Between the wrestling bouts we had some dancing.
The last bunch of photos are just snaps which I think sum up the whole feel of the day. It wasn't just an event "put on for the tourists"; it seemed to us that the participants were genuinely competing and having a thoroughly good time. Whether the same people are involved in every festival or if different villages take part I don't know, but the whole thing was so fresh and full of energy and fun.
Some of the jockeys having a rest whilst watching the wrestlers. They'll need to put on a bit of weight before they can train for that sport.
These lads actually asked me (obviously not in so many words, but with actions) to take their photo.
These were the only Mongolians not dressed in traditional costume and I'm assuming from their outfits that they were bikers.
And as you can tell from the number of photos of them; I liked the flags!
What a brilliant way to spend my birthday - one I'll never forget. Oogii had mentioned it earlier in the day but I asked him not to spread it around, but just before dinner he quietly told me he'd arranged a birthday cake which was very sweet of him. We were happy to get some beers for him, Pudu and the drivers one of which is called Sotto and the other one for some unknown reason Ian has christened Bridget - which he's answering to, bless him! The dinner was quite revolting, consisting of bones, gristle and more bones and very little vegetables - however when the cake arrived it was delicious and I was very grateful for it as I was rather hungry.
And a few photos from our ger to finish with - how fabulous!
We even had a small herd of camel wander past.
I'll just add these phone snaps although the colouring is hideous. The door height of the ger is about 5' and consequently Ian and I are seriously bashing our heads every time we go in or out (or indeed to the attached loo) and so I came up with this ingenious idea of hanging loo paper as a visual reminder.
I think it might just work!
I could look at this view forever.
