So the tank and AK-47 guy stood us up yesterday and I skipped the night in the ger to figure out my homeward travel the day before. Just as well, finally got hit by Montezuma’s revenge and spending an afternoon on a horse would have been a nightmare to say the least.

A big celebration for the 800th anniversary of the formation of the Mongolian State has been going on in Sukhbataar Square. Some of the loudest music and shortest most jam-packed fireworks displays I’ve ever witnessed. There’s been throat singing, crazy oompha-oompha techno music, carnival games, and people just milling about. Fully expected the Backstreet Boys to walk out on stage at any moment. I watched a manget tasered last night as well. Not sure what the offense was but the guy took more electricity and kept on getting up than any of those guys on Jackass could have dreamed of.

Also managed to see the Dalai Lama do some teaching at a local monastery today. He spoke in Tibetan then it would be translated into Mongolian and I didn’t understand a word of it.

The Dalai “Big Hitter” Lama is under the awning right in the middle.
Perhaps you can make out his trademark shades.

Those of us who went were accompanied by a local child who latched onto us as we left Dave’s Place (end of the rally checkpoint) after a full English breakfast. I think the kid’s made friends with every rallier that’s finished. Haven’t got a clue what his name is but lately a few have dubbed him “Chinggis.” From what anyone can glean he’s got a family, even a home somewhere. His mother cuts his hair and his father is somewhat of an alcoholic and beats him around from time to time. Nights when he doesn’t want to go home he sleeps somewhere near Dave’s Place. Though Dave doesn’t encourage it we’ve slipped him Coke’s and bananas and french fries.

Chinggis wouldn’t let us leave the monastery before feeding the pigeons.
A good half-hour long affair.

Chinggis is fearless and quite bright. I’ve seen him walk right up to police officers and ask questions though he stands a 90% chance of being dragged away. He lead one of the Scottish girls under a barrier and past the police to get a closer glimpse of the Lama. Some of the others said that he tried to follow them to a dance club one night and paid the cover charge and was thrown out 10 minutes later. After all, he can’t be much more than 8 years old. He’s learned how to use nearly everyone’s camera and loves taking photos. Particularly the SLR cameras that rattle off 40 exposures in a few seconds. Riding on people’s shoulders and being swung around by the arms get smiles and laughs all day long.

Seth teaches Chinggis how to play Wiffle Ball outside of Dave’s Place

I was finally able to get a flight out for Tuesday. UB-Moscow-London-Copenhagen-Chicago. I think it will take nearly 40 hours to complete…assuming no delays and neither of my Aeroflot flights go down in a blaze of glory. I’m not sure what the little guy will do when the Rally tapers to a close. In the week I’ve been here the temperature has steadily dropped. Dave tells me winter will be here in another few weeks. I’ve heard someone was going to take Chinggis to the Nairamdaal Orphanage (where we turned in the car) later this week.

One of the car lots at Nairamdaal Orphanage

The entry fees from the rally alone raised over $300,000. Tom hopes to generate another $25,000 to 50,000 through the car auction. I hope what we’ve been able to accomplish through the rally helps.

See everyone back at home soon.

dominic

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