Day Twenty 17.08.2012 Ulaan Bataar

It rains during the night and the slope of the hill doesn’t change, so most people spend some of the dark hours regaining their original positions in their tents!  A misty, moisty morning, but no more rain. 

After breakfast, Jess gives us each a blue khadag to place somewhere in the area as a commemoration of our visit to this wonderful country.  As we leave, we can see our khadags blowing in the wind, taking our thoughts, wishes and memories to the eternal blue sky…an emotional time for some!

Back to the road – the main road to UB.  Traffic soon builds up and we take forever to wend our way through town and eventully arrive safely back at the Dream Hotel, after some exceptional driving yet again by Turuu and Sandag, this time the enemy is not the road, or the water and mud, or the hills, but other drivers!!

Most people drop their bags, have a quick shower and  head out for lunch and more retail therapy.  Our “Last Supper” this evening is at Granvilles, the Irish-pub-that-really-isn’t, which is where this journey began 22 days ago.

We say our goodbyes to Jess as Gamba waits to drive us to the airport the next night.  We are sad to leave, but are proud to say, “We love you, Jessica Brooks.  Stay true to yourself and your dream, and may your spirit ride on the winds to eternity!”

Pause for reflection time:

When John and I first thought of returning to Mongolia to join Jess and Turuu travelling again through Untamed Mongolia, we decided we would like to share it with like-minded friends.  This decision proved to be an inspiring one.  Not only have we enjoyed the company of people we already knew, but we now know them well, and believe that we are all better for that experience.

Jess, Turuu and Sandag made this journey one that some of us might have thought would never happen to us;   one that has provided us with an experience outside our comfort zone;  maybe one that, if we had known the fine details, we would never have undertaken.  And that would have deprived us all of some memories that we will carry with us forever, that we will dine out on for a long time, and that we will share as private moments between just us.

Thank you Graeme, Suzanne, Janine, Julie, Richard and Meaghan for being with us, and may your khadag carry your spirit on the winds to the eternal blue sky.

A pensive moment

A hug

Turuu, Jess and Sandag

The 'last supper'