Report April 18

By Trudy

Our first goal achieved

We slept well in our hotel room in Bayandelger. Our room had a huge freezer with a cow in it. Because it was humming so much (the freezer) the power had to be turned off, but this morning I quickly plugged it back in. I didn’t want the cow to come out. The men feel like going for a drive.

Oko had information about the road and we set off early.

How strange, they look like snowflakes swirling in the air, no grains of sand this time.

Later it became real snow, thick flakes, wind and cold. Marijke could really use her new thick coat now.

It was not slippery because there was enough sand on the road.

We arrive at a mountain where there is an Ovo where all parents make a sacrifice like the boys.

Those 18 years went to the army. Marijke offers a piece of candy for the shape.

From the Ovo we go a little to the left. Find your way, go over a mountain and see where you end up. Nico is also handy with the Garmin and look… he leads us to the road along the poles.

It snowed this morning, but it’s already spring here. Lambs with black faces frolic around.

After a fuel stop in a village, the T-Ford stalls. Just blow the ignition box clean and the stray current is gone.

The birds have no trees here to build their nests in. They do it on the ground against a pole, so it doesn’t blow away so quickly. They are smart.

Baruun urd comes into view. The last 2 kilometres we drive on a paved road. I think the worst road in Mongolia, all holes and bumps. Terrible to ride. Dirk is being very careful but we bounce in all directions.

But it was worth all the bouncing.

The kindergarten team is waiting for us and gives us a warm welcome.

We get delicious food and drinks and make appointments for tomorrow. Then the children are there too.

Our first goal has been achieved. We are at the children’s project.