The Unprepared City

Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Day 7. Wet and Rainy.

Rain
It has been raining for the past two days. Raining in Mongolia is rare.

Гүүр
“Гүүр” had no electricity today due to rain. The classroom was somewhat dark, but we proceeded with our class.

Traffic
The traffic congestion is extremely heavy for an underpopulated city. The travel time from one place to another within Ulan Bator is unpredictable, especially when it rains. Flooded roads and disorderly drivers characterize the rainy days.

Driving in Mongolia
Drivers drive on the right side of the road, but the side of the steering wheel in each car varies. This is mainly because 100% of Mongolian cars are imported. Personally, I have never been to a country that permits drivers to steer on either side. This can be costly as the country expands its transportation system.

Pickpocket
Pickpocketing is common in Ulan Bator, especially in crowded places like markets. Many pickpockets carry knives, typically to cut off shoulder straps.

Korean Goods and Automobiles
Fittingly for Koreans, this is an obvious observation. Korean goods are highly regarded by the locals. Korean brands, often considered luxurious in this country, are relatively cheaper than other import brands. High dependency on Korean automobiles is apparent. Every bus I have seen so far is Hyundai or Daewoo. The presence of Korea in Ulan Bator is overwhelming. The significance: typical Koreans in their home country prefer import brands to domestic brands thinking that Korean brands are subpar (with the exception of electronics). In Mongolia’s capital, a Korean would realize the preciousness and reliability of Korean products and feel fortunate to have had access to Korean goods limitlessly.