Postcard 4. . . Mongolia
Based on the story ‘Mongolia than thou’
source: http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/story/0,7451,890533,00.html
supplied by Jeannette Snier
For some of us traveling, or dreaming about traveling, is like living a boy's adventure tale. Some people wish for MP3 players, shoes or jewelry. Others, like me, have a wish list containing destinations. And some of those make sure they get to check off some of these destinations. Been there, done that.
Well, this story about Mongolia, written by Lucy Corne will make you want to start planning your next journey. Combined with taking the Siberia express this may just be your journey of a lifetime.
When you do decide to make this trip it might be worth taking into account the Naadam Festival. This 3–day festival kicks off on July 11th and is held in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaan Baatar. Visiting Mongolia at this time will offer you a wonderful chance to meet, greet and mingle with the locals.
Naadam means competition in Mongolian and this traditional event started as a test of the courage and strength of warriors’ centuries ago. Nowadays Mongolian courage and strength is judged by their horseracing, archery and wrestling skills. Mongolian courage is not something that comes with age: toddlers, who have not mastered the skill of walking, are already entered in the 2 to 3 year old horse racing competition!
Besides the competitions, all of Ulaan Baatar is buzzing with activity. Food stalls, souvenir stands and Mongolian rules family games will keep you thoroughly entertained. If you are trying to paint a picture of the Naadam festival by reminiscing about Khao Pansa* you have witnessed in Laos, Cambodia or Thailand, you are not on the right track. The average boozing extravaganzas held in your hometown during Carnival might paint a better picture. I think a night on the town in Finland or a barbecue in Russia might give you a more appropriate idea of the alcohol consumption of the Mongolians. This of course will not stand in the way of the true explorer. However, on your to do list in preparing for this journey you might like to add: ‘work on your boozing skills’.
* Buddhist festival held in the 8th month to honor the Buddhist who are about to enter their 3 month retreat of meditation.
source: http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/story/0,7451,890533,00.html
supplied by Jeannette Snier
For some of us traveling, or dreaming about traveling, is like living a boy's adventure tale. Some people wish for MP3 players, shoes or jewelry. Others, like me, have a wish list containing destinations. And some of those make sure they get to check off some of these destinations. Been there, done that.
Well, this story about Mongolia, written by Lucy Corne will make you want to start planning your next journey. Combined with taking the Siberia express this may just be your journey of a lifetime.
When you do decide to make this trip it might be worth taking into account the Naadam Festival. This 3–day festival kicks off on July 11th and is held in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaan Baatar. Visiting Mongolia at this time will offer you a wonderful chance to meet, greet and mingle with the locals.
Naadam means competition in Mongolian and this traditional event started as a test of the courage and strength of warriors’ centuries ago. Nowadays Mongolian courage and strength is judged by their horseracing, archery and wrestling skills. Mongolian courage is not something that comes with age: toddlers, who have not mastered the skill of walking, are already entered in the 2 to 3 year old horse racing competition!
Besides the competitions, all of Ulaan Baatar is buzzing with activity. Food stalls, souvenir stands and Mongolian rules family games will keep you thoroughly entertained. If you are trying to paint a picture of the Naadam festival by reminiscing about Khao Pansa* you have witnessed in Laos, Cambodia or Thailand, you are not on the right track. The average boozing extravaganzas held in your hometown during Carnival might paint a better picture. I think a night on the town in Finland or a barbecue in Russia might give you a more appropriate idea of the alcohol consumption of the Mongolians. This of course will not stand in the way of the true explorer. However, on your to do list in preparing for this journey you might like to add: ‘work on your boozing skills’.
* Buddhist festival held in the 8th month to honor the Buddhist who are about to enter their 3 month retreat of meditation.
posted by Karin Stronkhorst at
2:38 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home