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"I was impressed how well my Mongolian friend, herder Galkhuu, could distinguish things at far distance without using any binoculars. "Look, there walks a herd of antelopes," or "You see the goat of our neighbors?" And I could not see anything…"
"When I was in Gobi it just happened to be the Lunar New Year, an event worth of seeing. It is a big celebration for all Mongolians. Neighbors, relatives of our host- all gathered in his gher greeting joyfully each other. After a lavish feast the guest begun a kind of entertainment and man named Sodnom began to sing a long song. He would take a breath and then sing, sing and sing. The guests joined him. But when I tried to follow them, I quickly run out of my lungs. I think this was harder than to sing at the London Opera."
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"Mongols are very simple people, very similar to the nature they live in. They are not afraid even when strong wind blows threatening to take away their gher. And they do everything by themselves. Staying with them I learned how to enjoy small things in life and what is real peace of mind."
James Blanden
A British reporter who stayed in Gobi Desert last winter.
"I learned that when needed Mongols can unite very quickly. When I was observing the general election last summer and seeing the landslide victory of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary party, it occurred to me that is probably how it was in times of Chinggis Khaan and this ability to unite in time of need still survives."
"Of course, I can not forgo a weakness of many Mongolian businessmen who think that using official position for private purposes is normal. Perhaps, this trait is inherited from socialist times."
A South Korean diplomat posted now in Ulaanbaatar
"What struck me immediately was that Ulaanbaatar expanded tremendously. The city I visited long time ago was a small settlement. And now it turned into a modern city. Also it should be mentioned that people share their opinions more openly and free."
"What made me sad is the almost complete destruction of the Erdene Dzuu monastery which is the symbol of Mongols. There were many amazing exhibits when I visited the Erdene Dzuu some 40 years ago (1958). But today I found only remains of past wonders and no one can tell why it so happened. I expected to see a country with flourishing democracy, reviving the name of Chinggis Khaan and its cultural heritage. And I think that the true nature of Mongolia will much depend on whether Mongols will succeed with the preservation of their historical and cultural heritage."
Prof. Robert Rupen, North Caroline University, UK
A renowned expert on Mongolia. He was announced persona non-grata for his book "Mongols in 20th Century" published in 1963. Only after 40 years he visited Mongolia again on the invitation of Mr. G. Akim, well known Mongolian journalist who recently published Mr. Rupen's book in Mongolian language.
"Mongols are very open people speaking out what they think.
They learned very quickly from Russian and Czech geologists with
whom we worked together."
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"I think Mongols are people able to see the world accurately even from a horse saddle. This was main reason for me to come back often. In general, Mongols make a strong impression anywhere they go."
"What is their common shortcoming? They trust very easily especially adventurers coming from abroad. Another trait that can be considered a shortcoming is that they cross streets anywhere they want. Well, I lived here long enough to understand Mongols and do not really pay much attention to their shortcomings."
Arberg Campe, Germany
a veteran geologist with more than 30 years of living and working experience in Mongolia. Author of three books on natural resources of Mongolia.
issue special | nomad
way | ethnography | tradition
| culture | arts |
literature
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