Random Mongolia impressions and info

*I write to you just now from my very own bed in a guest house, using my very own computer and the guest house wifi. Meanwhile, herders are moving their flocks/herds to whatever grass there may be out on the plains not far from here. The combination of ancient and modern here in Mongolia is mind-boggling. 

*The book that Cal got the Ghenggis Khaan info out of is "Ghenggis Khaan and the Making of the Modern World" by Jack Weatherford. Pete and other history buffs take note.  A good read.

*30%of Mongolia's lands are dedicated to national parks!

*We entertained ourselves one evening here in Ulaan Baatar by going to the movies. (We had vowed to do just that in every country we travelled in, but somehow never got around to it in China) And what did we see? The new Indianna Jones flick! It was actually fairly entertaining, though awfully LOUD. It was a good place to see it, not only because the theatre was very comfortable, but also because supposedly the "Indie" character is loosely based on Roy Chapman Andrews, an American paleontologist and adventurer who, in the 20's, first discovered dinosaur bones in the Mongolian Gobi desert. 

*Funny that we are spending the longest days of the year indoors in a city in the rain. One of my biggest lessons (and most constant, throughout my life) is that expectations are not very useful and often as not lead to disappointment. 

Though right now I don't feel too disappointed since the wifi connection is good and I can communicate with you, my dear ones! 

Ciao for now

ChaCha

ps

more photos follow