Blog | Through My Lens

Laurie Hull
- Jun 9

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: I smell smoke

Updated: Jun 27

Parliament

Paul and I made it to Mongolia! Woo hoo! It was a couple of long flights, but we survived, even though Paul had to endure a crying child for most of the second leg from Istanbul to Ulaanbaatar. The whole plane could hear the two-year-old. Naturally, we don't blame the child and understand how difficult it is for the parents. However, it seemed the parents made no attempt to comfort the child.

Yesterday, we just walked around downtown, took a couple of naps, and enjoyed a couple of great meals. The most exciting thing happened in the hotel lobby. Suddenly, a couple of guys were running around with a fire extinguisher, and then firetrucks pulled up. I smelled something strange when I left my room—like electrical smoke—and thought it was construction next door. It turned out there was a fire on the sixth floor with smoke billowing out the window.

Yes, it was scary, especially since no alarm went off, and they never evacuated the building. I was in the lobby and couldn't get out because a fire hose burst at the seams, creating a little pond. It was quite an interesting experience, but at no time did I feel truly threatened. I texted Paul immediately, saying, "Come down now, fire in the building." Now we can laugh. Later they tested the alarm system. Hmmm.

Another memorable moment was when we went to dinner and met a large group of friendly people in red T-shirts that said "Sheep Share Mongolia." This group from New Zealand come every year to work with local sheepherders in Mongolia, teaching them techniques to be more efficient with their sheep shearing and herding. In return, Mongolians also go to New Zealand to learn directly from them. They were a wonderful group of people, very interesting and passionate about what they do. These are the kinds of travel experiences I savor.

We start our two-week tour through the countryside the day after tomorrow. Postings will depend on connectivity. If you subscribe on the “about me” page you’ll get notices when I post.

Parliament

“Set in a small square near the State Department store, the monument marks the place where, in Communist times, young Mongolians would assemble and listen to forbidden Western music and discuss ideas of freedom and democracy. The Beatles’ music is even credited with inspiring Mongolians to fight for their democracy.” https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/beatles-monument-mongolia

sheep share Mongolia group from New Zealand

Traffic cop

Dumplings

Laurie Hull
- Apr 4

Autumn to Spring in the same day: Australia and New Zealand reflections

As my journey drew to a close, I found myself wondering if I could readjust to city life. This trip reinforced my deep connection to nature and emphasized the importance of incorporating more of it into my daily life.

Traveling solo reignited my sense of adventure and reminded me of my core values - cherishing both people and nature. It allowed me the freedom to focus solely on the present moment, indulging in whatever caught my interest or stirred my curiosity. In New Zealand, I could easily pull over during drives to capture photos, take a deep breath of the fresh air, and immerse myself in the sounds of nature - the calls of birds, the presence of sheep and cows, the crash of ocean waves. In my hotel, I could unpack, organize for the next day, do laundry, and sort/upload through the countless photos I took.

Make no mistake, much of the time I was not alone. Over the years, I've developed a knack for striking up conversations with strangers, which led to delightful encounters over coffee, meals, and walks. On small group tours, fellow travelers warmly welcomed me into their circle. For instance, I met Sonia from Paris on the Wellington ferry and spent two enjoyable days exploring with her. We never lacked topics for engaging conversations. I also connected with retirees from Normandy, learning about their post-work life, and bonded with a wonderful group from California and Colorado who invited me to join their evening card game of "golf". Meeting people from all walks of life while traveling fills me with hope and positivity. Though part of this openness is due to being on holiday, the genuine warmth of the locals in Australia and New Zealand stood out. Everyone I encountered, from hotel staff to restaurant servers, was incredibly polite, open, and friendly. In Australia, "thank you" seemed to be the phrase of the day, while in New Zealand, even the younger generation took time to engage in conversation without the distraction of devices. Both countries felt exceptionally safe, allowing me to stroll through parks in Sydney at night without worry, though the recent violent stabbing incident there was a tragic exception to the norm.

Reflecting on this incredible journey, the memories that stand out are the dramatic landscapes, the kindness of strangers, unique wildlife, and the lasting impressions that will stay with me forever. Thank you, blog readers, for joining me on this adventure and motivating me to document this unforgettable solo trip. I captured over 6000 photos with my mirrorless camera (yes, you read that right!), and I'll be sharing the best of them on the photo gallery page soon.

New Zealand

Mirror Lake Milford Sound, NZ

Milford Sound, NZ

Mount Cook, NZ

Landed on a glacier Mt Cook, NZ

Vineyards of Wanaka, NZ

Rotorua, NZ

Maori Village near Rotorua, NZ

Whitianga, NZ

Coffee with Sylvianr and Robert from Normandy. Whitianga, NZ

Hiking with Sonia from France. Able Tasman, NZ

Kaikoura, NZ

Wine tasting Wanaka, NZ. These were fun locals and we discovered we all have the same word for drinking too much - shitfaced.

Wanaka, NZ

Hiking and kayaking with Sharon and her husband. Monroe Beach, NZ.

Train ride from Greymouth to Christchurch

Australia

Opera House Sydney, Australia. Saw La Traviata - fantastic.

Sydney Zoo, Australia

taking a break at one of the many great coffee sops

Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks.

Roaming the streets and bridges of Melbourne, Australia

Tasmanian Devil, Tasmania, Australia. Mean devils.

Hobart Harbor, Tasmania, Australia

Wombat, Tasmania, Australia

Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Near Cairns, Australia.

Great Barrier Reef, video on separate post is better than photos.

Dinner with old friends while in Wiesbaden. Brisbane, Australia. A great way to end my time in Australia.

Laurie Hull
- Apr 3

A Fine Finish: A train ride over the Southern Alps ending in Christchurch

Trains! I had the privilege of taking three train journeys during my travels through New Zealand. What an incredible way to explore a country and also take a break from driving. I was captivated by the ever-changing scenery of rolling hills, majestic mountains, coastal views, grazing cattle and sheep, and meandering rivers passing by outside my window. The viewing cars, with their expansive windows and comfortable seating, provided the perfect vantage point. In addition they have an open-air viewing car for an extra special and exhilarating experience to see the countryside.

The journey from Greymouth to Christchurch, crossing the Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass, was particularly memorable. Waterfalls cascaded down steep mountainsides, lush green bush enveloped the landscape, and rivers carved their way through the terrain. Along the route, we learned about the rich history of each region, from Greymouth's jade hunting and gold mining legacy to Lake Brunner's role as a sanctuary for the endangered white heron. Passing through the five-mile Otira Tunnel, tunneling through the heart of the Southern Alps, was a surreal experience.

Arriving at Arthurs Pass National Park, surrounded by pristine mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and dense forests, left me in awe.