The pubs serve no beer and a sober walk home.

After a couple of busy days out in the countryside we decided that a rest in the city was in order. We had the opportunity to visit Rod's work place in the city centre and meet some of his colleagues. They were all laughing at Rod saying how much I looked like him however I wasn't as ugly as him! They were all friendly and like Aaggi their English was amazing. After having a quick meal at a restaurant in his building we headed off to an a tribute to Pink Floyd at the Cultural Centre. This was a very professional production with 6 bands getting together to revive PF's music. The centre was jammed packed with fans and a good night of entertainment by all who attended.

Of course Saturday was reserved for the football and this was a luncheon at Bojangles pub that an Aussie guy runs. Very nice place and comfortable atmosphere with them serving the best Guinness pie on tour. After the disappointing result we moved onto a couple of other pubs and finished the night off at the Bull restaurant known for its Mongolian hot pot. This is where you select a broth and then add your ingredients to it. You have your own pot that is lit from beneath much like a fondue. You can add more broth as you go. Very nice food and really fresh ingredients. The mushrooms were amazing.

Sunday saw as at the circus and living in the city you can walk to most places. This circus was without animals and more of a cabaret style of entertainment. As it was an international circus there were various artists from Europe and America. I had to close my eyes when it came to the sword throwing as the girl dropped a couple before throwing them at the target which was her male partner. Not sure how many male partners she has had! After all of the excitement we ended up at  the Mongolian BBQ restaurant with another traditional style meal.

During the week we mainly explored the city visiting museums and a temple. The National Museum of Mongolia has some interesting exhibits on the Stone Age sites in Mongolia and an outstanding collection of costumes, hats and jewellery. Most of the costumes are set out with a male and female costume representing the Mongolian ethnic groups. There were real examples of 12th Century Mongol armour, traditional farming and domestic implements. The last display hall sets out Mongolia's recent history and the 1990 Democratic Revolution which I was not really aware of. Unfortunately for us the Museum of Natural History was closed due to it being deemed unsafe and being rebuilt, so therefore we could not witness the dinosaur skeletons that are one of the main attractions.

On the 1 October (please note the date) Paul and I decided that we would head back to one of the many Irish pubs here in UB. I said to Paul that I was going to have a Guinness with my lunch so when the waiter came over to take our order he said that he couldn't serve me a Guinness or Paul a red wine. Mmmmm this sounds strange as there was plenty of black beer flowing here on Saturday. I messaged Aaggii who apologetically informed me that on the 1st day of every month there is no selling or serving of alcohol in the city by decree of the Mayor. Can you imagine the outcry in Australia! I soon got over it and soberly walked onto the next museum.

Ready for the game.

Temples in UB

Big foot Paul