Ulaanbaatar

I have spent two nights here in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, and Ray returned yesterday afternoon from his build.  You'd be excused or thinking you were somewhere in Russia post WWII, the buildings are totally uninspiring, however along the heavily potholed road from the airport the houses looked like something out of Noddy, the houses are painted every colour imaginable, and the city is surrounded by beautiful rolling green hills dotted with sheep and goats.  We leave shortly for Olgii which is a four hour plane flight over to the west near the border with Russia.  I think this might be the last time we have internet for a while so there won't be any updates for a while.  We were treated to Mongolia BBQ for dinner last night, and a 1.5 hour performance by a variety of acts including the Mongolian Symphony Orchestra, throat singers, a contortionist (I had to look away), horse headed harp players, opera signers - all absolutely brilliant.
Our fellow trekkers are a nice group of people, only 8 in the group which is good.  I was a bit concerned last night at dinner when they introduced me to the doctor who is accompanying us on the trek. But also comforting to know that if we do get sick then she's there on the spot as we will be a long way from anywhere.
Cheers