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Sun 28^th September 2008

Just over a week ago we set off on a crowded bus in the direction of Terelj, a mountainous forest region a few hours outside of Ulaan Baatar. The plan was to spend a week living along side nomadic Mongolian famillies. Greeted by our first host Chuca at the bus stop (although the bus would stop anywhere en route to Terelj at anyone's request!) we were bundled on to an ox-cart and set off on a bumpy ride towards his Ger. It was on this journey that we learned the importance of having bags tied onto the ox-cart, we learned this lesson as we watched Tansy's coat float downstream and Chuca wade in to rescue it! Chuca was a fantastically wild character but rather chaotic! The second day he told us to ride ahead while he stopped at a friend's ger, when we arrived back at his ger (more by luck than good management!) his wife was obviously frustrated by his irresponsible behaviour. I think she had a few harsh words for him when he arrived home an hour later!

The week in Terelj gave me many memories. The area itself was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. High forested hills, wide expanses of green land which were broken only by rivers, herd's of animals or gers. It really was breathtaking, especially when riding along it on horseback. The horse riding, I was relieved to discover, came quite naturally to me having never ridden before. The first two days we rode between gers and the rest of the time we made our way from place to place by ox-cart or foot.

Each family we stayed with gave me experiences and memories I'll never forget. Each family we stayed with also offered us milk-tea, a very popular Mongolian drink, this is one thing I won't miss! Along with the cold nights spent camping! However, the last two famillies had spare gers, which meant toasty nights sleeping by the wood burning stove. The food became a lot more interesting at the last ger too, to the relief of Tansy and I who had definitely had our fill of miky/meaty rice (vegetarianism isn't common in Mongolia!). Our last host was more experimental in her cooking and took the traditional Mongolian meat dumplings and made a yummy cheesy, potatoe, carrot dumpling instead. It was definitely the meal of the week for me!

The people's lives out there seemed to be in tune with their environment. I could definitely learn a lot from them in terms of sustainable living.They made use of every part of an animal they killed and farmed their animals with care, I never saw anything wasted. It was fantastic to witness aspects of their spiritual life too. Watching our last host bless the milk outside the ger was very special.

It was an exciting and daunting experience in many ways difficult to some up in words, but definitely one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

name ann crossley

It sounds marvellous and wot a relief you took to riding like a pro. Thank goodness for thermal undies - a necessity in such climes.The food seems quite interesting - vegetarianism is a bit of a non starter in a place where people are on the move all year round. But don't knock it till you've tried it ! Roll on more adventures - I await the next episode .............Luv Ann x

name jonathan

This sounds amazing, I'm glad it was such a memorable experience. For my part I've been enjoying getting to know the people at Sacar and have even been on a camping trip with them. The weather was terrible but some really thrived on the challenge did their best and were honest when they'd had enough. We helped immensely by the presence of a warm and friendly pub a short walk from the camp site.

name Adam Crossley

Its Adam your brother just hoping your doing ok much love. Craig & Tall send there blessings

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