My last days in Ulan Baator
Trip Start
Mar 04, 2006
1
22
32
Trip End
Nov 04, 2006
Ulan Baator_Yarmak area,
Mongolia
Monday, August 14, 2006
After my motorbike trip I spend the last days in Ulaanbaatar. My visa was running out on the 2nd of August, which was in 4 days time. That felt like rushing out of Mongolia for me as I wanted to say goodbey to several people, do internet, buy souveniers, send stuff home etc. etc. Also did not really want to leave Mongolia yet...
So I bought an exit visa, which gave me 10 extra days in the country before I was really being kicked out!
Booked my train for the 10th of August, crossing the border on the 11th. The days before I spend at the family in Jarmak (district of Ulaanbaatar), went to Steppriders again to spend last time with Jenny, Mendee, Bainaa, Ulzi and others, went to the disco with Mongoo (and friend), and stayed at her house. There I met her ' grandmother' who gave me 4 sheep anklebones for good luck and health. Also did lots of emails as I was way behind, went to the black market to buy souveniers, bought presents for Steppriders and Jarmak family, had my hair cut and coloured (total price: 6 euro!!!!) and just tried to chill a bit in between. Somehow time seemed to fly though. That's way I am writting these last stories here in Beijing.
On the 10th it was really time to leave. I spend a great last dinner with the family in Jarmak, they gave me a beautiful del jacket, I gave them my presents. Than Towoo, DenSmaa, Mendee, Baynaa and Mongoo took me to the trainstation. This was done in a liekie-way as Mongoo could make it just in time because of bus problems and we after we got stuck in traffic jams, so just made it in time to catch my train. Shed some tears when saying goodbey. Mongoo will come and live in Holland in september, so we will see each other when I'm back. Hopefully I will see Altan, Jarmak family and others when I return to Mongolia. Maybe next year?
Mongolia is a great country with the most hospitable people I have ever met. I have lots of respect for the way people have to live here, it's a hard life, especially in the countryside, but people are happy with little. Something most western people can/will not do anymore, having access to so many materialistic things. Kids here have no toys but enjoy themselves, also spend 14 hours on the bus/train without crying or getting annoyed. No gameboy around to keep them busy. Every time again I realize: Travelling is also learning and appreciating the things you do have.
Mongolia (for me) in a short: meat, 'take my photo', vodka, horses, beautiful cuntryside, hospitality, motorbike paradise!
Jeroen, Altan, Olivier, Mongoo, Towoo, DenSmaa, Mendee, Baynaa, Andy and many others: Thank you for making my time in Mongolia unforgettable!!!!
