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Published: August 13th 2006
Ok, we know, we have to stop punning, but really, it's a little too much fun.
And speaking of fun, we've just returned from a couple of nights in the Terelj national park about an hour outside Mongolia's capital.
As you'll hopefully see from the pictures, the scenery was stunning, reminding us of the painted sets from classic old western films. And after having spent three hours horse riding, we were probably walking a little like John Wayne.
Not that either of us were really riding like him. Carolyn struggled to get her horse above an amble, despite the best shouts of 'Choo' as copied from our trusty Mongolian guide. That is until it smelled home and set off with a purpose.
Meanwhile, David was less concerned with the speed of his trusty steed, and more worried about simply keeping it in a straight line. It's tendency was to head for the tastiest flowers and grass, rather than the route intended to the river. Although that simply seemed to exacerbate its hayfever. Each sneeze further convincing David that he and horses just weren't meant to be best of friends.
All this was made mildly more frustrating
Home sweet home
Complete with all mod cons. Well, a few beds anywayby the ease with which our French companions Jerome and Julia steered and sped across the stunning landscape.
But it was the landscape that made the journey worthwhile. A brilliant experience to cover the distance to the local river as the sun dropped behind the surrounding hills, bathing the rocks in a variety of spectacular colours.
It was the biggest sky we'd ever seen and gave a tremendous feeling of freedom to be out in the wide open space with nothing but a few dotted Ger in any direction.
The sense of peace was broken only as we approached home and our guide aided his attempts to get our horses moving with a little song in English. "I like to move it, move it." was to be heard between the gentle whipping of the horses with a recently broken branch.
It wasn't to be the only reminder of home, with modernity beginning to creep into the park with an 18 hole golf course and the odd mobile phone to be seen.
Our Ger certainly was of the more authentic variety furnished simply with a few beds and a wood burning stove - lit for us
The facilities
Just be glad it's not scratch and sniff each night by the ever smiling hosts.
Meals were included and David was delighted with the regularity of pasta on the menu! Not quite as delighted as 'Paul' the dog (named by a couple of Finnish blokes from another Ger) who got the 'leftovers'.
Our second sunset was less impressive as the wind brought in a quick downpour, but that just added to the cozy feeling in the ger, with the sleeping bags out and the stove crackling away in the centre.
There was certainly a tinge of disappointment as we boarded the minibus for Ulan Baatar and bounced our way back to the hostel. Instead of the ocassional call of a crow we were back to the incessant blaring of car horns that seems to be a second language around the city.
But there are peaceful areas to be found within the city, as we discovered at the local Buddhist temple. In a way we felt intrusive amongst the many genuine worshippers of all generations. Inside the main temple was a huge gold standing many armed goddess surrounded by prayer wheels and elaborately dressed buddha dolls. It was fascinating to watch people making offerings, turning
The hills are alive
with the sound of crickets the prayer wheels and lighting candles.
I don't exactly share the view that all animals are sacred when it comes to pigeons but everyone else seemed to think that way - they must be the most well fed birds in Mongolia.
Everything seemed very colourful, from the robes of the monks to the fabric covered walls in the temple buildings. Quite a contrast to our experiences in Russia.
Having finally managed to sort train tickets to Beijing (we hope!) we have a few more days to relax around UB and the surrounding area, enjoying the sun and the ludicrously cheap food (about four quid for a meal for two!), before embarking on a crazy month in China. Stay tuned for updates from there.
David + Carolyn
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Enough of the puns already
You can tell Dave used to work in journalism can't you?! Certainly sounds like you're having a great time. Looks like the 350D is doing you well too. Some good photos, glad to see Carolyn is there and you didn't leave her on the train when she lost her ticket. Why did Carolyn have a bigger pony than Dave? Poor donkeys! Hope you have a good journey to Beijing. Simon and Kath x