Day 8 - 29/7/11 - Friday

Declining health led us to lay low, however we did get out to the major Ulan Bator market, which was large, cheap, and not too crowded. Whilst not as dirty as some 3rd World markets, the glazed pigs heads, unrefrigerated meats and whole carcasses being cut to order.... entrails and all, is a different experience for us 'soft' westerners.

Cinthia couldn't resist the cheap sunglasses, buying not one, but two pairs. For just a couple of dollars, we were able to buy genuine fake products all through the market. Adidas, Nike, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Dolce and Gabana, Reebok, Teva, Levi's.... all the big brands trade in the myriad of Mongolian market stalls. Funny, I didn't know you could also spell CK as Calvin Kleen, Calvin Klene, Calvin Klien, of even Kalvin Clein.

The T-shirts didn't fit me, with even the XXL being too small, however Cinthia also enjoyed purchasing some cheap jewelry. A return taxi was to be found at a rather crudely signed Taxi sign..... at least one word is universally recognisable. The taxis however are not, with no identification that a car represents a taxi, and this time no meter, so an agreed fare up front.

By dinner we were both jaded by the normal Mongolian chowder, which is either fatty mutton (yes, same as lamb but normally not as good as the Australian product) or beef. Our pursuits to find a new place to eat took a while, with most restaurants in the main street either not having menus in English, or smelling of food or smoke. Yes.... smoking still exists in all restaurants.