Ulan Ude

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Ulan Ude was a haven of peace and tranquilty,maybe not surprising with it's close proximity to Mongolia and it's mainly Buddhist population.

We were met at the station by a very enthusiastic,English speaking guide and a driver-not something we were accustomed to.We were staying at a large hotel very close to the main city square which has the worlds largest Lenins head - weighing 42 tonnes and standing just over 25 feet high - in it.The square is still used for military parades.

We ventured out after checking in and witnessing a huge thunderstorm.The area had not had much rain recently so the violent storm was much needed but the parched ground did not drain very well so the pavements and roads quickly became rivers.

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Photos

Yes it's raining here too !
The pavement 'river' near our hotel on evening one

Worlds largest Lenin head statue
7.7metre high bronze head installed in 1970 to celebrate Lenins 100th birthday

Entertaining fountain
The fountain danced to Vivaldi's Four Seasons!

The first of many wedding parties we would see
This couple walked in front of the cars as they all honked their horns, very bizarre.

Outside the Itygel Khambin Temple
The 12th Khambo Lama's body is in this temple.Amazingly his body has not decomposed 8 decades after his death.

Our new friends
We joined this family to see the body of the 12th Khambo Lama.Revered by Buddhists worldwide it is normally only displayed 6 times a year!

The top of the lead wedding car
Little did we know,we would see lots more of these in every city

Steph samples some Kvas
Kvas is a non alcoholic beer made from bread.

View from the Sky Bar
The Odigritria Cathedral which is near the bus station as seen from the Sky bar

Aftermath of the storm
The rain was so heavy it washed the stones away from the tram line