We are having a fabulous adventure to central Mongolia. Today we started off riding camels in Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes. Turns out that I like riding two humped a.k.a. Bactrian camels better than the single humped a.k.a. Dromedary. The second hump provides a lovely backrest and you are very secure between the humps.

Out in the sand dune, it was almost silent. The only sound was Marian’s camel breathing snortaly (I made that up) beside me. Birds of prey flew near by and I was enchanted.

We are sleeping in a ger, a traditional Mongolian tent used by country and nomadic folks. We visited such a family today and got to try airag, fermented horse mare milk. Both Marian and I had been afraid of what the taste might be like, but we both actually liked it.

We also visited the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest one in Mongolia. Though severely damaged during the Great Purge, a time of great religious persecution, some parts were saved through by the Mongolian government. The door above is to the Temple honouring all of the Dalai Lamas.

The monastery is surrounded by a wall with 108 stupas. We finished the day with a hike to a peace monument above our ger camp. It seemed especially poignant to visit in these turbulent times.

And finally, here’s the view from the peace monument. Have a great day.