The Waterfall

Today we set out to head to the waterfall. Only to find that the road was no longer and that we were following just tracks in the landscape. How Teleh knew where he was going we will not know, but some four hours later and many a bumpy road we arrived at the waterfalls. If you ever wanted to see such a dangerous rock formation then here is the place to come. The water falls into a hole about 20 metres deep and the rock formation around, which was volcanic, was just leaning inwards ready to fall in. Anyhow Bryan and Eric decided they needed a swim so in they went, they just had to go behind the waterfalls. With both of them in the water, remember not many Mongolians can swim. It started to draw a crowd around the top edge of the waterfalls and as they both came out everyone cheered and clapped at them both. Short drive and we found a lovely spot to camp in a valley looking out over the hillsides. We made camp as this was to be our home for two nights as we had planned a rest stop for a day. The next morning after breakfast of fried egg sandwiches and tea, and a wash in the mountain stream, Jody, Bryan and Marie went in search of horses while Eric climbed hills. We found some horses and agreed a price of just over £5 for two hours, a lovely ride over the river and to some beautiful countryside. Marie’s horse almost threw her off as a bee or wasp made her horse jump quite violently, but she managed to keep on and we headed out. Bryan's saddle was about 5 bum sizes too small so at the turning point Jody swapped horses with him and this made him very happy. So after night number 2 in this place (which was swarming with flies from all the poo!) we set off again, back the way we’d come. We were in the middle of nowhere when we saw 3 camper vans all stopped together. Teleh abruptly stopped and jumped out and went over to what appeared to be one huge family all travelling together. He was warmly welcomed and he beckoned us to join him. There was a lad in the family who lived in California so he spoke good English and he explained that Teleh and his Grandfather were good friends. He was very definitely the head of the family as he sat there on his stool, all the grandchildren swarmed around him. In the warmest Mongolian fashion, we were first offered snuff, then vodka, then airag by the Grandfather whom we were also informed, was famous in Mongolia for his throat singing. Someone then produced 2 CDs and the Grandfather then gave us these. What a great man! Jody asked if she could take a photograph and he said yes, then all the children ran off before she could take one! However when the grandfather smiled approvingly of her photograph, they all came running back and wanted their photo taken with Eric! They all wanted to see their photographs on the camera and they all giggled when they saw themselves on the screen. It was quite funny. We waved goodbye to this lovely family and set off again. The roads were almost impassible because of a lot of rainfall the night before and we came to this really steep track. We made it to the top and stopped for a break, only to have the family follow us up the hill and join us again while they waited for the last of their vans to make it up the hill. We said goodbye again as the rain started up again. We were heading for some hot springs but when we got there they were not very nice. The gers nearby had no character and were full of spiders! The hot springs didn’t have much water in them and so to Teleh’s disappointment, we asked him to drive again. It was getting late and it would take us 2 hours to reach the city of Tsetserleg and a guesthouse. When we eventually got to the city, our lonely planet guide gave us locations to try. The first and most recommended one did have hot showers but was way too expensive for us :-( We tried the one next door and it was very basic, no hot water but we could all share a room with our own bathroom. And it was cheap! Thinking we could do better we tried 2 more but neither had hot water or showers. Back to the second one, we took a room for 5 then went in search of food. A small cafe was recommended and we all had a good meal with beer for about £11 in total. And no washing up to do. Bargain! Teleh went and bought a bottle of vodka which he insisted we all drink with him (on top of the beer). On the way back we passed a nightclub which Bryan & Eric decided they had to visit. So dragging Teleh in with them, they disappeared for several hours whilst Jody & Marie decided they were going to take full advantage of the soft beds! They were sleeping peacefully when several hours later, in rolled the boys all drunk! However, once they were all settled for the night, the soft beds did their job and the only sound that could be heard was Eric throwing up in the toilet! Some Russian Influenced Concrete Block Hotel Room rating: 1/10 - we were desperate Location: 2/10 - where the hell are we? Staff: 1/10 - nothing more to say Value for Money: 5/10 it was cheap but we got what we paid for! Other comments: basic and ugly but comfortable Stay again? no way Overall area experience: 2/10 the free shower next door made up for it!!!