It's a sunny day today in Ulaanbaatar.
Coming back to this city(town?) is always full of mixed emotions. Usually I'm returning from the countryside, so for convenience sake it is a relief. The problem is that during the course of the journey friendships are made, and it's always when one must say goodbye that the depth of that friendship is felt. I saw that happen to myself and with others. So returning to Ulaanbaatar is sad too. Some of them I will meet again and soon, but some I may meet years from now, or never again. But I made friends and I will remember that, and hopefully they will too. I really would like to come back here before '98. And this time it would not be by travel agencies, but through a friend.
Didn't get anything done. I went with BeeBee and a tour group to see folk music at the Bogd Khaan's Winter Palace. Also saw a Buddhist play. Then we went and had lunch at a Chinese restaurant. They are a nice group of people.
I did go to Blue Sky Travel Agency to thank Bayaraa. I also tried to call Tracy, but the line was busy. I guess I'll try again in China. BeeBee said tomorrow he and I will finally talk with the police captain. Afterwards, I would like to start on my souvenir buying.
I've finally moved back to the second floor. Now I'm in 212. It's good to be back on this floor.
BeeBee's gone to say goodbye to this group that was just here. I think he has a crush for at least one woman in every group he guides. Being 23 and having to say goodbye to someone you like every week must be hard.
9 more days to go! I'm eager to return. Mostly, because I miss Tracy so much. I also want to show everyone the pictures I've taken. I hope Tracy will want to come back in 5 years - it's such a beautiful place.
One of the things I've noticed about the soil in the places I've been in Mongolia is it's usually sandy. I wonder if that has to do with the fact that in prehistoric times this area was all underwater - part of a great sea?
BeeBee came by and brought a German I had met before, I think his name is Akhi. His wife and son were with him, they having just flown in a few days ago. All five of us drank some sweet Chinese white wine and talked until midnight. It was really very nice.