Adventures in UB

The Ulaanbaatar train station just after we arrived. We only stayed in Ulaanbaatar for two days, so we tried to get around as much as possible.
Outside the main shopping center in the middle of town, a large gold yurt sits as a symbol of Mongolia's pride and continued nomadic traditions.
Walking outside of the 'western-style' town, we walked up a dirt road interested in these strange fenced neighborhoods that are all around the city.
Looking back over the city, the top of a yurt is visible against the tall buildings in the city's center.
I don't know if this dog was just peeking out of his home or if he was standing there guarding it, but I only got close enough to take this picture.
Outside the grounds of Ulaanbaatar's most famous monastery, people milled about, children played and we wandered in awe of their unique architecture.
UB's most famous building, the Gandaan is a Tibetan Buddhism monastery. Outside kids sold bird seed and pigeons waited for handouts.
Another beautiful building, but I have no idea what it was used for.
Inside the Gandaan was a huge idol. I wish I knew more about the religion, but admittedly, I just don't know much right now.
A monk stands outside the monk's quarters. He invited us in to walk around but couldn't speak much English so we were only able to guess at the purpose of each of the buildings.
Inside an empty fountain some children played some games, including a Mongolian version of Marco Polo.
Peter shows off his soccer skills to the local kids. They seemed impressed but it might have just been excitement to be playing with a westerner.
Looking back out of the main entrance of the monastery is the city and behind that are the mountains that surround UB on three sides.
Two locals walk down another dirt road through these unique neighborhoods.
A dire need for a bathroom took us into this strange bar and it wasn't until we were inside ordering a round of beers that we realized that it was actually a hooker bar. Respect.