Mongolia is located in the Eastern region of Central Asia between China and Russia, and four times as big as Japan. Among all the exciting experiences, the homestay with the herders was the most impressive and unforgettable. In Mongolia, while one third of the population live in the capital city, Ulan Bator, about 40 percent of the nation is engaged in nomadic animal husbandry.

They live in traditional domed dwellings, which are called “ger”. It is easily taken down in a short time and re-erected, and I found it very neat and cozy. Also I was fascinated to see how skillful the Mongolians handle their horses. The life there, though very simple, certainly has what we are almost losing in our busy urban life.

A vast expanse of the dessert made me philosophize about life, thinking how small and weak we human beings are. We also rode on horsebacks to our hearts’ content. The contact with lots of goats and sheep will also become my precious memory.

I was inspired with the enthusiasm of one of the local guides to learn Japanese. She always made notes of the new words and memorized them. She even taught us a Mongolian song which we could sing with other Mongolians. I found out that trying to acquire the communicative skills and learn the cultural background gave us great pleasure and new perspective.

After the trip, I have an odd feeling that places and things that used to be common to me look very different and new. I hope such feeling will linger and make me more appreciative and attentive to my daily routine. The blue expanse above us will remind me of the people we met in Mongolia and encourage me to try to be a great traveler and adventurer of life.