Ulan Ude and go the All Blacks!!!

Cracking day here in Ulan Ude.
There is a v definite Asian/ Mongolian influence here more than any other Russian city we have visited - probably due to the proximity to the border.
Spent the day sightseeing in temperatures of 22 degs and sunshine.
First stop was a coffee at the Ethno Buryat Market - a female driven Co-op which we felt we should support.
Next a visit to the biggest Lenin head statue in the world!!
Then it was off to see the fountain and the Ballet/Opera building. We were entertained with a photo shoot of a deaf wedding party, a ballet dancer being filmed doing routines en pointe with a bunch of roses, a sports team having photos taken and then 2 more bridal parties before we left- all in 20 mins!
We walked the pedestrian Arbat Street, had a Korean lunch, photographed the cathedral and then walked home in time for the rugby ABs vs South Africa.
We r lucky to have a random Russian channel that is showing the RWC - even if the commentary is in Russian!
Tmrw it’s back on the train, a sad farewell to Russia and a hello to Mongolia!!
Go the ABs!!! ( it’s half time)En savoir plus