So far I don't have much to go on. I got in after midnight and I was picked up by a driver. But I'll still jot a few things here...
People do seem friendly, at least those on the flight. Based on the immigration lines, it was mostly locals and I think primarily well-to-do ones. One eleven-year old boy befriended me and was saying he'd been to America five times already! He was very talkative and friendly, much to his family's consternation and bemusement. I already got a sense that the younger generations will be the ones able to and comfortable enough to speak English.
It was quite dark flying in to Ulaanbaatar. Not many street lights. I was kinda glad I got a car to pick me up, particularly at that hour.
I met a nice Belgian couple at baggage claim. They gave me some good advice on how to get around. They even offered me a ride if the driver didn't show! He was sent here to oversee a local brewery that was a subsidiary of Heineken.
The driver didn't speak much English but was friendly. We bonded over the UEFA football results and the NBA. He knew about the draft and trading deadlines -- I think he knew more that me!
It's 8am and I should start venturing out. I'm exploring on my own today as I don't meet with the tour folk until 6pm. I think I'll hit a museum, a temple, a bank, and some local food places, all on foot. Everything is fairly nearby. I could use more sleep as I'm tired but jet lag isn't letting me sleep more now. Oh well, time to be adventurous...
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