This morning we boarded our train to begin the exciting journey to Mongolia. After an early start we settled into our 4 berth compartments and enjoyed the scenery roll by, very mountainous early on, then big flat expanses of land.

The train compartments are small, but comfy. Boiling water is available in each carriage, along with a unisex toilet at each end of each carriage. There is a power point in the hallway but it is too low in voltage to charge anything. After such a hectic pace of the last few days it is rather nice to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

We sampled some local beer in the dining car during the afternoon and watched the Great Wall snake along beside us for quite a while. We had been told drinks are expensive, but at $2 a can that will not break the bank. Wine sells for $9 a bottle. Meals are about $5.

Back at the cabin we dined on Irish cheese and crackers washed down with Great Wall red. A very pleasant dinner I must say.

At 8:30 pm we began our border crossing formalities. Some very officious personal collected our passports and searched our cabins thoroughly for stowaways. Then the bogy change took a few hours followed by more formalities on the Mongolian side. By 1 am we were off again and able to enjoy some sleep.

This morning we witnesses a beautiful sunrise across the snow dusted Mongolian desert. Then we tested our mettle by rugging up in several layers and hopping off at Choyr for a 15 minute stop. It was cold but bearable. Noticed how cold by the air entering our lungs, so our clothing looks like it might be suitable after all. Food sellers pushed shopping trolleys along the station loaded with drinks and food, but it was too cold to get money out.

We finally arrived in Ulaan Bataar early afternoon to a crisp, but sunny day. Can't believe our luck - another blue sky! And the temperature is a balmy -20 degrees.