Authentic or Glamping?
Part Two – 16 July 2023
My travels in Mongolia have enabled me to sample a variety of gers and accommodations. For my final experiences, I travel to Gobi Desert. Once again this involves a flight out of UB, necessitated by distances and atrocious roads. Nomads have a good reason to travel by horse and camel across steppes and forests as it is surely more comfortable.
(more…)11-12 July 2023
I visit during July when Mongolia hosts the biggest celebration of the year – Naadam or “three manly games.” Likened to Mongolia’s version of the Olympics, the festival takes place every summer all over Mongolia. Most important sporting events include archery, horse riding and wrestling but rousing games of Ankle Bone Shooting also are played. It is a time of oral traditions and songs (some throat singing), performing arts, national cuisine, craftsmanship, bright colors and traditional clothing honoring the nomadic way of life.
It’s a cacophony of noise and people, like a huge state fair on steroids. UNESCO has recognized Naadam on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
(more…)30 June-10 July 2023
“May the Mongol nation exist by its own right.”
This idea is expressed in the Mongolian national symbol of the Soyombo. It is attributed to Zanabazar, the 17th century leader of Mongolian Lamaism, a great statesman, and the father of Mongolian art and script. There are various interpretations of the Soyombo and the symbol is prominently displayed on the Mongolian national flag.
Part One – 10 July 2023
Sleeping in gers draws many travelers to Mongolia. We hear a lot about this form of camping but just how authentic, or what level of glamping, is it? Obviously, one’s experience depends upon location, amenities, and quite possibly the physical condition of one’s back.
(more…)3 July 2023
I know next to nothing about Mongolia. So I visit.
Mongolian history dates to the Stone Age, its first recorded empire dating 3rd century BCE. The rise of Chinggis Khan in the early 13th century spread the Mongolian Empire across Eurasia. Difficult to imagine what drew the Khan and others to cross this vast expanse of desert. Dark splotches are shadows of clouds drifting across a bleak landscape.
After Chinggis Khan’s death, his grandson Kublai Khan founded the Yuan Dynasty which ruled for a century before fragmenting into several Khanates, most notably being the Golden Horde. In the 17th century the Qing Dynasty ruled until a series of independence movements broke up the dynasty. The Soviets moved in around 1911 until a peaceful democratic revolution occurred in 1990. Today, Mongolia is a democratic country and a developing economy and attracts over 300,000 tourist a year. In 2023, I am one of them.
(more…)1 July 2023
When one is in pain, one needs distraction.
That was the case while visiting the Third Tunnel of Aggression in the DMZ north of Seoul. Walking down the 11 degree ramp, noting the distance to my destination, it occurred to me how challenging the climb out would be.
The tunnel is 358 meters in length, thankfully cool because it is also 73’ underground. Dripping water everywhere. But that ramp up is long and daunting. So I thought, what if….
(more…)26-29 June 2023
I knew little about South Korea. What first came to mind was Psy’s catchy 2012 K-pop song “Wop Wop Gangnam Style.” My second thought was South Korea survives and thrives under the constant threat of a crazy man. Can’t be too critical about that second thought, as since 2016 the U.S. suffers its crazy, too.
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