We heard the birds fly

 Found this in my drafts folder - it's about my trip to Mongolia Sept 2012.

Arrived Hoyor Zagar Ger Camp yesterday. We were the only ones there at first. Out in the vast landscape. lLooking over the valley to the mountains. Horses, sheep and goat herds in the distance. We were admiring the view when we heard birds flying over us. Four black birds, there wings beating, in rythym, floating along. In prep for the trip, I had read "Hearing the Birds Fly" but I didn't really think you could - indeed you can!

We drove 15 km on dirt road to Khongo Khan monastery up in a peaceful sandstone mountain valley. A woman lama manages the site with her mother a devout believer. Just 2 weeks ago they had returned to them a statue for the temple. The temples look out over the old ruins of the original. Builint in 1600s destroyed in 1700s; all the monks killed. Rebuilt in the 1990s after Mongolia became free democracy.

Today, Kharakorum, the ancient capital. Another monastery - bigger. Erdene Zu "A Hundred Treasures"

This morning, camel ride. Two hump. The humps wiggle when they walk. It's their water reservoir. As I was riding (it was a comfy ride), I couldn't help but think, fleas? ticks? and then after feeling the fur, camel hair coat!

Today at Munhk Tenger Ger Camp. Dinner is almost ready. The food has been very good at these places. Meat, usually beef or chicken; rice; vegie.