Roll up, roll up!

11th July, 2011

This blog is dedicated to Ash and friends at the Beijing Institute of Arts...

CIRCUS MONGOLIA

70TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE

МОНГОЛ ЩЙРК - Circus Mongolia

The Mongolian Circus recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary.  The circus owes its roots to a Soviet Circus troupe who visited Mongolia in 1931 and took back with them the first group of Mongolian artistes for training.  70 years after establishing itself in Mongolia, the Mongolian circus now performs throughout the world and are renown for being contortion specialists.
  

The circus is held in a dedicated arena in the heart of the city. Originally a yurt shaped Buddhist temple it was one of the three saved from destruction by the Russians and has housed the Circus school since 1941.  It has since gone through many renovations.  It recently changed its distinctive blue colour to orange! 

Circus Building (or should I say roof!) as seen from Peace Avenue

Because many of the Mongolian artists are now busy touring internationally there are not many shows scheduled throughout the year.  This year they've only performed together for three shows.  
Incredibly, VIP tickets are less than $10!

The acts that made up the 70th Gala Spectacular...

Young contortionists

Violin playing contortionist

Some crazy "skipping acrobats"!

Aerial silk performers

Acrobats

A

Strongman

who catches

... lead balls at the back of his head!!

And can balance 5 people AND a massive barbell on his legs

Flying Trapeze

Trapeze Star who free-fell from the highest point of the dome head first and "tucked" into landing position at last possible minute.  Alarming!

Still climbing into position...

A brilliant juggler with a great act and stage face!

Hand balancing contortionists!

Awesome display of strength and flexibility

A talented crowd pleaser

...and cute kids from the audience who almost stole the show

This little boy was so adorable and a crowd favourite

One of the best hand balancing artists in the world

amazing tumblers

The shows' stars...all in all a brilliant evening
Congratulations to Circus Mongolia!

After show photo call

Ground Breaking Ceremony

July 8th, 2011 Nalaikh District Ulaanbaatar






Oyu Tolgoi is set to become one of the largest gold and copper mines in the world. As part of its commitment to becoming a long term employer and contributing to the education, training and development of young Mongolians, Oyu Tolgoi will build 3 vocational training centres across Mongolia, fulfilling its desire to have a workforce where nine out of ten people are Mongolian.  


Today was the ground breaking ceremony for the first and largest of those vocational centres.  We were fortunate enough to be invited to join the festivities. 

Scale model

International guest list!  (Boys' first few days in Mongolia)

VIP tent with the celebratory Ul Boov

Ul Boov is filled with dairy products such as dried yoghurt's, cheese, urum...

Buddhist monk recites prayers over the broken ground

Officials take it in turns to turn the ground

OT's representatives

Getting a special brief.  Thanks Sim!

The ceremony was interspersed with traditional Mongolian dancers, singers and musicians.  As well as the entertainment, the very best brew of airag was flowing in inappreciable quantities!

First sampling of airag.  Definitely, an acquired taste.
(Jono you look like you may have had some already!)

"Khoomi"Thoat Singing: to hear it for the first time is a wonder!

Young dance troupe who performed a dance about the eagle.

The eagle!

The queue for airag never abated

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Pint-sized talent singing James Blunt's " You're Beautiful"

A rustic stage!