A day in Darkhan, the 2nd largest city in Mongolia.  Amaraa, Bayaraa and I took the bus to Darkhan Monday morning.  When we arrived, we found a restaurant for lunch....see if you can tell what restaurant they chose!

Then we set out on a walking tour.  This apartment building is famous as once the tallest apartment building in Mongolia - 16 stories, and.......no elevator!

Darkhan is famous for its fur factory.  These coats, vests, boots, etc. are made with the leather on the outside and the fur on the inside.  They are gorgeous.  But, as there would not be a single day in SC when I could wear such a coat......(not to mention the price)......I passed!

We found a small museum that housed some interesting items, including, below, a tanka (silk applique/embroidery) of an historic meeting between Lenin and Sukhbaatar. 

Another attraction in Darkhan is this absolutely huge amusement park / playground.  The pathway from one end to the other is at least 3 miles.  Part of the park is playground, part is amusement and part is this pathway, areas off which are arranged by the signs of the zodiac - thus....Aries.

All along the path are these little ceramic animals (note the belly) who play music.

All children, big and little, enjoy the many climbing, sliding, swinging opportunities.

At the end of the pathway is a Buddha on one hill, and a monument on another hill, joined by a bridge.

View of the monument from the Buddha

Crossing the brideg

The monument is a tribute to Morin Khuur, the traditional horsehead fiddle.  This rider is playing a Morin Khuur as he rides

View down the monument steps

View of the city.  After we walked and climbed we went in search of a cup of tea.  We were waiting for darkness, when the city, especially the monument is lit up.  This is the bridge.  When it gets a bit warmer, the fountains will also be turned on after dark. 

Instead of staying over and taking the bus back, we decided to take the overnight train.  Good night!