Matt, James and I went to the Mongolian Festival in Hammersmith last Sunday. It was a pretty unique way to spend a Sunday! We didn't really know all of what was going on but enjoyed observing the culture none the less. The wrestling carried out right in front of us was the highlight. I'm sure the web links to blokes speaking from Mongolia could have topped it, had we been able to understand anything of what was being said!

Here are some photos of the wrestling. Apparently these matches can easily go on for several hours...

Mongolian Wrestling 1Mongolian wrestling 2  read more »

Well Matty and I had our second official meeting Thursday night and talked in circles for a good two hours! It was much needed though, and will greatly help us present our conclusions (what were they again??) to James when we meet up with him for the first time tomorrow. I think we have a tentative route now, a bit concerned about the Turkmenistan bottle neck, but pretty sure if we leave a bit of extra time to get through Iran all will be sweet. Somewhat ignorantly thought we'd just be able to get in a car and drive but have quickly realised there is loads to do before we go - from now in fact!!  read more »