On Sunday we went into town for the Omnogobi Naadam festival. The opening ceremony, along with archery, shagai, and running contests, were held in the city sports arena. The ceremony was well attended and quite toasty in the hot sun. Many people were dressed in their best including traditional Mongolian dells, hats, shirts, and dresses.

After an introduction by the aimag governor, various military and police brigades paraded around the arena, and then the real entertainment began.

The government went all out for Naadam and brought in the National Circus from Ulaanbaatar. There were trick horse riders, contortionists, juggles, and hoop dancers.

The aimag theater dancers also performed, and some very lucky kindergartners wearing camel costumes got to dance while Sarantuya, one of Mongolia’s top pop stars, sang.

After the ceremony, the wrestling started and we wandered out to the square in front of the stadium. The square, complete with a wonderful horse statue and jumbo tron, is new and was packed with people eating ice cream, playing games, and riding bicycles. The tall buildings surrounding the square almost make Dalanzadgad look like a real city.

In the afternoon, we got a ride out to the horse race area with my school director. While we missed the actual race we did get the see the winning horses. Our neighbor Tomorbaatar’s horse came in 4th place in one race, and we got to congratulate him and hang out with the horse.

The road to the horse racing area was paved and it was amazing to see all the cars speeding away after the race.

Brian went home in the afternoon to take care of Santi, but I stayed. In the evening Darkhuu, other various relatives of hers, and I went back to the square for fireworks, more ice cream, to see the rock band Hurd, and to visit with friends. Some little girls befriended me and wanted me to rent a tandem bike with them but I politely declined. I think they mainly asked me because I could ride a bike and they couldn’t, but it was still very sweet. We saw lots of people we knew and the weather was wonderful.

Hurd, one of Mongolia’s first, and best, rock bands.

Our neighbor Mandakh, his wife Tuya, and son Perenlei. He works as a driver in a coal mine, she works at the local hospital, and Perenlei will be studying mining at college in the fall.

Darkhuu’s niece Zaiya, he husband Baatar, and their children Huslai and Togoldor.