Train 1 - Man 0

I bid a fond farewell to Beijing the other night, sad to see it go, but excited about what was approaching. I had a ticket for a 7:45am train to Ulan Bataar. I would share a berth with 3 others, a room that is about 4.5ft x 7ft x 10ft (high) - so basically, small. The initial train ride would be 30hrs, plus stopping to chat with Chinese customs officials, which as some of you know can be a VERY 'pleasent' experience.

There was a pretty good feeling on the train as most people were making the trek to Moscow as well as a large number of Chinese stopping on various points on the route. Now 30hrs is a long time to spend in a small cell with people that you like, so the concern about how things were going to go with my new found 'friends' was valid. Concern changed to relief a couple of hours in. Beers flowed and descriptions about peoples diverse lives came out. I brought a can of chewing tobacco to cut the tension if need be - I am now reffered to as 'The Devil'. A poor fellow from London is still throwing up.

Anyway, after about 36hrs (most of which was through the Gobi desert) we have just arrived in Ulan Bataar. The city is hard to describe. A mix of soviet influence and 'Kenny Rogers Roasters' restaurants - possibly the most bizarre city i have been in. I am sure once i am able to explore a little further i will discover the 'charm' that i have read about.

I checked into my hotel, cleaned up and walked across to this cafe where i am currently writing. I am going to go for Mongolian BBQ tonight and then maybe to a Karaoke bar (which there seems to be an incredible amount of) with some people that are also on the train. Going to explore the city tomorrow before heading out for a homestay in a Ger (Yurt) which should be quite interesting.
Maybe I'll bring my chewing tobacco....

I see the Wings are playing the Penguins. I am sure i will find somewhere to watch it, no one loves hockey like the mongols love hockey.

Again, apologies for the lack of content, but my head is still spinning from the last 2 days.

Safe and happy, missing you all. (well not all of you, mostly just Julia and Ava).