Mongolian Diary

Snow Trek

Sunday was hospitality day from the Mongolian Women Lawyers Association (MWLA). We were collected in a mini-bus for a trip with the board of directors to the Chinggis Khaan camp, about 40 minutes outside of Ulaan Baatar, along the bumpiest 'roads' I have ever travelled on. This is a historical museum of Mongolian life, consisting of traditional gers, horse stables and vast outdoor meeting arena - all set in open fields surrounded by forested mountains - very dramatic scenery and covered in a good foot of snow. The snow however is very different from home. We tried to make snowballs but it is so dry that you cannot compact it into a ball, it just falls through your fingers like sand and this also means that your feet don't get at all wet. At one point my foot went into the snow and I ended up calf deep in it. In England, my trousers would have been sodden but here we were perfectly dry.

One of the gers had a display of weapons and traditional ceremonial robes. The MWLA took great delight in dressing us up. Shani was dressed in the robes of Chinggis Khaan's mother and I was dressed as a princess! We took lots of photos and must arrange a slide-show when we get home! Shani slipped and fell outside one of the gers - so that makes us one-all!!

We were then treated to lunch - an amazing affair with various courses. The tradition is to open a bottle of vodka and keep pouring until it is finished. So many toasts were made, pledging future visits and collaboration and friendship. The man who served us the food and poured the vodka turned out to be a senior police officer and he sang us a traditional song. The MWLA obviously have a very good relationship with the police! Glowing from the vodka, we then travelled to the National Park - the oldest park in the world, having been opened in 1630. We had a walk in the woods, again amidst the snow - very beautiful. It is here that the annual Naadam is held in the summer: a three day festival of horse racing, archery and wrestling.

We then invited everyone back to the hotel to sample the Irish whisky that I had in my room and, as if by magic, they proceeded to spread trays of meats, pickles, crisps and nuts that they had brought with them, along with yet another bottle of vodka and Mongolian beer. This was all in the name of securing good international relations of course!

Monday looks set to be an interesting day. We have a visit arranged with the Ministry of Justice and a senior judge. The evening is a formal dinner with the MWLA - and might involve more vodka. This research stuff can be so demanding!

We will post another message tomorrow - probably our final message before coming home. Helen & Shani.

posted by Helen J @ 9:00 AM