In fairness, though the West has a more dramatic beauty, Central Mongolia had its own charms (despite the travel inconveniences). I’ll save the stories; for now, enjoy this slideshow as an interlude between our long form tales of life out west.
A year long family RTW recess
Josh — your posts are fantastic and I loved the photos. I’m following your adventures with much admiration.
Best, Leah
Marvin and I are enjoying your adventures.
Did I see my sister wrestling?
I wasn’t wrestling. We were playing a game of keep-away volleyball with a group staying at the same ger camp site. August is not only high season for foreign tourists. People who live in UB like to “get back to their roots” in August and go out camping in the countryside. The ger campsites exist more for them than for us foreigners. It was a great way to interact with the “locals”. We played ball with them, then they showed us the traditional Mongolian way to slaughter a sheep, which they had brought for their dinner. To spare American sensibilities, I won’t go into more detail. I will mention that they got me to help clean the chitlins for a few minutes. This was the idea of one of the patriarchs. Everyone does a lot of work except the male elders, who just oversee things (and drink). The man who pulled me over to help with the sheep was very amused by the sight of me trying to help them. They didn’t speak English, and we didn’t speak Mongolian, so everything was pantomime. It was really fun, especially for the kids to have other kids to play ball with. After we went to bed we could hear them staying up at a campfire singing until the wee hours. Thankfully, Mongolians are good singers and have nice sounding folk songs.
You got some beautiful shots. Looks like National Geographic pictures. Continue to enjoy and stay safe.
Susie Goldstein
Here’s another voice wanting to know about Suzie and Mongolian martial arts! Lovely photos! Thank you.
LOOKS LIKE A GREAT TRIP.
ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE.
YOU PICKED A GREAT TIME TO DO THIS WITH THE KIDS.
HOW WOULD YOU TOP THIS THIS WHEN YOU RETIRE IN MANY YEARS FROM NOW?
I REMEMBER WHEN YOU STARTED PLANNING YOUR AFRICA TRIP.
I HAVE TO GET YOU ITINERARY WITH DETOURS TO FOUR SEAON HOTELS.
Awesome Photos! by the next Ansel Adams (Josh)