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New Experiences in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia — Abby Schloessman 
The Mongols are by far some of the nicest people I have ever met! Their openness and kindness continues to amaze me each time I meet someone new. They always great us with warm smiles, regardless of how hard the cold wind blows on their faces... We keep being reminded that Mongolia is in an economic crisis and is a third world country, yet I have not felt this at all. BMWs and Mercedes speed by on the street, there is a nice internet cafˇ, and the people are dressed nicely... And then: a month without hot water! This was the possibility that greeted us at breakfast this morning. We all awoke to find there was no hot water, and later were informed that this was a regular occurrence, since all the hot water for the city of Ulaanbaatar comes from one source. And I am not talking cold faucet water; I mean water that feels like it just came off a glacier and pinches your skin as it runs over you. [Note: we had "hot" water back about 36 hours later.] The reality of life in Mongolia has moved upon us with this incident. I suppose I should not be so surprised in a nomadic country... I was reminded yesterday that this truly is a nomadic, agriculture-based nation. As we went through town, we sighted livestock grazing in the middle of town. It is incredible that in the middle of the capital city cows, sheep, and goats can be found wandering the streets. We were extra surprised when we returned to our Guesthouse and there were animals roaming right in front of it. I had fun proceeding to play with the animals. Some group members tried to warn me to be careful, and that those horns could easily end up attacking me, but I have decided that for the most part Mongolian livestock are as friendly as the people...As we prepared to head off for a day of sightseeing around Ulaanbaatar, I bundled up in as many layers as possible. I never thought I would ever be this cold in the month of May, and only yesterday it was sweltering hot here. But as they say: Mongolian weather is anything but predictable... It continues to fascinate me that I am in a country so on the brink of things. Mongolia is working to establish a stable economy in a new democracy, recently released from communism. They finally have gained freedom from the two powers that have tried to control them for so long, Russia and China. So much opportunity is ahead for this nation and its people. I love it here!... | |||
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