Stories behind the scenes…
The Gobi desert, Mongolia, what a trip!
Mongolia is a country where you can really embrace the wild spirit and vastness of the breathtaking landscape.
The only way to explore the country is by hiring a local driver, as once you get out into the vastness, it's not unusual for roads to disappear 😬. The driver did get lost on a few occasions.
Embracing the Mongolian spirit, we spent 5 weeks cruising in an old Russian combi with our driver, Ogi, and 3 English boys. There was a time when I was contemplating doing this trip on horseback. In hindsite, it's probably a good thing I didn't.
There are no such luxuries as showers, warm or cold! In the 5 weeks we were traveling, we had 2 showers, which were in the villages public bath houses.
This is one of many life experiences where we can truly appreciate the simplicity and resourcefulness of the local way of life.
I kept up with my daily yoga practice, although at times, it was quite challenging! There was one time in particular that stood out.
I was itching to do a practice, and the only place I could unroll my mat was in the family's yurt, beside the big cauldron. It just happened to be dinner time! As I was moving through my practice, the husband dragged in a dead goat and basically dismantled it right before my eyes 😳. Remember, they eat every part of the animal! Into the cauldron it all went and the stench that followed was harsh on the senses, especially when the breath, while practicing yoga, is the essence.
In reflection, I remember thinking that it was all so perfect in so many ways; the life and death cycle, yin and yang, non-attachment, not being reactive to quite an intense situation and being thankful that I could be there to experience whatever life had in store 🧡
It's in times like these that we really need to take a step back and connect to the flow. This was their culture, and I was a temporary guest.
Mongolia, with its vast landscapes and off-the-beaten-track allure, is a county that captivates the adventurous spirit. Even after two decades, the memories of this journey remain vivid in my mind.
When I think about Mongolia, I think wild and free...