Coffee cognoscenti are pleased to learn of a new coffee bar on the first floor of the Ulaan Baatar Hotel. I had a latte gigante but will reserve judgement until I have had a chance to sample the other offerings. The barista is certainly charming.

Summer officially arrived in Ulaan Baatar at 4:10 am June 22, as can be seen by the appearance of these palm trees near Sukhebaatar Square.