Back To The City

Our last full day starts up sunny with blue skies. It’s a short 2 hour drive from the park to Ulaanbaatar or UB as we’ve come to refer to it. The city has changed a lot in the two weeks since we’ve been here. Part of it has to do with the weather as there’s been lots of rain. The river near our hotel is now flowing compared to the barely there stream before. More people are also out and about as well and hotels that previously had empty parking lots are now filled. Summer looks like it may have finally arrived.

There are no scheduled activities today just an included lunch - strangely Korean - and then free time. The girls went shopping while I took the time to do laundry. Luckily one of my tour mates ended up having a washing machine in their room so I only had to go out to get mine dried. Laundry Zone is the closest place I found and after searching & asking around, I located it on the 3rd floor of a nearby eMart.

As for shopping, the local store Mary and Martha was the winner with its unique and handmade products with items you won’t find in any regular store that sells the usual items.

In the evening, we went to a Mongolian cultural show which turned out to be really cool. A mix of traditional and modern, the favourite parts were definitely the orchestra of traditional instruments, the 8 member dance group’s pieces and we were amazed by the 2 contortionists who were incredibly strong and athletic.

Dinner was in probably the best final dinner restaurant I’ve ever been to. Veranda is a Mediterranean restaurant that may be a well kept secret among locals The decor is en pointe, I wondered if we were still in UB. Outside it’s a funny contrast to see ancient buildings just on the other side of the wall. No more mutton for us as most partook in pasta while others had tagines.

It’s a bittersweet night as we say our goodbyes and head our separate ways tomorrow.Read more