Siberia: Furry hats and all....

No, its not just a stereotype that Russians wear big furry hats...it definitely is a fact. Women and Men, in all sorts of styles, colours, and sizes. As silly as they look, im sure they are keeping a lot warmer than I am in -27 weather. I'm somewhat jealous...

In a few weeks though, I'll be wearing flip flops again somewhere in Vietnam...gotta hold that thought!

So here we are in Irkukst, it is FREEZING! But it seems like no one seems to take any notice, everyone is walking around, doing some shopping, going to outdoor markets, chatting on the street. Everyone looks like a furry animal though, from head to toe. Some of the houses here are really unique, wooden with carved wooden trim around the shutters, painted in greens and sky blue.

Our train to Mongolia is tonight, can't wait! I have only heard fantastic things about Mongolia from everyone I have met that has gone...no one says they liked it...they say they fell in love with it. 3 nights there wont be nearly enough time to see everything, but I think we will be able to do some hiking in the mountains at least, save the Gobi desert for another time. :)