Heidi and Joseph got home late Friday night, so we decided to maximize their P-day (Preparation Day) and go see some more of the countryside!
Mongolian Countryside
We decided to go out to a place called 13th Century, considered a ‘theme park’ in Mongolia. Just like when we went out to the countryside with Batbold, there was a lot of off-roading and driving next to the herds of animals.
Sheep with No Shepherd
Horseman Herding His Sheep
13th Century is a large open-air complex set up to show ancient tribal villages, their cultures, and lifestyles. We were really excited to dress up in traditional clothing and experience a real Mongolian meal.
13th Century Entrance/Bike Race Finish Line
But, when we arrived, there was a large bike race going on . . . and we were right at the finish line!
King’s Palace
The bikers and their families had priority over the dining ger and were camping out in the surrounding gers . . . .
Door Detail
. . . so we opted for walking around for a little while.
Soldiers Riding Through Camp
Whether for the bikers or perhaps a normal event, but we got to see some soldiers riding through the camp on horseback.
Lone Soldier
The Benson’s & Grandma
Camel Mascot
As we were driving out of the complex, we decided to stop at one of the camps, as it looked devoid of bikers.
Mounted Guard Clan
The men who ran this camp took pity on us. Although they didn’t have any food, they let us dress up in the traditional dress for pictures.
Becca
Benson Kids, Grandma, & Becca
After trying on those clothes, it was a little more understandable how the Mongolians stay warm during the winter! Although, they are very heavy to walk around in!
Ger in the Distance
On our way back to civilization, we were lamenting a little bit that we hadn’t been able to see in a real, lived-in ger. Joseph drove right up to the ger we were taking pictures of!
Just Like the Paintings
A woman came out of one of the gers and Joseph asked if we could see inside – I couldn’t believe that she didn’t look at us weird or say no! But, Joseph insisted it is the Mongolian culture.
Notice the Solar Panel & Satellite Dish!
With such a transient, nomadic lifestyle, they are used to random people stopping in to share their food or ger.
Inside Ger
The woman’s husband was out herding their sheep, but she let us in and gave us some homemade dried yogurt.
Dried Yogurt
Joseph asked her about her family and some things she had in her ger, while the TV was on in the background and her digital frame above the TV kept switching pictures.
Joseph Asking Questions
While Joseph talked, I looked around to see a bucket of yogurt that had flies flying in and out of it, the toilet paper that was hung by the door to grab when they needed it outside, and just the lack of space for any storage (and we though we have it bad in London!).
Bucket of Yogurt
Such a hard life, but such a happy people!
Becca & Woman of the Ger
Horses outside Ger
We had one last stop to take pictures of an ovoo, or prayer area. It literally means ‘heap’ but is used in Buddhist prayer ceremonies.
Ovoo
I did some more reading about ovoo’s and I found they are mainly used to worship the mountains and the sky. I don’t think there is a more appropriate place to put this one! Nothing but sky and mountains in the background!
Ovoo
When we got back to the city, we were still pretty anxious to have a real Mongolian meal. Joseph took us to a restaurant called Khaan Ger.
Dinner at Khaan Ger
I had a traditional Mongolian dish, ‘huushuur’, which are dumplings filled with mutton. It was very good, and filling.
Throat Singers
We also happened to be there for the evening entertainment of throat singers. What an experience! A great cultural day to end our trip to Mongolia!
Mongolian Nativity
It was sad to leave the Benson’s, but I I felt good about the time we had with my nieces and nephews and hope they remember how much fun we had. I was also excited to see my kids and was loaded up with some fun goodies for them. My favorite souvenir was the Nativity Set I was bringing home from a charity called The Children’s Ger. The senior missionaries helped me get one and I was so thankful for them. Such a perfect memory of my trip!
Sunrise on the Plane Home
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