Mongolia is absolutely incredible. Think warm friendly Thai people, but in Montana. Makes for an interesting juxtaposition. 2.5 million people in a country about 1/3 the size of the continental US, and half of those in a few cities, so everything else is very sparse and wide open. Basically a good percentage of the people still live a true nomadic herdsman lifestyle, it's like seeing what life on the great plains must have been like 150 years ago. Incredibly beautiful and peaceful, good for the soul. I've decided every country should be a Buddhist county. Richard Gere was right. I really want to come back when I can spend a few weeks in the countryside. Maybe someday...

Other thoughts:
Mongolian people are very proud of Gengis Kahn.
Mongolians didn't really think communism was all that bad, much better than being dominated by the Chinese.
The term "Mongolian Cluster F**" (if you don't know, don't ask) is actually very appropos, of all the crazy third-world-ish places I've been to driving here is the most close-quartered and convoluted.
Mongolian Beer is very good, Russian so-so. There's some kind of a Mongolian steak thing (see second pic below) folded over with cheese and onions in the middle that is awesome.
Mongolians are very warm and friendly, lovely people. I'd love to have the opportunity to live in Mongolia someday.

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