A Summary

Our Mongolia experience started out with about 36 hours in either and airplane or an airport. Once the plain finally touched down at about 11:30 pm on Friday, we were all anxious to get to the hotel, and sleep in an actual bed. Once we all got our bags, went through customs, and started to walk out of the airport, we were greeted by a film crew, and some of our host siblings. After being interviewed and greeted thoroughly, we were able to step out into the night and see the lights of Ulaanbaatar.

We bounced our way down the crowded and mangled streets of UB to arrive at our hotel at about 1:30 am. As we dragged ourselves up the stairs with all of our luggage we were so close. We promptly went to bed and found ourselves waking up at about 6 am to the broad daylight shining through the window (Mongolia does not have daylight savings time.)

No matter how tired, we made a trip out into the city after being explained that pedestrians never have the right of way. A group of us braved the streets and went to sight see. The streets of Mongolia were planned to have about 1/4 of the population that they currently have. After navigating through the traffic for about a half hour, we found ourselves at peace bridge looking down into a crystal clear stream.

Later in the week, we traveled to many museums, palaces and monuments around UB. As it drew closer to Saturday, the tension was building. Saturday we all separated and went into our host families. I can speak for everyone when I say that we were nervous. Once we entered our host homes, we were greeted with food, food, and more food. It is in the Mongolian culture to make sure that your guests sever get hungry and to offer them plenty of food.

Overall, Mongolia is really a great place with many great people that are rich with culture.

-Thomas and Kate