Well, that didn't go to plan!

We didn't exactly fit in the accomodation booking last night! By the time we'd had dinner and chilled out a bit, it was time to go to bed! Pretty pathetic excuse, I know, considering how much we have to get done over the next few days!

My girlfriend found an excellent looking log cabin by Lake Baikal, which is surely going to be an excellent place to stay. She has emailed them to see if it's available during our stay. Also, we have decided on our hotel for the two nights in Moscow earlier on in the trip, we just have to book it now, so we have done a little towards it!

I mentioned in a previous post about wanting to stay in a traditional Mongolian ger along the way. We think we have found a good looking place, with very reasonable rates too, only trouble is the transfers from Ulan Bator to it are not cheap. Still, a decision will have to be made on this very soon!

I best get on with my work now...

A new aftershave... It's called 'Ger'...

Since the Trans-Siberian Railway calls at Mongolia, we've been thinking we should get off there and soak up some former-communist-now-US-friendly atmos (not that communism always has problems with the US, but there's been a slight theme). I use the term US-friendly as it is one of the few places so far away from The States that I have come across that welcomes US citizens in without a visa, but no one else. That's right, us English still need one of them!

Ever since Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, I've been fascinated by Genghis Khan and his most excellent lifestyle. So a trip to his home country seems like fun! Pity none of the Genghis Khan exhibits in Mongolia seem to have any rave reviews. Also, I read somewhere recently that a guy recently pitched up in Ulan Bator (Mongolia's capital) claiming to be long-descended from Genghis himself. His claims attracted a fair bit of attention (as would anybody's!), until somebody from the crowd pointed out he couldn't actually speak Mongolian, rendering him as naked as the stupid emperor in his 'new clothes'.

A neat thing Mongolian's seem to do is live in felt tents, called Gers. I want to spend the night in one. That said, if Ewan and Charlie's experience in Long Way Round is anything to go by, I may be taking a packed lunch from King's Cross (Think sheep brain!). Although, a kind Mongolian lady at the recent Destinations Travel Show in Earl's Court did ensure me that Mexican food is available in some parts, so I'm not despairing. I LOVE food that ends in 'os' and 'as'...