Arrived Mongolia at 7am, staying in Modern Mongol Hostel for the night. Dave our new honcho (complete with black eye from a fight he had with the group last week...something about a guy dancing with a local girl and it didn't end nicely hahaha). Anyway, cool guy, looks like he's from Justice Crew - took us around the city. LUnch and the main square where a parade for National Costume Day was happening as part of the Naadaam Festival. Many Mongols marched proudly in traditional outfits and it's clear to see that Avatar costumes were inspired by Mongolian tribes. We sat in the front row and thought we had great seats, until many people stood right in front of us to take pictures. Paul was the assertive one today, telling them to step aside because us and a pregnant lady couldn't see. Then a little boy got his head stuck in the fence. It was funny for us when his mum freaked out but his dad thought it was hilarious. Sarah offered vasoline but they ended up pulling his body through. Up to the 23rd floor for drinks at the Blue Sky Lounge then off to dinner to Nomads and Hogs Breath type of place. Joe had the "vitals" consisting of heart, lungs, liver, tripe and kidney which he...liked? Then karaoke. Mike and I sung Tender by Blur (a precious moment),Toby and Iva got into it, Nikki was amazing of course and between us I think we sang about 12 songs (Poker Face, Stop, Piano Man, Manic Mondays, Living on a Prayer, What's the story morning glory, Barbie Girl...some of the main offenders with a local hip hop song by Dave thrown in). Living on a prayer killed my voice and I think I will have bruises on my legs from my enthusiastic tambourine playing. Euro final was on but I discovered the secret sport of Hurling with Paul and Sarah (live streaming of the final) - amazing! This is where AFL gets its rules from...and Gaelic of course. paul's team won to went to bed happy, I had a lemon tea to rest my vocal chords so I also went to bed happy ;)
