New country, dont speak the language, crowds of people at the station, and a printed sign with my name on it! Woohoo! I had emailed a guesthouse from Ulan Ude telling them the details of when I was arriving but I hadnt been able to check back to see if they had availability. Happily a sweet young guy came to collect me, and took the other two who had no bookings, and deposited us at the lovely UB Guesthouse, which we never would have found otherwise. Hot shower! (joy after 6 days with nothing but cold sponge baths!!!!), free breakfast, lots of helpful information and a hostel full of intrepid travellers full of stories and plans, either going off on or coming back from trips to places I had never heard of but am slowly becoming acquainted with their location and merrits. Gosh I love travelling!!!

Bought myself a guidebook - found a bookshop with lots of English books!!! Got a map, went to some temples - fabulous golden standing buddha over four storeys high, said some prayers for good health and happiness for my family and friends, had two massive feasts of fabulous chinese veggies, tried the local Chinngis (Gengis) beer, went to a folk dance and song show. What a way to start!!! I'm going to like it here.
I start a two week volunteer programme on Monday 16th. I will be living with a family on the outskirts of UB and teaching English at a local orphanage. No idea what to expect. Have bought marker pens and coloured paper. May have to get creative. We will see!!!