Day two in the stunning Orkhon River Valley featured two of Mongolia's most popular attractions: horse riding and the Summer Nadaam festival.
After a beautiful pink sunrise streaked across the sky at around 5am, guests trickled out of their gers and into the bright sunshine until everyone was congregated by the horses and raring to go. Some would argue that they are ponies rather than horses because of their size. Whatever they are, these are quintessentially Mongolian animals - resilient and unbelievably strong despite their slightly diminutive stature.
While the Polo players selected the horses they would be playing with later in the day and enjoyed a bit of stick and ball practise, other guests were taken on a riding expedition to the surrounding mountains. Everyone returned for lunch beaming.
The afternoon was then filled with traditional events, beginning with a Buddhist prayer ceremony where the daring had the chance to taste a yak milk concoction (not dissimilar to very sour yoghurt with a kick in the after taste). The annual Summer Nadaam is Mongolia's top tourist draw and is practised throughout the country during the summer months. Its highlights are the "Three Manly Sports" of wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
After the ceremony, we were directed to walk to a point on the horizon. From a cloud of dust in the distance, the child horse racers appeared and stormed towards us. Children of about five to 12 years old usually compete in these races, which often take place over 40km. The games went from small, skilful Mongol children to brawny, scantily clad Mongol men who wrestled in another outdoor venue a few minutes' walk across the valley. Then, our international and Mongol players took the field together in a special tournament in memory of the late James Ashton, a leading light in the Polo world who sadly passed away earlier this year.
A few of us took our leave and went on our own, less glamorous adventure in search of an internet connection in order to post these photos and words. Where does one go to get phone reception in the area? To the top of a hill, of course! We contributed to the day's acts of great strength and skill by displaying our determination and perseverance in the face of... a weak signal!
Our reward was a magical evening back down at the Genghis Khan Polo & Riding Club camp. Dinner was a Mongolian Boodog barbecue. The highlight was goat prepared in a very special way, starting with the ceremonial slaughter of the animal, which is barbecued with rocks inside its own skin. When the meal arrives, an honoured guest is invited to make the first cut. We were treated to a traditional music concert of Khuumii singing and witnessed the inconceivable flexibility of a pair of 10 and 12 year old Mongol contortionists.
With each day, we are encountering new experiences and learning more about the fascinating Mongol culture. Tomorrow will bring even more as we venture out to an ancient capital in the morning, and have the qualifying games for the Shanghai Tang Polo Cup in the afternoon, with another party planned for the evening.
Follow our Mongolian adventure every day on Facebook!
No comments:
Post a Comment