Today's stage takes us cycling 90km through the Övörkhangai Province, and then over a 2,000m above sea level range. We will then take the vans to Mongol Els, about 50km drive, to stay the night near Little Gobi.
After going over the 2,000m high peak, we came to this large swamp, and need to work out how to cross it. We visited with a local family, and it was an amazing experience.
There were several gers, and this one was the cooking / food ger. It is estimated that Mongolians make her 150 types of dairy products, including yoghurt, curd, cheese, and fermented drinks.
The women milked the horses, and then made these Aaruul and they dry on the top of the ger. (dried curds, and cheese).
Flying really low above the gers was this eagle.
We were invited inside the ger, to enjoy some food and drink
Airag (fermented horse milk), yak butter, and breads..
Traditional deel worn by the lady of the house.
The inside of the ger is very similar to the ones we have slept in at our accommodations, but this one has the families life on the inside.
Emmjay drinking the Airag, while the family tell stories.
The local lad telling the cyclist the best way to get around the swamp.
I recommend the yak butter. So rich and creamy, and the sweet buns were perfect as an accompaniment. I ate plenty. I think it was also a side effect of the altitude sickness, the Airag helped.
I would have liked a closer look at the saddle, exquisite leather detailing.
Granddad had a snuff bottle, just like the one I saw in the museum, complete with coral top. Grandad sang us a Mongolian song, and I responded with Pokarekare Ana, then another Mongolian lady sang.
There was so much to see around the edge of the ger, as well as enjoying the traditional food.
I liked how there were multiple generations sharing the same life and living together.
Us and them - a combination of visitors and Mongolians.
Even though we were given directions to go around the edge, it was still very wet.
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