Horse riding in Khovsgol/Huvsgul Lake

Posted on October 25, 2008 by admin

Technorati Tags: huvsgul lake,khovsgol,horse riding,mongolia,eco tourism,eco travel,social nature travel

Horseriding along Khovsgol (Huvsgul) lake is so fun! Can u imagine we rode for 3hours and we experienced different kind of weather. We experienced the sunshine, the rain, the ice drop, the snow, windy and cloudy weather along the lake within these 3hours ride. Enjoying the beauty of the lake at different point along the lake. The scenary, the people u met and the natural surroundings is not the same along the lake. I guess that’s not only a path to discover the nature but the path of life…Anyhow, the journey of one’s life is full of discoveries, unpredictable with ups & downs. Due to all these differences, we then can differentiate what is life or what is happiness and what exactly we want in life. Anyway, it is our choice to think and lead the kind life you want. It’s a matter of thought and decision. Once u have a peaceful and clear mind, you will find your own path to discover the things that u need. Don’t you think so? This journey of mind is really awesome…I have never ride a horse for such long hours and along such a huge and beautiful lake..

Oh…while we were taking a break at a nearby shop, one of the guide grabbed me near to his horse and i think it scared the horse. The horse gave me a kick as i was standing somewhere behind the horse…Oh..gosh…I felt that i was caned by my mom on my thigh & stomach. It was really a hard kick but i think the horse did not use its full strength yet..Thank god! i am alright..just some light bruises..Anyway, this is my second horse ride experience! It is still a joy ride. These pictures were taken by my korean friends, Mr Choe..only the last two pictures were taken by me as the ride was too bumpy for me to take a picture while riding..

First Day in Huvsgul/Khovsgol Lake

Posted on October 24, 2008 by admin

Technorati Tags: Khovsgol,Huvsgul lake,ger,eco travel,eco tourism,mongolia

It was so cold when we reached the camp. We stayed in the ger. The camp owner was waiting for us and start up the firewood for us to warm up the ger. There were so many bright and sparkling stars outside the gers. We were exhausted. We then chat for a while and went to sleep after dinner as all of us didn’t sleep well along the bumpy ride journey.

We wake up in the morning but it was drizzling…the breakfast was simple with just an egg and some rice & korean hot pepper paste. Though it was drizzling, we can’t wait to see the Huvsgul Lake. We then approached to the lake…it was so huge and it’s as large as a sea..where u can’t see the end of it….This is the first time i saw such a huge lake.

Some of these pictures are taken by my korean friend – Mr Choe

Some locals was selling some local made goods but selling in dollars. Well. u can negotiate with them. Some are quite pricey but are handmade. Some are cheap.

Thanks god the rain stop in the afternoon. We then walk along the street and take a trip to one of the hill nearby the camp to see the view of Huvsgul/Khovsgol from high land area. The road condition up the hill is so narrow that it can only afford one car at a time and the road & not paved. I guess the skills of the driver must be really good. The scenery up the hill was fantastic as u can have a full view of the lake and its surroundings were amazing..!When we came down from the hill, we saw many yaks, white & black yak…This is the first time i saw a real yak. I see yak only in the TV or in a book.

Mongolian Girls or Gers?

Posted on September 16, 2008 by admin

Technorati Tags: mongolia gers,ger,yurt,mongolia tent,tourist camp,travel mongolia,discover mongolia,cultural stay,home stay mongolia,culture

Both "Girls" and "Gers" have the same sound. When u heard people said The Mongolian Ger is nice – Make sure u clarify whether that’s a Ger or Girl the person are referring? hehehe

What is the Mongolian Ger? Have u seen one? A Mongolian Ger (meaning home in Mongolian) or "Yurt" (in English) is a large white tent which could keep the Mongolians living comfortably from the harsh and extreme weather. U will not see so many gers in other parts of the world except in Mongolia. Many Mongolians still live in the gers and you can find gers around the city easily. It is the symbolic of the Mongolian nomadic life and culture. This is because nomadic people need to build dwellings that could be easily moved and mobile. A ger can be assembled in 1-3hours.

The ger may look flimsy or may not seem to have a solid structure but it could actually withstand strong wind or stand storm in Mongolia. The Ger structure is supported by collapsible wooden frame. The Ger is covered by canvas with insulating layer of felt sandwiched in between.More layer will be added during the winter to keep the ger warm. During the summer, the sides of the Ger can be rolled up and mosquitoes netting is used to stop the bugs from flying into the ger. The door of a Ger usually faces the south. Men usually move around the left and women vice versa, with the believe that the protection from the God of sky (men) and sun (women). There is a small cartwheel-shaped opening at the top of a ger which called toon. It allows smoke to exit and air to enter. The walls and doors are usually brightly painted.

Of course, the Ger is not like a any modern house in the capital or any other brick house where u get modern toilet, kitchen, living room and few bedrooms. The basic facilities of the ger is some low beds, few simple cabinets, a table and chairs and a stove. The stove with a steel chimney is being used for cookiing and keeping the ger warm by burning the firewood. There isn’t any central heat adjuster and the door is the only adjuster of the heat during winter. Some gers don’t even have electricity supply in the country side. There are a lot of tourist camp which offered Ger camp stay. It is certainly a good and unique experience to stay in the ger if u have not experience traditional ancient stay like the nomadic people here.

These are some Ger camp pictures which i have took below. I have experienced it during the summer and winter. I was surprised that it keep us cool during the summer and keep us warm during the winter. The problem during the winter is that u need to wake up during the night to burn the firewood when the wood finished burning, and i can’t shower in the ger or the camp as there was no hot water in some camps and some camps do not have a proper toilet…Thus, be prepared and enjoy the nature living in Mongolia and i think this is one of the best place u can get close to the nature especially during the summer.

Camps in the 13th Century National Park

Posted on September 15, 2008 by admin

Technorati Tags: 13th century national Park,camps,mongolia culture,travel mongolia,discover mongolia,craftsmen,herder,shaman,king palace,horse riding,Mongolian feast.

In the 13th Century Park, u may find the various camp at different site. Unfortunately, there are no sign board and it’s not easy for a foreigners to find these camps without a guide unless u can recognise the mountains in the country side.

U can find these camps in the 13th Century Park:

i) Craftsmen Camp – Mongolian blacksmiths and the craftsmen work were quite popular in the 13th Century. In the craftsmen camp, you will see the craftsmen artwork such as household utensils, women’s ornaments, jewelry, arms and tools etc.

ii) Educational Camp – U will be able to know something about the unique mongolian culture & literacy. Tourists are offered to practise Mongolian calligraphy and the Mongolian scripts.

iii) Herders Camp – U can see the methods of producing dairy products, horse training and you may experience riding horse, yak and camel as an experience of the 13th Century.

iv) Shaman camp – The Shamans of Mongolians from different clans will usually gather around fireplace under one common area and perform a ritual to worship together for one common deed. Sometimes, several kinds of worshipping will be organised for visitors.

v) King Palace – You will get to know about the state affairs of 13th Century Mongols such as declaring the laws by carrying a great forum outside the camp. There will also be some reception programs offered to visitors such as a musical presentation with their traditional music instruments. U may also enjoy the King’s Great Feast in this camp.

Asian culture – Mongolian culture

Posted on August 1, 2008 by admin

Mongolians have a lot of culture which you may not realise untill u deal with them and stay long enough to observe it. These are some culture that i discovered during my stay here.

Legs kicking & Holding Hands

Do you know that if you accidently kicked the legs/shoes of a mongolian, it is believed that both parties will get into argument with each others? They will then need to hold each other hands as a way to prevent argument between both parties in the future. However, I was surprised that some foreigners even get to this customs of holding each other hands when they are having meal and accidently touch or kicked each other legs? I will also do this when i kicked the legs of mongolian unintetionally and not my foreign friends….Be sure to hold your hands while u kicked a Mongolian legs/shoes unintentionally!

Talking within the same door area

Mongolian people also believe that we must discuss matters inside the door and not outside the door. If not, they will think that you are not part of the group.

Sheep Feast

Do u know that Mongolian like to eat Sheeps from the eyes to tails? Even the eyes can be eaten, the jaws, tougue and the tail can be used for barbecue. I have taste the jaw and the tail. The tail is like the fat of a pig..but it taste good if u barbecue it. It is considered a healthy food to protect themselves from the harsh weather especially during the winter. It is also a custom for them to serve the sheep for special function or grand celebration. Thus, u could see many sheep’s fur along the country side road as many people will kill sheeps for celebration…just like Malaysia…the Chinese like to kill the chicken for prayers and special events, the Malay will kill the Cow for prayers during the Haji whereas the Indian will prefer goats to cook mutton curry…

Healing Stone

The mongolians are one of the ethnics that i knew that live closely to the nature. They appreciate every part of their nature. Thus, there are a lot of food that is prepared using the natural resources. There is a kind of stone that is used to cook the sheep and they believed that these stone are good to touch while it is hot. It is believed that it is good for the kidney.

There are still many culture and customs in the country side that i have yet to be explored. I would share it with you guys when i discover it but i think the Mongolian is a ethnics with rich herritage and customs. There are many customs among the asian countries. Some may be similar, strange, illogical and may not be scientifically proven but it is the tradition that shape the culture of a society and culture that shape the lifestyle of a country. Thus, i guess it is quite important for foreigners to find out more about the culture of a country. Culture do play an important role in building the relationship and create understanding among people from different part of the world.

Mongolian Ovoo Ceremony

Posted on July 27, 2008 by admin

Ovoo?

"Ovoo" – what does that mean? This is the first question i asked my colleague. She was surprised that i don’t know about it. I told her all i know about Mongolia is about the cold winter, Chinggis Khan and some basic facts about population and economy in Mongolia. I knew nothing about the culture and the way the people live here.

How is Ovoo Performed?

Ovoo ceremony is a traditional religious ceremony where the Mongolians’ pray at the mountain facing the direction which the sun rise. It is an offerings to the gods with a pyramid collection of stones, wood and silk scarves. Mongolians will usually walk around the Ovoo three times in clockwise direction. Rocks, clothes, a bottle or a little money will then be offered to the prayers. It is also believed that if a person does not do this ritual or behaves disrespectful, the person will fall ill or will die. Activities like hunting, digging or taking down trees at the presence of the Ovoo is also prohibited. The Ovoo worship ceremony usually consists of monks saying prayers, people making offerings and a small subsequent feast, usually with horse racing. I heard from my friends that some women are prohibited in certain Ovoo ceremonies. I have not attended any before but i just watched from the TV. The rituals are commonly held around Mongolia especialy in the countryside. It celebrates the end of winter and pray for good rainfall, plentiful grassf or the livestock, fish and anumals for hunting.The mongolians even pray for peace and safety on events around the mountains. It’s kind of interesting..I shall take a picture of it when i see it.

Has anyone seen it before probably you can share with me?

Mongolian Language

Posted on July 18, 2008 by admin

Can Anybody speak or read Mongolian language? Have u ever thought whether they will be any problem if you have reached a country where u can’t communicate?

Frankly speaking…i never thought that would be a problem as I have been to Italy and Spain as a tourist. I don’t see any big problem with it as they can speak little English. I still remember once i was in Italy and i was trying to ask for the train fare to another city but the ticket seller can’t understand me. I just use an international sign for money – (showing and rubbing my thumb and pointer) – Immediately he get it.

How do i survive here? Most Mongolian can’t speak English or very little English. The are some younger generation who can speak good English and most of them may have studied in foreign country. However, I do find it difficult to communicate here without a translator in the beginning. I was trying to order some room service but yet my food doesn’t come. I still remember i was trying to tell them something and i have to do some actions, draw pictures, body language and it tooks me 3 days for me to lodge the complain to the hotel staff.

I guess if i am a tourist, it may not be too much of problems but since i will be staying here for a year. It’s kind of frustrating in the beginning. I then decided to pick up some language. However, communication is important to create better understanding. Thus, there’s a lot of time spent for me to communicate to get things done. At times, i feel that i am handicapped – can’t do anything i want because i can’t communicate. Besides that, confusion and misunderstanding may also arise. However, I realised one thing – Human is someone who will find their ways to survive no matter how or wherever they live. Thus, i learn to communicate using body language, sign, pictures and drawings to convey message. I will use whatever resources i have. For eg. i will ask the seller to press the calculator or my handphone to get the price of the goods. Of course, u may get slaugther for the price that u pay since they know u are a foreigner. As times goes by, i know the market price. thus, it will not be a problem anymore. U just got to be patient and pay the price to experience it.

Some of the basic Mongolian language:

Hello – Sain Baina uu (San benoo)

Goodbye – Bayartai (baireitey)

Yes – tiim (Tim) or Dza (ZA)

No – Ugui

Thank you – Bayarlalaa (Bailah)

Right – Baruun (Barong)

Left – Zuun (Zhong)

Sorry – Uurchlaarai (Oochlarei)

Is there anyone out there who have some interesting stories on going/living in a place where u can’t communicate?

Do anyone have good advice on how to survive in a country where u can’t communicate?

Do anyone know what will be the best way to learn Mongolian language?

Tsagaan sar – Mongol new year

Posted on July 18, 2008 by admin

Hmm…Any interesting events during winter in Mongolia?

Yes..the winter starts somewhere during the month of October and get colder in Dec & Jan & even Feb sometimes…Guess what..The Mongolian celebrate the Tsagaan Sar…What is Tsagaan Sar..it is almost the same as our Chinese New Year in Malaysia but it is one day later cause they follow the Tibetan calculation…I heard.

There is not much of public holiday in Mongolia..This is one of the festive season where the Mongolian will have grand celebration.

The Mongolian will also called this the White month cause during this time you still can see snow around. You will see the elderly wearing their traditional costume called – Del? And with their traditional Mongolian hat..waiting for the younger family member to greet them “ Amarbenoo” – something like “Happy new year”. Besides that, Vodka is a must drink alcohol during this festive seasons. Besides that, they will also be preparing hundreds of meat dumplings called “Buuz”. This is the traditional Mongolian food till to date. You can find the “Buuz” in any supermarket ranging from different sizes and fillings. Sheep is also a must eat dish of the Mongolian. Every single part of the sheep will be eaten from the eyes to the tail..U must see how they enjoy the sheep. It is believe that the sheep actually is good for health..As for me..the smell is rather strong and I am not a heavy meat eater. Thus, I prefer a balance diet

What else…ah…there is another kind of dessert called “Idee” (sound like the malay words – itik) which is stacked up by few layers of bread like a cake and candy, sweets or cheese will be placed on top of it. It will be distributed to the other family member when they leave. It is a symbolic dessert for most of the grand festive celebration like wedding, birthday or their new year.

During this festive season, the younger family member will visit the elderly and exchange gift. The way to greet each other is also different. The younger will have to put their elbow below the elderly’s elbow as a gesture of greetings and vice versa ..then kissing each other cheek…hehehe…this is a special greetings that I have ever encountered..The younger member will usually buy some gifts or give money to the elderly and the elderly too have to prepare some gift in exchange for all members..

That’s the Mongolian way of celebrating New Year! What do you think?

This it the "Idee" which usually can be seen in most of the Mongolia special occasions.

How old is the limestone hills in Ipoh?

Posted on February 23, 2008 by admin

Do you know how old is the limestone hills in Ipoh? I think even the Malaysian didn’t realise that Malaysia has some of the biggest and longest caves in the world. Some of these caves are archaeological sites, Some of it are beautiful with stalagmites and stalactites. If you ask me what is so special about Ipoh? Well, if you catch a Malaysian, there will give you many answers like…the food like “Dim Sum”, “Bean Sprout Chicken Noodles” and pomelos. Some may even tell you that Ipoh girls are pretty….Don’t you think so? Well, there’s something that many locals have neglected…

Ipoh is also known as the Hill City. You can see many limestone hills after two hours drive along the North South highway from KL. You will then see many limestone hills and that is the landmark of Ipoh city. Ipoh does not famous for its food or girls but its natural surrounding of the city. i.e: limestone hills. You will be able to see a number of Chinese temples when you proceed to Ipoh town from the Simpang Pulai exit.

I born and grown up in Ipoh. I have visited all these places since young but never appreciate or wonder why and how all these temple was there? I just know that it was there even before I was born….

There are three or four temples built in the limestone hills…that tell us how early the ancient Chinese culture in the city. I am not sure the actual age of these caves but these limestone hills were formed at least hundred years ago.

Don’t you think that the people in Ipoh should be proud of the formation of these limestone hills? Hope they treasure it for these natural heritage that they have and preserve it for the future generation.

An alternative destination of Genting Highlands – Bukit Tinggi

Posted on December 4, 2007 by admin

For those who have visited Genting Highlands, it is certainly a place of fun and excitement to enjoy the coldness in a hot country like Malaysia. However, Bukit Tinggi, it is an alternative place where u can enjoy chilly weather and beauty of highlands. It does not have much excitement as in Genting Highlands but you can certainly find it a place to unwind yourself in a highland of 3000m. You may also find a lot of pine trees growing along the way up to the hill.

Colmar Tropicale Resorts, in Bukit Tinggi, was built with French concept architecture. A Castle typed entrance is built to welcome the visitors. There is only one street of French architecture building. It is certainly a nice place to take picture for those who wish to experience a stay in the European structured buildings. However, it may not give you full taste of the European lifestyle as you can’t find any French people who can tell you about the French culture. You may be able to enjoy the Malaysian culture and life in a French street. Sometimes I wonder does it really matter to experience the French living in Malaysia or in Paris? Or the people whom you will be going together?

A Scenic Japanese Garden in Bukit Tinggi

Besides the French buildings, you can’t do much if you don’t enjoy outdoor and nature expedition. You may find some outdoor activities like visiting the Rabbit Farm, The Japanese Garden and The Organic Farm and Elephant bathing in places nearby the resorts. I personally enjoy the Japanese Garden and the organic farm as I am a nature lover. The Resorts provide free transport to these place and both are entrance free. You may find different type of plant species in the Garden. It has a pond which full of koi fish. There are also some small Japanese houses in the garden. A lot of beautiful flowers have been planted in the garden. You may also find some herbs and medication plant in the garden. It seems some of the trees grew may be 100 years and above and it is still well preserved due to the weather and the natural habitat to these trees. Your eyes will certainly not feel tired after the visit as everything is greenish and not stressing. Has anyone visited this place?

What does a celery look like in an oraganic farm?

The organic farm is small and along the hillside. According to the caretaker, all the water is from the hill and non pesticide type. They have been trying to cultivate the farm about two years ago and it is a new attraction at this place. As most cityfolks like us may not have seen how each type of vegetable is being grown. We were being introduced to different type of plant like celery, misai kucing, butterhead, broccoli, cauliflower and ashitaba flowers, and cherry tomatoes. I was surprise that the stem of celery doesn’t look big or the type of celery that I saw in the hypermarket. I was told that the stem of celery originally is thin and it is just that it was being compressed to grow to a big stem. That was my first discovery….How ignorance am I?

This is how celery look like in an organic farm.

The food that we are eating has so much preservatives and our future generation are being fed with foods that full of pesticides and preservatives. Food that has being grown beyond their original shape and source. Gosh….that’s why children nowadays are allergies to certain food and things…I guess it is good to educate our children on how our food is being processed rather than just tell them what is can be eaten and what not? May be parents too nowadays don’t really know how the food is being processed too or how to plant it…….

Isn’t this Rabbit Smart Looking?

Come on, Guys and Gals! Take a look at these rabbits? Aren’t they smart when they stand up straight or when their ears standing straight. Besides the scenic garden, the French village, you may also explore the rabbit farm where you can see different type of species of rabbit being kept in a fence up area. There are allowed to run freely within certain compounds. I never thought that a rabbit could look that smart and handsome when they stand up straight especially with their straight standing long ears. Don’t you think so??

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