We continue to settle into life here in Ulaanbaatar which to our pleasant surprise is a city changing for the better. Traffic intersections are being redesigned, cars parked in the middle of the street are being towed, new stores that stock exciting things like peanut butter and greek olives are opening everyday, and the city is awash with flowers. For anyone who has not been here in a few years I encourage you to come back for a visit. You will be amazed.

Brian is excelling at his job and comes home daily with stories of interesting experiences. I am finding my days are filling up with Mongolian lessons here, volunteering at the Special Center for Child and Youth Education and Training, joining the International Women’s Association of Mongolia, and continuing on my never ending quest to find a fire extinguisher, end tables, and a bench.

We recently have been hosting a friend visiting from South Korea which gave us the excuse to get out of the city and to visit Arkhangai, where Brian used to live. We visited several historical locations including Erdene Zuu a famous monastery from the 16th century, Karakorum the capital of the Mongolian empire in the 13th century, Khar Balgas the ruins of an ancient Uyghur capital, and the Orhon inscriptions which describe the exploits of Bilge Khan and are the first recorded use of the word Turk. We also visited with Brian’s friends and enjoyed the always lovely and refreshing Mongolian countryside. Santiago especially enjoyed swimming.

An ovoo alongside the road.

Brian hanging out with the pooch.

He came, he saw, and he conquered an ancient citadel.

The beautiful Orkhon river valley.

The beautiful Orkhon river a little bit worse for the wear after Santi came by.

Back at home I continue to enjoy the wonders of opening a cookbook, choosing a recipe and then making it without the need to substitute 50-75% of the ingredients. Just thinking about our fridge stocked with squash, eggplant, sweet potatoes, tofu, and other goodies makes me so happy. Aside from occasional cheese, I cook vegan at home and find daily inspiration in Veganomicon and Appetite for Reduction. Last night I made a bunch of banchan or Korean side dishes to go with our bibimbap from this website that I found. I highly recommend it.

You could almost pretend you were at a restaurant.