Today I was supposed to go on a tour through my hotel, but I found out that MRCS was taking other visitors Toni (Programme Officer for International Programmes in the Asia and Pacific Region from the Finnish Red Cross) and Raija (Health Coordinator Delegation in DPRK)to visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, so I tagged along. Another beautiful ride out into the country. I think I am falling in love with the Mongolian countryside! We first stopped at this river, which is where a famous battle occurred in Mongolia about 300 (?) years ago. Many people were getting water and washing and picnicking, and one silly car decided to try to cross and got stuck. There were a few camels, horses, and cattle wandering about nearby. We had a lovely picnic. Also one of the gentlemen performed traditional throat singing for us which was crazy cool.
Then we made it the the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. It is situated in a place called Tsonjin Boldog, as historical place where Chinggis Khaan found the golden whip. In memory of the "man of the millennium" a private company build a 40m high stainless steel statue of Chinggis on horse back. You can take an elevator up the back of the horse (yes up the horse's butt) and then walk to the head of the horse through the body of the horse to see a great view. This complex will be a whole touristy area when it is finished.
We ate dinner at the restaurant there and I had my new favorite food, noodle soup. It is a beef soup with these AMAZING homemade noodles. I thought we were ready to leave, and then they brought out the vodka, an entire bottle. Chinggis vodka of course. Mongols like their vodka, and do not take no for an answer. There was a few toasts and many thanks. Tungaa said all the luck is a the bottom so drink up. There is especially pressure on guys to drink, so show their manliness. And to finish the dinner the same man that did the throat singing, played the horse fiddle for us.
Another great day in Mongolia...
No comments:
Post a Comment