Roll on, roll on

From Lake Baikal, back to Irkutsk and the next train leg south east. Abandon hopes of somehow reaching Vladivostock and exile in Alaska.




Farewell Russia. Hello Mongolia, the NZ of central Asia, where adventure holidays abound ... If you are prepared to travel this far ...

At last a change of scene: neither birch nor taiga but sweeping windswept plains, rather like Canterbury Plains NZ but with less sheep (because less rain and less grass).




Around 30 per cent of the population are still nomadic herding families, but more and more are settling around the cities, particularly Ulaan Baatar. The country suffered a major economic shock a few years back when Russian aid dried up, leaving a wide range of public works stranded, although some are now being completed.

The Parliament recollects the history of Chinggis Khaan, and his offspring -- quite a long time ago for such a national icon.







Mind you, the said Khaan did rule rather a lot of territory back in the 13th century or so, including China, which has never quite got over it.

Also in the central square, the statue of the general who overthrew the White Russian takeover in the early 20th century appears to be point to new flamboyant architectural achievements.




More interesting urban planning insights next time.


- Posted when wifi permits, after Yi Chang I'd expect.