A different side of Ulaanbataa

Today we have a guided trip I organised with Eternal Landscapes, a British company who supports projects here.

We were picked up at the hotel by a driver and our lovely guide, Odnoo. She has a 12 year old and 3 year old twins, all sons.

We go to an NGO (non-government organisation), Asral. I've done a separate page on that organisation.
They are a Buddhist led shelter for single parents, usually mum's to help raise the kids out of poverty and educate and feed them. And a few more projects you'll read about on the Asral page.

We meet a few of the workers, see a couple of kids. It's still school holidays so no students at school here until September.

We have a chat with the local director lady. The corporate director is here from Ireland, he is Mongolian but speaks English very well with an Irish accent.
They insistently ask us if we would like to speak with the visiting Lama that is here from Tibet for a month. We're kind of thinking, not really, but it feels rude to so no.
So... We meet and shake hands with a real life Lama ( Buddhist priest). He's 87 years old, speaks a bit of English but he's old and tired and so let's Mr Irish tell his story. He's had an amazing life, found in Tibet at the age of 2 to become a Lama. Goes to be tutored with the Dali Lama and among others, a Mongolian priest. That sets the story for why this Lama set up this program. Read the other page for more.

When China invaded/ took over Tibet he was imprisoned but made an escape, has quite a few degrees, set up and encouraged numerous charities but felt really compelled to set this program up. Also, the Dali Lama asked him to 😊

Then we go make some felt with a lovely Mongolian lady, with interpretation from Odnoo. It's a great process and fun time. They are impressed with our crafting skills, thinking we've made felt before.

Then we head of to the Ger District, or shanty town, to see a community project that Eternal Landscapes also support. I'll do a page on that one too.

On that visit, we also see a yurt that is a Japanese conflict museum set up by one man. He comes to see us. This yurt is handed down to him from his grand parents. Yurts, as well as livestock are inherited down, says Odnoo.
The museum is really basic but he has plans to build a very flash one.

Then to lunch in a restaurant that Odnoo recommends, do another shop in the State Department Store, pop into an English bookshop, have a quick look in another fancy department store close to our hotel.

No- one slept very well last night so we're all desperate for a snooze.

Relaxed Arvo, tea and bed.Read more