Dinosaurs!

As two self-proclaimed dinosaur lovers, we were extremely excited to visit the Flaming Cliffs. These dramatic, red sandstone outcrops are home to thousands of dinosaur fossils. Discoveries include the first dinosaur eggs ever found, the velociraptor and the “fighting dinosaurs” fossil, two specimens locked in eternal combat.

The most touching story of all was the redemption of the oviraptor’s reputation. When first discovered with a nest of eggs, it was assumed this dinosaur had stolen them to eat, hence the name oviraptor, meaning “egg thief”. More recent techniques, however, have allowed palaeontologists to look inside the eggs, revealing tiny embryonic oviraptors, and demonstrating that she wasn’t stealing the eggs after all, but guarding them.

We don’t have any pictures of dinosaurs because they are extinct.

After dinner, we headed back to the cliffs, which redden in the sunset. Byamba and Tugsuu produced a bottle of red wine, some Pringles and chocolates, and retired to a discreet distance so we could enjoy a romantic moment. We found this highly amusing, but very sweet.

Tomorrow we leave the Gobi and head north.