Suitcase and World: Under the Big Top.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Under the Big Top.


Y
esterday, Puji told us about the circus and so I decided wanted to go because I love the circus and been a-g-e-s since I've been under the Big Top. I love the acrobats, the clowns, the animals...everything and I've never been to a circus outside the U.S. so this was an opportunity I was not going to miss out on. Somehow I managed to convince Violeta, Sharon and Adrian to come with me. As it turned out, Adrian was a "circus virgin" and he was not sure this was going to be something he was going to be interested in but he was up for it.




The Mongolian National Circus is housed in a blue domed building of the same name. On the way to see the archery event, Puji had pointed out the building to us so we had a good idea of where to go as we headed there from Central Stadium.







The tickets cost about $10 USD each, a bargain by comparison to what you would pay to see Ringling Brothers. 



As I entered the performance arena, I quickly realized this was a *one ring* circus - very small compared to the main tent at Ringling Brothers. We had arrived early and so it was easy to find ourselves good seats.


















We didn't have to wait long before the lights dimmed and the show opened. I was able to capture the opening act on video before one of ushers tapped me on my shoulder. Truly forgot that videotaping was not allowed.


Performers walked in carrying the yak tail banners and performing the eagle dance. The rest of the acts were the classic circus acts - acrobats walking on a tightrope and swinging on trapezes, gymnasts, jugglers, animal acts, and of course, the clowns. However, the costumes were uniquely Mongolian and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I was completely captivated by all the acts and before I knew it, the show was over. Do I have to leave?