Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Saturday, November 21, 2009
Well, it seems that even here in faraway Buddhist Mongolia, it's time to break out the tinsel and the plastic Christmas trees. And here we don't even need to wait for Thanksgiving. The grocery stores are decked with plastic fir boughs, and I haven't even seen the department stores yet...
Well, it seems that even here in faraway Buddhist Mongolia, it's time to break out the tinsel and the plastic Christmas trees. And here we don't even need to wait for Thanksgiving. The grocery stores are decked with plastic fir boughs, and I haven't even seen the department stores yet...
Heck, there was even a Christmas Bazaar today at a nearby apartment complex (which is inhabited mostly by foreigners). Lots of wonderful creations in felted wool for sale.
And this morning I learned from my Dutch friends that Sinterklaas will be making an appearance here in Ulaanbaatar on horseback on or around December 5th. Unlike days of yore, horses require permits in Ulaanbaatar these days. At this time, Sinterklaas is still waiting for his permit to be approved. No, I am not joking.
Lots to look forward to!
