Wednesday, 12 July.  This is another adventure springing up from my sister Natalie’s imagination and research.  I’ve alway wanted to visit the country, but didn’t know how.  Natalie pointed me to Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), which specializes in small group tours.  She was interested in going but she was looking for someone to share the adventure with.  I eagerly volunteered.  OAT allows singles without a surcharge so we get separate rooms, much to Natalie’s benefit.  There are only 10 of us on the trip!

For those who wonder why we’re traveling to Mongolia, I’ll repeat something my Dad would say: “You go places to find out what’s there.  If you know what’s there, why go?”  A lot of China’s traditions and habits actually originated from the Mongol invasion.  Indeed, Beijing’s Forbidden City was built by Kubalai Khan.  Next year I’m visiting China.  Call this a prelim to that adventure.

We’re visiting four locations, three of which have lodgings of very fancy tents (gers, or the more common term yurts).  The Gobi Desert is one such stop.  Weather is warm to hot in July.  We’ll ride horses and camels, take a boat ride, milk yaks, learn how to make yak cheese, drink fermented mare’s milk, and by all reports enjoy the food very much.

Departure is at 1:40 in the AM on Friday.  Air China, which is ranked 97th among airlines.  Oh boy.