Inner Mongolia: The Experience (1): Life of the Nomads

I know I won't have the time or luxury to post my full experience from my recent (?) trip to Inner Mongolia on my blog anymore.  But it would be a shame if I don't share with you the highlights of the trip...

Initially, I was really just going to do one post.
Looking back at the pictures make me immediately realize that is just impossible.
There are too many memories and stories to share.

What do you expect when you are traveling to Inner Mongolia?  Endless blue skies, vast grasslands, livestock everywhere, yurts dotting the land sparingly, friendly locals, feasts of lambs, etc.  I can confirm that you will get to see all of the above plus more!  However, you need to be aware that you are also leaving the comforts of the city and you are going to other people's territory who may lead a lifestyle that is completely different from yours.  Most are humble and extremely curious.  They are also very hospitable.

It was our last day in Inner Mongolia,we saw many commercialized yurts on our trip but have yet to see how people here really live.  Our driver spotted this yurt way off the main road and took us there for a visit.  The owners were busy tending their herds but they still allowed us to visit their homes. 

The bigger yurt is their kitchen and the smaller yurt is the bedroom

Outdoor barbeque?

Don't think they are not tech savvy...

real beef jerky

This is dried cow poop
because they only eat grass, it doesn't smell much
and it is an excellent fuel!

The real Mongolian milk tea
It is milder than I expected.

The mom and her son
She would not accept any money from us for our disturbance
Luckily we brought candies with us!
(it's a traditional custom for them to take sweets but not money)
Not everyone practices the tradition anymore so I felt really blessed!

the little lamb that stays close to home instead of following the herd

And the charismatic award goes to... this grey goat/lamb here!
(poor city girl who can't even distinguish goats and lambs)

You feel so small in the vast land surrounding you...

This is where the nomads worships
Tourists are not allowed to go anywhere close out of respect
The nomads will get really mad at you if you taint their place of worship!!!

I used the ULTRA ZOOM on my camera to take this picture.

Now my trip to Inner Mongolia is complete!
(I saw everything I wanted!)