In the morning , as usual , first I shook out my boots , to make sure no little visitors were stuck inside . We folded our dusty tents in a hurry , filled our stomachs , checked our bikes and then got going . While riding , we enjoyed the view of the Western Gobi , as well as the mirages in the distance that were a result of the heat . Until then , I had thought mirages couldn ’ t be seen too often . But here , they were a normal occurrence . Mirages even appeared in different shades of colour , depending on the hue of the surrounding environment .
We reached a caravan . I slowed down . It was interesting to see the camels and horses loaded with all the belongings of these people , going somewhere . Some people were riding horses , while others were herding cattle . Dogs were trying to assist with the cattle , while children waved at us from their comfortable seats astride two-humped camels . I ’ m sure they know the song about Timee , the Mongolian camel , I thought . This was a song I had heard earlier , and it seemed like a popular children ’ s song in this region .
Earlier , children eagerly told us about a camel , which , at times , did not allow her baby camel to suckle . After playing the morin khuur , a Mongolian bowed stringed instrument , and singing certain notes , the camel would relax , shed some tears , and then let the baby suckle . Music is obviously just a vibration that resonates with the mother camel and relaxesher . Everything else just falls into place afterwards , as with people . Each of us has our own vibration we resonate with ; it gets us in synch .
Here , distances are measured in kilometres , by the hundreds . Every now and then , we would come across a ger surrounded by a herd of livestock . This livestock supplies the nomads with almost everything they need for life . Just like their masters , these camels , horses , sheep and goats , are well-adjusted to the harsh climate and scarce resources . They share this vast land with wolves , desert foxes , eagles and falcons , which seem to live in great numbers here .
Meeting such people is always interesting to me , and gets me thinking . The nomads here have become one with the desert , and live hereisolated from social contacts , almost all alone . Yet , they don ’ t seem lonely . They are surrounded by sand , rocks , the occasional spiky bush , and the great expanse of the blue sky that looks as if you could just touch it if you stretched out your hand a little . Connected with nature and withthemselves , to us , they appear to live a humble , yet satisfied , life . I noticedthat as soon as guests would arrive , the hosts would serve a cup of tea , as well as anything else that was available . Accommodation was easy to find , as well as assistance , whenever needed . At any moment , they were ready to drop whatever they were doing and focus on the needs of others . And , if necessary , they would spend the whole day , or as long as it took , to help finish a task . Adults watched over all children as they would their own , and all responsibilities were shared . And for these curious — and oftentimes , barefooted — kids , we always had a sweet or an apple to offer . Although there weren ’ t many stores in this region , whenever we ’ d come across one we ’ d stock up , also taking some fresh fruit and treats for local children . To some of these children , our apples were the first they had ever tasted .
Since the nomads ’ past is an important part of their identity , it is present in the stories and songs of today . People there live their lives in the here-and-now . Nevertheless , their famous past is ever-present and plays an important role in their lives . The three traditional disciplines they enjoy , and often compete in among themselves , are : horseback riding , archery and wrestling . I wouldn ’ t say these are sports ; they are more likelife skills . A traditional competition , known as Nadaam , is held every year throughout the country . Nadaam means “ game ,” and during Nadaam , skill , strength and speed are measured . All participants are respected , but the most skilful are respected the most .