Mindful of the expense, cell conversations are brief and to the point. With the sun past its zenith, photographers offer their services in Sukhbaatar square. The Opera House and Parliament House provide backdrops for family pictures. Raffle tickets on a smart red car are for sale to those experiencing an auspicious day. Artists approach politely, inviting a look at their portfolios of watercolors, sketches, post cards and traditional paintings.
Office workers stop at food markets on their way home.
At Dorvan Uul, a sheep carcass protectively hugs a large can of yogurt. The vegetable sellers meticulously weigh out produce and make up for a shortage of small change by tossing in an extra onion or two. At the packaged goods shop, shortfalls are compensated for with Chiclets or candies. Business is picking up at the Central Department store and the Panasonic shop too. CD counters are crowded with students, couples ponder automatic washing machines and homeless children mingle, silently rubbing their stomachs and holding out grubby hands.