A TRIP TO THE BLACK MARKET

 What better way to get acquainted with Mongolia than to pay a visit to the local open air market called the "black market".  I found out quickly that folks here don't like it when people take their photos without asking and most say "no" if asked...so a bit of quiet photography (that means snapping photos without looking thru the view finder) so as not to upset the locals was the order of the day.

 CCJ stands for cheap China junk and that's what you find at the black market.  This shopping cart is a handy way to move the merchandise around to all "could be" customers.  If  the corner  where you've set up shop is not producing results its easy to move to the next corner.  I call this clever marketing.  Take the merchandise to the customer.

 I was surprised to find several booths with fishing equipment.  Rods and reels abound and act as a magnet to David.  He's hooked and they reel him in.

 "What fur" you say.  Animal fur made into hats and coats has no stigma here.  The bigger and furrier the better and I have to say, fur keeps me warm.

 Where there are lots of animals... and there are lots of animals here, there are lots of leather belts just waiting to wrap around your waist.

 This is shoe city, just a part of the BM.  There are about a bizillion pairs of shoes here.  Imelda Marcos could wear herself out here.  (For those of you who are too young to know who Imelda is...look it up.  I'll give you a hint.  She is from the Philippines and she's the wife of someone who was quite important in the government there some years back and was involved in a big shoe scandal).

 Now these boots are a work of art.  How do they make the toes curl up like that?  I have it on the best authority that elves make them.

 This little boy is just like any other little boy being dragged thru the market by parents who have an agenda but he's really cute in his little dell (that's the traditional robe the Mongolians wear).

 Personal hygiene is important and many people wear face masks even when there is no pollution in the summer.  I have been told that when they are outside in the sun they cover up like this to keep their skin white.  White skin is a prized possession here.
 

 I wanted to snap a photo of this lady's face which was rich with life and hardship, but could only get her back which leaves all to wonder what stories she has to tell.