Terelj

Spent Sunday in this absolutely beautiful place about an hour out of Ulaanbaatar (UB).  As we traveled into the mountains there were a number of ger camps that folks vacation at.  Camping is a big recreational pastime here.  One can camp in most places and you do not need to follow a road.  People will see a nice area and point the car in that direction.  There are many opportunities to ride horses, camels, hike, rock climb and allow a hunting eagle to perch on your forearm.  The climate is very dry with most days being sunny since we've arrived.  The temps have been in the 80's during the day and 60's at night but just recently we've been needing to wear a fleece.  The Mongolians that we've met have been very friendly and seem to like Americans.  The number of expats has been increasing exponentially since the discovery of vast mineral deposits and the opening of new mines.  The school administration is anticipating a large increase in the student body over the next few years.  We've been in orientation for the last week and as I'm becoming more familiar with the International Baccalaureate program the focus is more on process than on product.  My understanding is that most of the students who earn an IB diploma do very well professionally.  As I learn more I'll share my observations on the difference between the U.S. system and the IB.

This is a camp in Terelj.

The owner didn't want Pam running away with his camel. 

Pam would like to add him to the other animals back home.

The big rock is know as turtle rock.  Did some bouldering here.  The white spots in the background are gers.

The Mongolians are amazing horse riders.  They stand most of the time they're riding.  This guy was trying to round up some runaways.

Terelj

Roadside stand with wild onions, pine nuts, currants, and airag, fermented mare's milk.  Definitely a taste that needs to be acquired.

Pine cones with pine nuts.

Voila!  The pine nut is the light brown seed.  The covering must be removed to find the edible part.

The stove behind the ger where horse meat was being cooked.

A ger restaurant.