Saturday, June 28, 2014

Inner Mongolia: The Experience (1): Life of the Nomads

I know I won't have the time or luxury to post my full experience from my recent (?) trip to Inner Mongolia on my blog anymore.  But it would be a shame if I don't share with you the highlights of the trip...

P1450741
Initially, I was really just going to do one post.
Looking back at the pictures make me immediately realize that is just impossible.
There are too many memories and stories to share.

What do you expect when you are traveling to Inner Mongolia?  Endless blue skies, vast grasslands, livestock everywhere, yurts dotting the land sparingly, friendly locals, feasts of lambs, etc.  I can confirm that you will get to see all of the above plus more!  However, you need to be aware that you are also leaving the comforts of the city and you are going to other people's territory who may lead a lifestyle that is completely different from yours.  Most are humble and extremely curious.  They are also very hospitable.

It was our last day in Inner Mongolia,we saw many commercialized yurts on our trip but have yet to see how people here really live.  Our driver spotted this yurt way off the main road and took us there for a visit.  The owners were busy tending their herds but they still allowed us to visit their homes. 


P1450787
The bigger yurt is their kitchen and the smaller yurt is the bedroom
P1450766
P1450755
P1450756
P1450788
Outdoor barbeque?
P1450786
P1450767
Don't think they are not tech savvy...
P1450795
P1450803
P1450804
P1450805

P1450761
P1450810
real beef jerky
P1450765
P1450760
This is dried cow poop
because they only eat grass, it doesn't smell much
and it is an excellent fuel!
P1450811
The real Mongolian milk tea
It is milder than I expected.

P1450820
The mom and her son
She would not accept any money from us for our disturbance
Luckily we brought candies with us!
(it's a traditional custom for them to take sweets but not money)
Not everyone practices the tradition anymore so I felt really blessed!
DSCN3169
the little lamb that stays close to home instead of following the herd
P1450865
P1450846
DSCN3178
And the charismatic award goes to... this grey goat/lamb here!
(poor city girl who can't even distinguish goats and lambs)
P1450872
You feel so small in the vast land surrounding you...
P1450738
This is where the nomads worships
Tourists are not allowed to go anywhere close out of respect
The nomads will get really mad at you if you taint their place of worship!!!
DSCN3161
I used the ULTRA ZOOM on my camera to take this picture.
DSCN3184
Now my trip to Inner Mongolia is complete!
(I saw everything I wanted!)

No comments:

Post a Comment

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...