Why I went to Mongolia.

For most part when I told people I was going to Mongolia the response was “why Mongolia?” And I would respond “there are no McDonalds in Mongolia”, not that I have anything against McDonald.

I wanted to experience and visit a culture of people who have learned to live in extreme cold and desert heat, who learned to adapt and survive, and utilize every thing at hand to the fullest, and some still do today. To visit a culture still fighting to become their own, a people who conquered many and have been conquered by several.

Although, Mongolia is stepping up to become like the remaining, high-tech, industrialized countries, I was not disappointed. The people are friendly, hospitable and for most part still have that old fashion; welcome stranger can I help you.

With most of the younger generation going away to college and learning new easier ways of living, the life as a nomad herder moving each season to greener pastures has fallen to a small percentage of the Mongols living in the county.

Only the city has paved roads the country side is still fill of dirt paths worn by horses, Russian motorbike and jeeps. You can drive for miles and see nothing but nothing, but then, you see the ger, the herd, the family working and I knew this is the Mongolia I have dreamed of.

Terri