What's with all the white people?

Saturday
Another scorcher today. 98 degrees! (just like the band) I have been trying not to wear shorts and tank tops as to not draw further attention to myself, but today I broke that rule. I walked outside and was already sweating. It's gross.

I tried, unsuccessfully, to go to two museums today. The Victims of Political Persecutions Memorial Museum said it was open, so I walked in. No one in the ticket booth so I walked upstairs. Darkness. I decided it was best to get out of there. Then I tried to go to the Costume Museum, but I found out it was a place where you put on a traditional Mongolian outfit and they take your picture. So I left there too.

I walked down Peace Ave to go to this wool shop I read about. They had beautiful stuff, but very expensive. Another fail.

And as I walk out about 15 white tourists come in. I have been noticing a rising number of tourists. Some of them don't quite fit either. If you come to Mongolia, you are either here on a service mission or are here for adventure travel. You are not here to wear your cute outfit around UB.

After that I headed over to the monastery museum where they had a really good shop. This adventure was a major win. I got really great stuff and made BFFs with the lady. She charged me 40,000 tourgs less than what it should be! I will probably go back there at least once more before I leave.

For lunch I went to Mille's Cafe. I read about it in Lonely Planet and Zoloo said it was good too. (But filled with white people) I got a salad and a milkshake. Mmmm it was so good! Later on in the day I went for a walk after being sick of sitting in my hotel. I happened upon an ice cream stand and got a creamscicle for a quarter! Excellent!

Sunday
Didn’t do too much today. I have seen all the touristy things and this isn’t really a hoppin place to be. But nevertheless, I went to this restaurant for lunch. The only reason I went it is because it said natural and health on the sign, I could use a little of those. I got a sandwich and a shake. It was ok. I really miss a good sandwich, like a sandwich on fancy bread with lots of meat and veggies that ends up costing $15. Yup I could go for one of those.

Wandered over to my friend at the English Bookstore. And I am using the term bookstore loosely. This lady has a shop, maybe about 10x20ft, that is a second hand store. She has some clothes in there too, but a pretty good selection of books in English. From the classics, to self help, to children’s book, and trashy novels. So I sold her back the two books I got from her last weekend and got two more.

The locals think it is way too hot too. Anywhere there is a fountain, there are kids playing in it, or adults splashing some water on themselves to cool down.

On my way back to the hotel, I stopped in to UB mart to pick up a few things. I got a 350mL of Mongolia’s best vodka for around $6 (your welcome dad). And when I was checking out I noticed the girl had put something extra in my bag. I was thinking free sample or something. Nope baby Minnie mouse socks! I am confused.