazing and so vast the views where breath taking and would love to have seen it in the summer as well. Didn't really see much of the town as guide wasn't very helpful so missed out there a bit. The lake and its tributaries where the main reason the town was so big. We then left for Mongolia.
The train journey was about 40 hours from Irkusk to Ulaanbaatar the main reason it took so long was the border crossing which took about 8-9hours which is crazy. The toilets remained shut for a good 6 hours of that time so many people must have got caught short. The border crossing is very scary and then don't show you much regard or care that you have been waiting for so long. The train then has its wheels changed for the Mongolian tracks but we never noticed it happening so don't know why. We arrived at Ulaanbaatar at 7am so was knackered as was told the train was meant to arrive at 12 so not expecting the early wake up call from attendant. Ulaanbaatar is quite run down and tacky in my view but still cool. We then went to a Ger camp an hour outside the town. This was really cool and the views are amazing. The area is very mountainous with valley like areas between the mountains which serve the nomads well. The long drop really topped the trip and I really appreciate the comforts of home a little more now.

Beard is coming along nicely and am looking forward to china.

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