When I woke up it was only 6am. Outside was the Gobi Desert. Here it was much more desert-like than in China. At two stops I gave away some baseballs and candy. The children scrambled maniacally for it, pushing and shoving.
Out in the Gobi it was, indeed, desolate. The towns were desolate, too. There was sand and grass through rolling hills.
As we came further north the landscape underwent a dramatic change. Slowly,the grass became greener and more prevalent. The soil lost its sandy aspect and became darker, while the rolling landscape grew into hills and wide valleys. By the time we reached Ulaanbaatar the countryside was almost alpine with conifer forests mixing with grass. It was all breathtaking.
Finally, we reached Ulaanbaatar. Mongols were all milling about, some wearing dehls(mongol robes)! Our guide, Beebee, rounded us up and got us on the bus. The hotel was a definite improvement from China. We had a catered dinner.
After dinner most everyone went outside to check out the city. I was so tired that I washed some clothes and went to bed.