Comments on: In Search of…A Plan

By: grow up in UB

grow up in UB — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:33:50 +0000

I enjoyed reading your blog. I grew up in Ulaanbaatar, and have to say it’s a great city where a blend of different people, eras, and cultures coexist. Knowing a history behind it would definetely help.

Ulaanbaatar (proper spelling) is named after a national hero whose statue you sound like didn’t attend. A must see tourist attraction in the middle of the city. It’s in those “creapy streets” the revolution took a place way back in 1921. It stands just a way it is as it did back then. A piece of history that I hope stays. Privacy does isolate people.

There are plenty of art galleries to visit. Most people know some English, if not fluent in many languages. Lots of restaurants, from American to Arab. Plenty tourist companies that will gladly take you places you want to go. It’s a vibrant city where all forms of art, culture and intellectual being take place everyday. Hope you’ll take the time to visit the city next time.

By: admin

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:03:26 +0000

@Barbara – Cape Town was the same for me too! My running list of cities that made me feel constantly on edge are Rio, Capetown, and Ulanbatar. They really make you stay on your toes!

By: Barbara @ Hole n The Donut Travels

Barbara @ Hole n The Donut Travels — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:42:35 +0000

It’s funny how some cities can just make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Had much the same experience in Johannesburg, SA, and to some extent, Cape Town after dark. And I’m a pretty fearless solo traveler! Thanks for sharing about this remote area of the world.

By: backpackingteacher

backpackingteacher — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:00:07 +0000

I did see it thanks for the mention

Liz had also contacted me but with my travels in Spain and all I just never got around to it so I was stoked to see that you’d put my blog down …

so when are we gonna catch up …I’m keen on hearing more about Mongolia

school starts next week but kids don’t come back for another week so it’s a nice ease into it all again…

By: admin

admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:39:43 +0000

Hello Backpacking Teacher!
I’m actually already back in Saigon – but just finally getting to doing my many Mongolia updates after the fact. Are you back for the new school year? Don’t know if you noticed – but I gave you a mention in AsiaLIFE this month…pick it up and you’ll see your blog mention!
Sherry

By: backpackingteacher

backpackingteacher — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:10:10 +0000

ouch …such bad english …and from a teacher … my bad … good thing I’m not an english teacher

By: backpackingteacher

backpackingteacher — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:08:43 +0000

Hi Sherry … You’re so right about solo travel. It is the best way in which to connect with others in a way that you can’t connect when you’re travelling with someone … and yet …it is also great to be able to travel with someone for extended periods of time … I love you’re analogy of dating

so when are you back in Saigon?

By: Marnova

Marnova — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:57:30 +0000

Hi Sherry!

Great to read about your experiences. I’ve been traveling solo on or off for the past 15 years or so – five times in Mongolia. Mongolia is a country I’ve grown to love very much, although I had the same feelings of isolation and vulnerability when I landed there.

It’s not an easy place to travel – things seem like they won’t work out, but somehow they always do. Sorry to hear your experience with the Khongor Guesthouse and UB have been negative – make sure you feed back on your experiences to Toroo so that he knows you weren’t picked up from the airport etc. I could stay in another guesthouse or apartment when I visit but always choose to stay there because Toroo and Degi have always been super helpful as well as the connections (and impromptu jam sessions!) that are made in that kitchen. I guess The Khongor is my home from home in Mongolia.

The huge streets, concrete apartment blocks, funny parks are all the Soviet legacy and Soviet cities are not the warmest. But whilst you’re there, the things worth seeing are Gandan Monastery, State department store (Soviet relic!), Soviet Monument on Zaisan Hill, Bogd Khan palace, Naran Tuul (the Black Market – but please go with others, arrange return transport and be very, very careful with money etc) and a day trip to Terelj.

Glad you have sorted out your travel plans. You will 100% have a fab time in the countryside! It is such an amazing place. Look forward to the next installment!

By: jessiev

jessiev — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:42:52 +0000

what an interesting time you’ve had. as always, i enjoy reading of your experiences!! can’t wait for the next chapter. off to view your incredible photos!!

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:44:59 +0000

Wow, the pictures that I’ve always seen of Ulan Bator are always of big festivals. Its interesting to see such disparity!

I’m looking forward to the rest of your trip through Mongolia as this is a country that was high on my list of destinations for mine and Amy’s gap year.

Thanks for sharing!
Brian

By: Patricia Maddox Gulley

Patricia Maddox Gulley — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:31:06 +0000

Eagerly awaiting the next installments! Thanks so much for sharing.

By: Ba

Ba — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:13:45 +0000

Great insight about Ulanbatar. The parks do not look like they’re upkept. They’re more ghetto like. Look forward toward Gobi.